Health & Safety Update | february 2019
Industry News - Fire Safety - Safety & Security - Facilities Management - PPE
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WELCOME February 2019
Contents
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ADVANCED PANELS
Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels from global systems leader, Advanced, have been certified by FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard, becoming the first UKmanufactured fire alarm control panels to attain this accreditation
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Industry News
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Fire Safety
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Facilities Management
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Safety & Security
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PPE
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Led by highly experienced technical experts, Nortech’s courses combine hands-on practice with theoretical sessions covering real-world security issues
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4 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
INDUSTRY NEWS
LZR® triggers ‘initial’ activation A new combined activation and safety sensor for special door and window requirements is being launched by GEZE UK. Andy Howland, director of sales and marketing for GEZE UK said: “The laser scanner LZR® is a welcome addition to our range of activation and safety sensors and will provide real benefits to environments that have particular needs in activating doors or safety requirements. “Their range and effectiveness is truly impressive and they can also bring cost savings to a development or retrofit by eliminating the need for pressure activated devices that have to be fitted at ground level.”
The GEZE laser scanner LZR® can be used in environments which demand a wider range than standard activation and safety sensors. In these cases, the LZR® range can be used to boost their activation using a four-laser light curtain which provides three-dimensional protection of the monitored area. The laser scanner LZR® also incorporates a ‘timeof-flight’ measurement system which make them very reliable as they are not affected by background reflection.
They can be used for a range of automatic door and window systems and come in three types so that the most appropriate one can be used in conjunction with the relevant door or window solution. The laser scanner LZR® is considered ideal for retro-fitting to existing systems and their installation above doorways eliminates the risk of them being damaged by collision. The P220 version is produced in black while the others the P110 and the 1100 comes in both black and white.
For more information about GEZE laser scanner LZR® or GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 5
INDUSTRY NEWS
UK government invests £26.6m in robots for confined spaces and work at height The government is to invest £26.6m in projects to develop robots and unmanned aerial vehicles to substitute for human workers in hazardous environments. Fourteen projects have been awarded £19.6m from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), to develop machines for maintenance and inspection work in environments such as pressure vessels, offshore wind farms and end-of-life nuclear facilities. The projects will develop a mixture of ground-based, airborne and underwater devices. A further £7m has been awarded to the universities of Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds, whose researchers are working together to develop miniature robots, measuring about 1 cm, which will use sensors and navigation systems to find and mend cracks in services pipes underground. The government estimates a substantial potential saving to the UK economy in reducing the 1.5 million road works a year. The £26.6 million investment will be overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the independent body funded by the by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The grant is part of BEIS’s Industrial Strategy, launched in November 2017 which aims to promote the development of new technology
and high-skilled jobs in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence. The projects covered by the funding include Prometheus, a mine inspection robot led by Londonbased Headlight AI and OSIRIS developed by Autonomous Devices in Milton Keynes, which will combine the aerial photography capability of a drone with the ability to attach itself to a structure at height for close-up inspection and remediation. “The projects announced today demonstrate how robots and artificial intelligence will revolutionise the way we carry out complex and dangerous tasks,” said UKRI chief executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport, “from maintaining offshore wind farms to decommissioning nuclear power facilities. Health and Safety Executive chair Martin Temple added: “As a regulator we want to encourage industry to think about how technologies such as robotics and AI can be used to manage risk in the workplace, safeguarding workers both now and in the future world of work.”
Starkstrom has designed the Isolated Power Supplies to comply with the International and UK Standards for areas that are classified as either “Group 2” or “Clinical Category 4 or 5” locations. The Starkstrom Automatic Transfer System has now been certified Sil 2, to give even greater peace of mind. Starkstrom will continue to strive to be seen as leaders in our field of expertise. To find out how our solutions can help your hospital please find our contact details below. Tel: +44(0) 20 8868 3732 info@starkstrom.com Quote ref: 00022018
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6 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
INDUSTRY NEWS
Safety & Health Expo is looking for speakers.
HSE launches two-month farm inspection campaign
Are you interested in joining the line-up?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be launching a campaign of targeted inspections of agricultural sites.
Over 100 speakers will take to the stage and around 6,000 visitors are expected to listen to the talks. The event will take place 18th – 20th June 2019 at ExCeL London and speaker applications are now open until 11th January. You can choose from several different topics and formats. You might want to give an individual presentation, join panel discussion, lead a round-table discussion, or suggest something different. Just some of the topics you might want to choose from: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Safety culture Leadership Influencing behaviour Safety technology Mental health Wellbeing in the workplace Occupational health Accident investigation and prosecutions Legislation Working at height Driver safety Lone working
Running/implementing successful health and safety initiatives and programmes All topics are simply suggestions. If you have additional ideas we’d love to hear about them. If you would like to join us as a speaker, let us know via the button below. On this page you’ll also find out more about what we’re looking for and what we have planned. Apply here
Inspectors will focus on issues including machinery, falls from height, child safety and risk posed by livestock. In October and November 2018, the HSE ran a series of agriculture compliance events in South West and Eastern England, Wales and Scotland, which focused on the practical steps that farms can take to ensure compliance ahead of the inspection visits. The events were developed as a result of research into farmers’ attitudes to risk and were aimed at changing industry behaviours. The HSE field operations directorate is planning to carry out 100 visits to farms in each of the four regions between January and March, which will cover 10% of the farms that attended the events and 10% that declined or did not respond to the invitation. The HSE’s latest statistics on fatal injuries reveal that agriculture has the poorest safety record of any industry in Great Britain. There were 33 deaths in 2017/18, which is around 18 times higher than the all industry fatal injury rate. Eight deaths were caused by a person being fatally injured by an animal. The next main cause of death was being struck by a moving vehicle (6), followed by being trapped by something collapsing (5), being struck by an object (4) and falls from height (3). Rick Brunt, HSE’s head of agriculture, said: “We are seeing signs of a change in attitude across the farming industry and while this is encouraging, these inspections act as a reminder to farmers of the importance of managing risks so that everyone can go home from their work healthy.”
5 rules for effective incident reporting Incident reporting is essential. No matter what steps are taken, training is given and precautions are taken, there will always be an element of accidents and incidents that occur in any environment. Whether it be tripping, slipping, dropping things, scratching cars, stubbing toes, falling from a height, being hit by an opening door, TVs falling off walls…things happen. The way in which organisations then handle such eventualities can be quite reflective of the inner workings of the organisation itself: » Is a company still stuck in the 80s using an Incident Reporting book kept in reception gathering dust and presenting a GDPR nightmare? » Has the company moved into the late 90s or even 00s and record things using Excel spreadsheets? (Did you know Excel is turning 33 this year?!) » Is the company bang up to date with modern solutions allowing for efficiency and increased access and uptake of procedures? Do you know where your company falls on the scale above…
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 7
INDUSTRY NEWS
Union advises teachers against checking emails out-of-hours The largest teaching union in Scotland has warned its members that checking work emails out-of-ours can impact their mental health and wellbeing. The largest teaching union in Scotland has warned its members that checking work emails out-of-ours can impact their mental health and wellbeing. In new advice for university lecturers, EIS states that checking work emails during personal time is contributing to an “excessive long-hours culture” for many teachers.
Last month, SHP Online reported that more than half of workers would check their emails over the festive period, according to a survey by the HR consultancy Lee Hecht Harrison Penn.
It adds that the “over-use” of work emails has been shown to “adversely affect the health and mortality of workers”.
“All employers have a duty of care to their employees, so it is incumbent on all employers, including educational establishments, to take steps to protect employee mental health,” added Mr Flanagan.
The document also warns against routinely reading or writing work emails outside normal working hours. “The EIS advises you to “disconnect” from your work,” the advice states. “The normal weeknight or weekend should not involve reading or writing emails. Clearly, in exceptional circumstances or during short intense periods of work this may be necessary, but this should not be the norm.” “If you have a work smartphone or read work emails with your personal phone, then give careful consideration as to how frequently you check work emails,” it adds. “‘Dipping in’ to your work emails whilst doing other activities outside working hours means that you are emotionally and mentally at work, even if you are physically elsewhere. This, over the long term, may affect your mental health or relationships.” According to the trade union, the new advice is designed to help members to manage work emails so that their work-life balance and health is improved. “Emails have become an increasingly prevalent feature of everyday working life, including within the education sector,” said EIS General Secretary, Larry Flanagan “Advances in technology, such as the boom in the use of smartphones and other mobile devices, have increased the pressure on employees to be constantly ‘on-call’ and ready to respond to communications at extremely short-notice. “This is an added stressor on top of already high workloads, with serious implications for employee’s mental health and wellbeing.”
“This should always include appropriate protocols to manage the workload created by out-of-hours email communications, in order to guarantee appropriate work-life balance for all staff.” The full EIS advice document is available to read here.
8 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
INDUSTRY NEWS
Director jailed for selling illegal paint stripper
Government to toughen fire regulation in light of Hackitt review recommendations
A company director has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for the online sale of products containing prohibited substances. A company director has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for the online sale of products containing prohibited substances.
The government has agreed to introduce a new regulatory framework to improve fire safety in high-rise residential tower blocks in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of regulation following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017.
Warwick Crown Court heard that a complaint was raised in August 2014 against Abel (UK). An HSE investigation found the company was selling paint stripper containing dichloromethane (DCM), which is restricted under Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The company also failed to check at the point of sale the paint stripper containing DCM was either being sold for use in industrial installations or, after October 2016, to appropriately certificated professionals, which is a condition of sale. HSE worked with online platforms to have the advertisements for these products taken down and served enforcement notices to prohibit further supply. But the enforcement notices were ignored by Abel (UK) ltd. Abel (UK) Ltd’s director, Nicholas Corbett of Nuneaton pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations and was given a 10-month custodial sentence. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sarah Dutton said: “Chemicals are carefully regulated to protect human health and the environment. “Dichloromethane (DCM) has been restricted in paint strippers due to concerns for human health during its use – it has caused fatalities when not used properly. “Companies should be aware that HSE will take robust action against those who unnecessarily put the lives of workers and the public at risk, and against those who endanger the environment, through the inappropriate supply and use of chemicals.”
Housing minister James Brokenshire confirmed on 18 December that the government will implement all the recommendations made by Hackitt in her Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, published in May 2018. The new regime will mandate named dutyholders for fire safety compliance at the design, construction and occupation stages of residential buildings of 10 storeys or more. High-rise residential projects will also be obliged to pass through a series of “gateways”, points at which the regulators will approve fire safety arrangements before allowing the next stage to begin. Hackitt’s report concluded that a lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities and inadequate regulatory oversight and enforcement had led to a “race to the bottom” in building safety practices. Announcing Building a Safer Future, the government’s implementation plan, Brokenshire said the government would consider the option of establishing a statutory Joint Competent Authority, which would oversee the management of safety risks across a building’s entire lifecycle, oversee compliance and have the power to sanction dutyholders. Hackitt’s report called for serious penalties, including prison and unlimited fines for construction contractors who were found guilty of flouting fire regulations. Her final report recommended that the “sanctions and enforcement regime should be reinforced so that penalties are an effective deterrent against noncompliance. These stronger enforcement tools should generally look to replicate and align
with the approach in the Health and Safety at Work Act”. The government accepts this in principle but will consult on further detail in spring 2019, specifically on proposals for enforcement and sanctions to support the new regime. To assist with the consultation and establishment of the new regime it has set up a Joint Regulators Group, comprising representatives of the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authority Building Control, the fire services and the Local Government Association, which will start to test elements of the revised framework in 2019 ahead of any new proposed legislation. Although the new regulatory framework will apply to highrisk residential buildings, the government also plans to consult in the spring on whether other buildings should be included where a fire involving them could put multiple lives at risk. Over the next 12 months, the government plans to set up a standards committee to advise the secretary of state on new and existing construction product and system standards. In addition to setting out its implementation plans, the government has also launched a full review of fire safety guidance in building regulations. On 18 December it published a call for evidence seeking views on the future technical guidance contained in Approved Document B (fire safety). The consultation closes on 1 March. In September 2018, the government introduced a ban on using combustible cladding on new highrise buildings, which is due to come into force on 21 December.
TRAININGTHE SKILLS FOR A BETTER, SAFER FUTURE DevelopTraining Ltd (DTL) is one of the UK’s leading accredited providers of Compliance,Technical, and Health & SafetyTraining. DTL supports thousands of firms nationwide with their training needs and its clients include some of the UK’s largest, best-known organisations from the Construction, Utilities, Defence, Healthcare, Facilities Management and Telecommunication sectors.
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10 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
Can gathering data really
The modern emergency lighting
Rene Joppi, Commercial Director at Mackwell discusses the challenges we face and opportunities that lie ahead. Since the tragic events of June 2017, which saw 72 people lose their lives in the fire that engulfed Grenfell Tower in West London, the area surrounding building safety and compliance is now, more than ever before, at the forefront of people’s minds. Although not defined as a public or commercial premise, the 24 storey residential tower block contained many communal areas such as escape routes, assembly points and walkways which would have required a building risk assessment to help ensure the safety of the occupants and minimize the risk of fire. Amongst other things, the risk assessment would have defined the
need for evacuation aids such as the provision of a fire prevention system, sprinkler system and emergency lighting. In 2005, engineering consultancy, Capita Symonds compiled a report into the tower which contained a number of health and safety concerns regarding the emergency lighting system installed throughout the building. The report stated that the emergency lighting had fallen below standard and that the system was not being properly managed by the appointed responsible person, and that there was a perceived unwillingness to acknowledge the need for urgent maintenance and repair.
The report went on to specifically highlight the essential requirement for adequate emergency lighting to ensure the safe and immediate evacuation of occupants in an emergency situation, due to a lack of natural daylight in the building’s stairwells. Furthermore, the report stated that the building’s occupants were constantly at risk because of the ‘non-functioning emergency lighting’. Grenfell Tower is just one example of a residential building where the emergency lighting of communal areas was deemed as inadequate, yet in this area, it is unfortunately not alone, and this continues to be the case. As recently as 2018, a survey revealed that more than 40% of residential housing estates have the same issue of substandard and inadequate emergency lighting systems. This 40% figure however, is only representative from actual buildings surveyed and found to have to have non-compliances. In reality the figure is much higher and is estimated to be closer to 80%.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 11
save lives?
scheme is becoming intelligent! Compliance and emergency lighting There are a number of health and safety and construction directives together with legislative material which is published to ensure the health and safety of building occupants. In the area of fire safety, the government’s fire regulatory reform order applies, and it is this order that specifies the need for the initial risk assessment.
The risk assessment Before embarking on the design, a full risk assessment must be undertaken to determine the areas in the building which have a requirement for emergency lighting. This will include escape routes, open areas, points of emphasis such as locations of essential fire safety equipment and any areas deemed as high-risk task. Communal areas within residential properties may only form perhaps 10% of the core area but must still be covered by a full risk assessment, carried out by a qualified, responsible person.
Lux levels and signage An accurate and compliant emergency lighting scheme design, undertaken in line with the initial risk assessment, and
the emergency lighting code of practice, BS 5266-1 and its accompanying standards; BS EN 50172 and EN 1838, will ensure that the areas covered are illuminated correctly and adequately. In many cases however, the risk assessment is not adhered to correctly, partly due to budgetary constraints and unhelpful timescales etc. As a result, the lighting levels can be compromised as lower quality, inferior fixtures are used and the number of fixtures as specified
is reduced. This can lead to poor uniformity and ‘dark spots. Similarly, a poorly designed escape route with poor quality or incorrect exit signage can lead to confusion and ambiguity in an emergency escape period.
Component abuse and end of life failure A scheme designed and installed in line with the risk assessment and the relevant emergency lighting standards will ensure initial compliance. This, however, is just the start. For the emergency lighting to remain compliant throughout its designed lifetime, there are many factors to be considered. The performance of its associated components is heavily dependent on how they are operated and maintained. The rechargeable battery for instance is a critical component but it can be highly susceptible to abuse through neglect, exposure to high temperatures and over-cycling etc. For self-contained emergency lighting applications, the battery must satisfy a four-year design life in line with BS EN 605982-22. It is often the case though that the battery has seen many full cycles in a very short period of time due to mains interruptions and power outages associated with ‘pre-handover’ installation periods. In many cases,
12 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
In a rapidly changing world where technology is evolving on a daily base and impacting on our personal lives, it is logical to presume that more intelligent technologies will find their way into public buildings as well. Diagnostics, if used correctly and as intended will help to ensure that safety critical systems, such as fire prevention and emergency lighting, benefit in terms of compliance and efficiency whilst helping to keep occupants safe.
the battery is connected and installed sometimes weeks or months before the mains power is applied. In these critical periods the battery may discharge to dangerous levels from which it cannot recover. Some control gears use remote software commands such as inhibition mode and rest mode to prevent unnecessary battery discharge, but this is generally in conjunction with a control system. The battery has a maximum ambient temperature rating of 50⁰C but often this figure is exceeded as the battery is placed in thermally unsuitable luminaires during the re-engineering process. Exposure to temperatures above the battery’s maximum rating can impact greatly on the lifetime. Another consideration is the maintenance of the emergency lighting fixture. For instance, if placed in a dirty environment, the light source may not be delivering its declared luminous flux, resulting in lower levels of illumination.
Intelligent diagnostics and compliance Taking into account the requirements and challenges mentioned above, it is easy to see how difficult it can become for the appointed ‘responsible person’ to maintain the compliance of the emergency lighting scheme. Upkeep of the logbook, including logging any changes to building layout, structure and the internal fabric. Reparations, changes to the décor, colour schemes, all have an impact on the on-going compliance of the scheme. Monitoring the health of the battery and control gear manually, without an automatic test system renders the task almost a full-time role. To take the battery as an example, it is almost impossible to monitor its health whilst ensuring it still operates within its
designed parameters throughout its life. Some manufacturers have now started to develop diagnostics through on-board software to monitor battery health. Diagnostics allow the user to interrogate several parameters from the emergency lighting control gear, as it logs and records through its lifetime. The idea is to provide the responsible person with preventative data regarding the ongoing performance of the associated equipment and to highlight any potential problems or drop in performance. One example of diagnostic data collection is the ability for the control gear to monitor and record its own temperature for retrospective and ongoing analysis. This can then be used to help maintenance of the battery for instance, as it approaches end of life, rather than after end of life failure. Additionally, and perhaps more significantly, diagnostics can be used to monitor and record the number and frequency of emergency switching cycles. From this it can be interpreted whether the components are being operated correctly within their designed parameters. Diagnostics can be used to measure and record the battery voltage, again providing valuable preventative information on battery health and status. These are just some of the benefits that intelligent emergency control gears can offer through their diagnostic functionality. As developments expand, many more values can be recorded and used to aid more efficient, preventative maintenance and thereby ensure the scheme remains compliant and effective, whilst keeping tighter control of the costs associated with reactive maintenance.
The Capita Symonds report highlighted the lack of a compliant emergency lighting system in Grenfell tower in 2005. Whether this situation remained in place up to and during the tragic events of June 2017 is not clear, but what is certain is that a non-compliant emergency lighting system could only have added to the general feeling of panic and disorientation. In short, it would have served as a hindrance rather than help. If we have the opportunity to help maintain the on-going compliance of these buildings and the safety of their occupants, by producing intelligent technologies, we should take it. These are just some of the benefits that intelligent emergency control gears can offer through their diagnostic functionality. As developments expand, many more values can be recorded and used to aid more efficient, preventative maintenance and thereby ensure the scheme remains compliant and effective, whilst keeping tighter control of the costs associated with reactive maintenance. Further information is available from Mackwell on 01922 742145 by email info@mackwell.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.mackwell.com
14 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
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HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 15
FIRE SAFETY
AICO ALARM INTERFACE
USED IN HIGH RISK FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS Fire safety start-up company Lite4Life has adopted Aico’s unique Ei414 Fire / Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Interface into its Multiwatch tower block fire safety system and AlightforLife Directional Way Finder Safety Light. The Ei414 is being used to alert these systems in the event of an activation from Aico Fire and CO Alarms. In the case of AlightforLife it activates LEDS pointing to the nearest exit. Andy Cunningham, Managing Director of Lite4Life, selected the Ei414 based on its ability and Aico’s reputation in the marketplace: “It is so much more user friendly than anything else on the market. We are finding that using the Ei414 to send messages and signals to report on alarm status at the earliest opportunity gives us valuable minutes in the protection of people and property from a potential devastating fire. The recent Hackitt report for High Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB), recommends that high risk buildings are to be managed and our product, using the Ei414, can provide the solution for many of the points identified by Dame Judith Hackitt. We at Lite4life, feel it archaic to rely on a member of the public to notify the fire rescue services, often after the fire has been alight for some time. A fundamental change must be highlighted in the way we can approach fire protection in high rise residential buildings and Aico go a long way in supporting our vision.
“All of our future projects, including those addressing the HRRB standard, will be using Aico products. We are aligning ourselves with tried and tested companies to deliver demonstrable cost saving with innovation. Working with Aico has been fantastic; with our relationship with Andy Speake [National Technical Manager] and the Regional Specification Managers, why would we use anyone else?” The Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface from Aico provides a dedicated connection between Aico Smoke and CO Alarms and third party safety systems. It is frequently used to connect alarms to Telecare/Warden Call systems, Sprinkler systems and BS5839 Part 1 panel based Fire Alarm systems. The connection can be made wirelessly with Aico’s award winning RadioLINK Radio Frequency (RF) technology or hard wired directly between the two devices. The Ei414 can be powered directly from the mains or from a 12-24V DC supply and has builtin tamper-proof rechargeable
Lithium Cells which will power the device in the event of any mains failure. Reliable, easy to install and use, it features a ‘test’ setting to test the entire system including a signal being transmitted to the third party system. Aico, an Ei company, is the market leader in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations.
For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.
16 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
FIRE SAFETY
BIFM acts on fire safety accreditation The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has announced plans to develop a new certified accreditation and a suite of training for facilities managers in charge of life safety in buildings. Responding to Building a Safer Future, the final report by Dame Judith Hackitt published yesterday, the Institute plans to ensure that FMs have access to high quality training and professional development that can certify their competency to uphold the highest standards of life safety in the buildings they manage. Following the Report’s call for continued collaboration on competency building between professional bodies, towards an overarching framework, the BIFM has said it is “keen to work with other bodies representing the built environment to ensure a joined-up response”.
The Institute’s Life Safety Working Group (LSWG) will play a pioneering role in the development of a specific competency programme for FMs, alongside relevant CPD. The Group has been an active participant in the Hackitt Review team’s work, helping to articulate how fire safety can be achieved best when maintaining buildings as well as feeding into work to develop competency in such maintenance. LSWG Chair, Rob Greenfield, said “Given the vital role that FMs can and do play in ensuring high standards of life safety
in buildings, it’s important to strengthen the competency of those involved. My experts group will lead work to develop a dedicated accreditation programme for a specific FM standard as a first step in ensuring that FM best practice plays a part in the response to Hackitt.” CEO Linda Hausmanis added: “We are fully behind Dame Judith’s proposals to strengthen competencies in building management and across the wider construction and built environment professions. As the leading professional body for facilities management, I am keen to ensure that BIFM leads the way in setting and upholding fire and system related professional competencies for facilities managers; and that the Institute contributes fully in ensuring coherence across the piece.”
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 17
fire safety
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18 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
INDUSTRY NEWS
Protecting the with smart technology
The sheer scale of modern facilities, density of occupation and growing user demands present particular challenges for fire safety and protection. The speed of detection is crucial as it enables users to intervene at the earliest possible opportunity and prevent further escalation. Intelligent smoke, flame, heat and carbon monoxide detectors will detect minute smoke particles and will provide an instant fire alert. Importantly, they will also determine false fire phenomena due to issues such as toasters, poor housekeeping, airborne particles, welding, humidity and temperature change, and will not alarm in these instances. The impact of false alarms on the workplace is immense, as lost working hours and the upheaval of evacuating premises adds up to significant financial loss. Modern smart devices can even be adapted to reflect environmental changes in room usage. In the event of a fire or major alert, rapid and orderly evacuation is of the highest priority. Emergency evacuation highlights the need for greater control during a major incident and voice alarm systems play an integral role in managing these critical situations. Studies reveal that many people do not know how to react to conventional alarms such as bells or sirens. Many assume that it is a test or false alarm; others remain confused and unsure of what to do. Comprehensive messages about the nature of the incident, and the appropriate action to take, using clear language will minimise the potential for panic or confusion. Zoned voice alarm involves the delivery of highperformance messaging across multi-level, multi-occupancy buildings, offering controlled evacuation where selected floors are evacuated, while others are simultaneously alerted. Evidence has shown that multiple alerts are more effective; the combination of audio and media such as SMS has a greater success rate. Automatic coloured lighting systems can then be employed to direct personnel to the most appropriate emergency exit routes to further ensure personnel safety during the evacuation. It is vital to only evacuate those at risk and this combination of verbal instructions, messaging alerts and wayfinding will maximise safety procedures.
Safe and phased evacuation is vital during a major incident
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 19
INDUSTRY NEWS
workplace Integrated fire protection from a single source will maximise life safety
Smart detectors will only alarm if there is a genuine fire
www.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 21
Fire safety
RAISING IMPORTANCE OF FIRE DOOR SAFETY Fire Doors and the protection that they offer to buildings and users continues to be an area that is vastly under represented, particularly in older buildings.
Intastop Ltd, a leading manufacturer of products to protect wall, doors and people continues to drive forward innovation and engagement in this area to promote best practice and encourage responsibility and awareness. “Fire Doors have become a topic of much discussion in the last 18 months and yet, it is still apparent that not enough importance is given to the significant impact they can have on protecting building users and the fabric of the building too,” said Phil Barsby Business Development Director Intastop Ltd. “They are the first line of defence and a physical barrier between fire, smoke and harm coming to building occupants and as part of a building’s Passive fire protection system they are at their simplest designed to save lives and protect property.” It is a requirement that fire doors are fitted to all public buildings, offices and factories. However, due to neglect, reduced specifications and lack of maintenance on the doors they have, in some situations, become an area of concern with their integrity compromised. As a result we, and businesses that we work alongside the BWF (British Woodworking Federation) are striving to drive improvements and raise standards not only through manufacturing, but through certification procedures.
To support fire door safety Intastop has developed a range of products that meet high standards of fire protection and that are suitable for inclusion in doorsets or to be used independently. These include vision panels, hinges, door protection products, door edge guards and post-formed doors and frames. “It is important for facilities managers and maintenance teams to ensure the correct doors are specified and that they are maintained appropriately,” said Phil. “We are encouraging all those who fit fire doors to choose doorsets where every element is fire tested and certified and that regular, scheduled checks are carried out to ensure the integrity of the door is not compromised.” Whilst in the past fire doors have been a significant area of neglect, the future does not have a place for this type of approach any longer and the Intastop team will continue to educate, share information and develop products to ensure that our buildings are safer places to be. Further information about Intastop and its range of fire door safety products can be found by visiting www.intastop.com
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 23
Safety & Security
Advanced Panels Recognised with FM Approvals Diamond Mark Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels from global systems leader, Advanced, have been certified by FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard, becoming the first UK-manufactured fire alarm control panels to attain this accreditation
The FM APPROVED diamond is one of the most prestigious certification marks in the world. It is issued by FM Approvals, a member of the FM Global Group, for products that adhere to the highest property conservation standards in quality, technical integrity and performance. It is a mark of quality and performance that is relevant for any engineer, specifier or building owner wishing to install fire systems that meet the highest property conservation standards. Advanced’s products lead the market in performance, quality and ease-of-use and the company has been at the forefront of standards leadership for decades across many of the 80 countries it operates in. As well as holding FM Approval for EN54 Parts 2 & 4, the Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels were among the first to obtain EN54
Part 13 from VdS. The FM Approval of Advanced’s fire panels also included an inspection of Advanced’s manufacturing sites as it moves into its state-ofthe-art HQ in Newcastle in the North East of England. The MxPro 5 and Axis EN labels and branding are being updated with the FM certification in early 2019. John Newton, Head of Products at Advanced, said: “Receiving FM Approval for our Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels is a proud moment for everyone at Advanced and is significant for all of our customers and partners. It further differentiates Advanced as a business that has achieved high standards in fire systems quality, technical integrity and performance globally. That difference is significant, and it means that companies across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa now have access to our industryleading range of MxPro 5 and Axis EN products.”
The MxPro 5 multiprotocol panel and Axis EN systems panel are certified to EN54 Parts 2, 4 & 13 and come in one-to-eightloop variants as standard, with further custom build options available. Both product ranges are easily configured into high speed, 200-panel networks, covering huge areas with tens of thousands of field devices. They include high performance features such as Advanced’s complete false alarm reduction software, AlarmCalm, and TouchControl, Advanced’s control and touchscreen repeaters that feature Active Maps and zone plans. Advanced are specified from the smallest to the largest buildings globally including in some of the most prestigious developments such as; The Shard in London, Abu Dhabi’s International Airport and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia.
FM Approvals is an international leader in third-party testing and certification services for property loss prevention products and services for use in commercial and industrial facilities to verify they meet rigorous loss prevention standards of quality, technical integrity and performance. FM Approvals employs a worldwide certification process that is backed by scientific research and testing, and over a century of experience. The FM APPROVED mark is recognized and respected worldwide. Advanced’s Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels are now listed in FM Approvals’ on-line Approval Guide which houses real-time information about tens of thousands of products and services certified by FM Approvals. Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multisite networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.
24 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
industry news
Smart technology = a safer site The construction industry is constantly evolving when it comes to site safety, but it still remains a high-risk industry.
According to recent HSE stats, there were 30.7 million working days lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2017/18, with workplace injury and illness costing the economy around ÂŁ15bn a year. Bradley Markham, director at Bull Products, believes that smart technology could be the solution to minimising worker injuries and ensuring a safer construction site. The use of technology has impacted every one of us in one way or another but when it comes to the use of technology within the workplace, companies are yet to embrace the change or understand the true benefits it could have on the
future of the construction industry, and more importantly, workers’ safety. Over the past five years, technology has pushed the construction industry to become a safer working environment. In particular, the development of wireless technology such as alarm systems are making sites safer. Today, emergency fire, first aid, and intruder alarm systems have become an integral part of the construction sector due to their flexibility, reliability, ease of installation, and usability. When existing technology and devices become wireless, the functionality increases leaps and
bounds. Wireless technology is the ideal solution for construction sites and building complexes that have more than a single building. In the case of temporary installations, for instance, construction sites where the work is in progress, wireless fire alarms can be installed and then removed once the work on the site is finished, or moved to another site, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution to companies. As false alarms can cost businesses and fire and rescue services around ÂŁ1 billion a year, and loss of sales and time, wireless systems offer heaps of benefits to construction companies and a complete safety solution.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 25
industry news
Wireless systems are just the start of smart technology and if you fast-forward 10 years, the way in which businesses operate and the equipment they invest in will be very different. Recently there has been a major focus on the use of technology in the workplace and I believe smart technology such as drones, augmented reality and wearable technology will play a crucial role in not only improving health and safety on site, but fuelling growth and innovation for businesses. Virtual reality will enhance health and safety training on site as it will give workers the chance to reduce accidents by creating simulations of real workplaces and hazards.
This will allow workers to be aware of dangerous situations, which in turn, will reduce injuries on site. Drones will help construction managers inspect a job from above or in places where it is dangerous for a human to go, allowing the technology to spot potential hazards and monitor ongoing activity. This will provide a time-saving and cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for an in-person inspection. It’s important that we start to think about how smart technology will enhance site safety in the future. In doing so, we can ensure best practice on site and build a more efficient construction industry for the future. For more information, contact Bull on 01432 371170 or visit www.bullproducts.co.uk
26 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
facilities management
Free whitepaper explores the role facilities management companies play in managing workplace risks As FM’s remit continues to expand, crossing a broader spectrum of activities, including fire safety, working at height, on-site activity and contractor management, Alcumus SafeContractor is calling for FM companies to have a more robust understanding of health and safety and its importance within their roles and responsibilities. Three quarters of all fatal workplace accidents were accounted for by only five different accident types*.
The UK’s leading health and safety accreditation service, Alcumus SafeContractor, has warned that inadequate health and safety procedures could have significant implications on the UK’s Facility Management (FM) market, that was valued in 2017 at £120bn, and employs 10% of the country’s workforce. Alcumus’ free whitepaper looks to explore how FM can better protect its customers, colleagues and brand reputation. The Alcumus SafeContractor experts, who assist hundreds of organisations mitigate and manage risks, explain the importance of training contractors, an essential extension to the normal workforce, to implement known standards of behavior across the workforce. Gemma Archibald, Managing Director of the Alcumus Accreditation and Advisory Division, said: “Over the past few years we have noticed more and more Facilities Managers taking on the role of a Health and Safety Officer, however, it’s imperative that they are given enough support and training
to ensure they are complying with legislation and, most importantly, keeping people safe. Our whitepaper is a great tool for those looking to enhance their organisation’s health and safety processes and ensure they are fully compliant.” The free whitepaper, available to download here, offers FMs advice and guidance on how to ensure they comply with British standards and create a safe working environment for employees. For more information on how Alcumus SafeContractor can help mitigate the risks when hiring contractors and provide supply chain visibility, please visit www.safecontractor.com
www.durable-uk.com
Visit mccue.com/uk call 01908 365511 email UKsales@mccue.com
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 29
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
Graphic messages Need to get that important safety message across without going to the extreme of painting your warehouse floor?
Well Beaverswood have the simple and cost effective answer, by using their Graphic floor markers – these highly visible markers are designed to highlight warnings or special requirements. They are suitable for use on dry, clean flat sealed surfaces and although designed for the floor, the markers can be used on walls or anywhere a tough permanent sign is required. The range has just recently been extended to include 8 new graphics, with many of these also available with French and German text. Special designs can also be printed to suit the customer’s specific needs. Each of the large (430mm diameter) signs are printed onto the underside of a clear PVC film and then laminated on the back surface with an aggressive permanent adhesive. These tough signs have been designed to withstand the everyday traffic of a fully operational warehouse.
Beaverswood the complete identification solutions provider also provides other floor marking items to compliment this range other products such as floor signalling, floor Location Labels and Floor Identification Markers. These products allow the user to highlight walkways, traffic flow, pallet positions, alpha or numerical number positions. Coupled with the ability to produce bespoke floor labelling Beaverswood offer the complete one stop shop. Don’t leave things to chance emphasise that important safety message and delineate areas of the warehouse floor for all to understand.
They are consistently adding new designs including ones with French and German text on them. To see their full range of 38 standard designs as well as other floor marking and identification and visual products contact Beaverswood to obtain your free catalogue, general sample pack Beaverswood Supply Co Ltd, Tel 0118 9796096, Fax 0118 9795715 e-mail sales@beaverswood.co.uk Web www.beaverswood.co.uk
Contact us at rics.org/charteredfm and charteredfm@rics.org
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 31
ERA LAUNCHES LOCKDOWN – EMERGENCY DOOR SECURITY Leading home security specialist, ERA, has launched Lockdown, the UK’s first emergency barricade device designed to provide high performance security in the event of a threatening situation. ERA’s Lockdown product is designed for use in commercial/ community settings with high footfall from schools and hospitals to travel hubs, offices, workplaces, hotels, shopping centres and leisure/ tourist attractions including theatres, cinemas, pubs, bars and restaurants.
intruders and creating a safe hiding place for civilians in the event of an attack.
Lockdown is simple and easy to fit (no fumbling with keys or padlocks) making doors inaccessible to
ERA’s Group Marketing and Innovation Director, Will Butler, said; “Sadly, we now live in a world where terror isn’t a distant menace, it can
Robust and lightweight, Lockdown is available for both single and double doors, whether inward or outward swinging and fitted with or without traditional locks.
strike at the heart of our community. Public and businesses are being advised by the government and associated bodies to be extra vigilant and pre-plan how they might react if caught up in a threatening situation. The over-arching advice being to RUN, HIDE, TELL and when hiding, barricade yourself in. “For example, we are seeing dummy-runs in schools where pupils are being taught what to do in certain scenarios and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has updated safety advice for employees suggesting that they develop dynamic lockdown procedures and use secondary devices for ‘invacuation’ rather than evacuation to barricade people in a room safely and keep the external threat out. “Here at ERA, community safety is at the heart of our products, so we are very pleased by the overwhelmingly positive response received at the Security and Counter Terror Expo at London’s Olympia earlier this year.” Tested to PAS24 impact resistance standards, single door Lockdown fits doors from 650mm-1100mm width, weighs 4kg and takes seconds to fit. The double door option fits doors up to 60mm, weighs 1.6kg and again takes seconds to create a secure barricade to outside entry. Pricing for the Lockdown varies and depends on numbers and configurations required. For further information on ERA Lockdown and other security solutions, visit www. eraeverywhere.com. Interested parties should contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 33
INDUSTRY NEWS
Donations are in the bag for
British Heart Foundation TC Facilities Management (TCFM) have created a national charity partnership to help the British Heart Foundation achieve its aim of beating heartbreak forever. The partnership commenced 6 weeks ago and has set its sights on raising £5K of funds for the charity that conducts groundbreaking research in to heart and circulatory diseases and their causes. Heart and circulatory diseases kill 1 in 4 people in the UK, causing heart break in every street. Fiona Ellingham, Marketing Manager, TCFM has had a number of family members affected by heart conditions including a niece who required a heart transplant aged just 5 and a brother who thanks to a special pacemaker, his heart is able to maintain a stable rhythm to keep him alive. “Speaking with other colleagues at TCFM, it became very apparent that I was not alone in having family members affected and so the partnership was born.
collected more than 50 of the 300 (minimum) bags of items we’re aiming for.
At the moment, our colleagues are busy having clear outs at home and filling bags with unwanted items that can be sold in the BHF stores across the country. In the last 6 weeks colleagues from all over the country have
We have a number of other activities planned through the year that will not only raise funds for BHF but will also train people in how to do CPR, something which saved my brother’s life over 2 years ago.”
Tony Reed, CEO of TCFM said, “We are delighted to have formed this charity partnership with BHF. Having helped them raise funds for their life-saving research through the specialist cleaning services we offer in their Furniture and Electrical stores, we wanted to be able to do something more by our whole team getting involved. It’s been particularly pleasing to see how some of our customers have committed to get involved with us too. We’re confident that we will be able to meet our TCFM £5K challenge target for this year and are proud to be playing our part in helping the BHF beat heartbreak forever.”
www.tcfm.co.uk
34 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
SAFETY & SECURITY
Jacksons Fencing seamlessly transitions to ISO 9001:2015 Ensuring the firm maintains LPCB Security Ratings
U
K security fencing manufacturer Jacksons Fencing has recently completed its transition to the most up-to-date version of the international quality management standard ISO 9001:2015 with certified accreditation from BRE Global, a UKAS accredited certification body. This ensures Jacksons Fencing retains its Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) approval, LPS 1175, for its SR1 to SR5 Security Rated products. Only companies that have secured ISO 9001are eligible to have items Security Rated by the LPCB. The LPCB’s LPS 1175 Security Rated certification is only awarded to products and systems that meet and surpass rigorous standards and perform effectively. These are assessed and awarded against a scale ranging from SR1 for lower risk security applications such as those required by schools, to SR3 and above for sites facing the highest levels of risk. Cris Francis, Head of Security Sales at Jacksons Fencing, comments: “Security products have to offer peace of mind and provide maximum protection against intruders. When specifying perimeter security and access control solutions, the guarantee of a scheme such as the LPCB’s offers independent third party assurance that products have undergone rigorous testing. To secure LPCB Security Rating, only the best-managed firms with the most robust quality control are allowed to apply. This is demonstrated in part by the achievement of the international quality management award, ISO 9001:2015.” Jacksons Fencing has over 80 LPCB Security Rated products available across a wide range of SR rated categories, ensuring the company is able to deliver
integrated perimeter and access control solutions for a wide range of security requirements and to cater for a variety of risk levels. The company offers fencing products including vertical bar, mesh, timber and timber and steel combination as well as security gates. Beyond this, Jacksons Fencing is the only company currently offering an SR5, single layer fence system. This is the highest SR level achieved by a fencing system. Jacksons’ Director Andy Tune states: “There is a clear link between our relentless focus on top quality manufacturing and superb customer service. Our rigorous quality and customer feedback processes have been included within our ISO 9001:2015 management system accreditation. This, combined with an expert, professional team, means we are well placed to service a growing and understandably demanding customer base into the future.” Quality Manager Liz Warren adds: “We are very pleased to have successfully transitioned to the revised standard and found the process particularly constructive in driving forward quality initiatives.”
Francis concludes: “Jacksons is committed to meeting the changing demands of perimeter security and we have invested heavily in ensuring we have solutions that can be employed in the highest security situations. “Beyond our investment in new products we, always look to innovate continually in everything we do. Part of this involves external assessment and auditing our internal processes and approaches against the leading international standards. The ISO 9001:2015 management system accreditation proves that our internal systems are a match with the world’s largest organisations. ” Jacksons Fencing designs and manufactures the highest quality perimeter and access control solutions in the UK and its team of technical and engineering experts are readily available to provide support to the most complex and challenging perimeter security projects. For more information visit www.jacksons-security.co.uk or contact security@jacksons-fencing.co.uk.
Call 0800 408 4330 or visit www.jacksons-security.co.uk
36 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
Safety & Security
Nortech People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech’s technical training courses have been specially designed to make sure that installers/ system integrators are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain and troubleshoot Nortech systems. Led by highly experienced technical experts, Nortech’s courses combine hands-on practice with theoretical sessions covering real-world security issues and take place at the company’s dedicated training facility in South Wales. Nortech is committed to providing an outstanding customer experience with its products and services. As part of this commitment, it offers a range of in-depth training in access control, readers and ID devices, and long range identification, ideal for those with sound knowledge and experience in people and vehicle access systems. The courses are: •
The Nortech products overview, which focuses on Nortech’s access control products, card readers, ID devices, long range identification, vehicle counting and parking management products.
•
Access Control. The modules cover the access control products, Norpass installation and Nortech Reader Interface installation. The final module progresses into the installation and configuration of NRI products.
•
Long range identification training begins with vehicle tagging and ANPR systems. Other modules in the programme discuss the installation and configuration of the ANPR, uPASS and Transit ranges.
•
Vehicle detection and parking training includes learning about Nortech’s popular Feemaster Smart and the company’s counting and count management products. The installation and configuration of the Feemaster Smart Console, entry and exit stations and an overview of the inductive loop detector operation, applications and set up of Nortech’s parking detectors are all included.
•
Readers and ID devices installation training for each reader and ID device supported by Nortech is also available.
Training is free to all existing account customers. In addition, every participant will receive a comprehensive pack of product specifications, application notes and a certificate of completion. For more information on upcoming training days and the topics mentioned, visit www.nortechcontrol.com/support/training/ Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind. Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 39
safety & security
DANLERS range of popular Outdoor Security Switches just got better! •
IP66 Compact Person Detector with both improved time lag options and upgraded photocell range of 10-1000 lux together with a new photocell inactive feature.
•
IP66 Twilight Switch turns lights ON from Dusk to Dawn.
•
New IP66 Twilight Switch featuring DANLERS ‘Intelligent photocell’ which reduces risk of hunting and over illumination.
•
IP66 Dusk Switch with new ‘Intelligent photocell’ and LED feedback for determining time on duration from 2-16 hrs. Switches lights on for a timed duration and resets itself when enough light is available ensuring lights are not left on unnecessarily.
DANLERS Outdoor Security Switches are neat and compact and now benefit from an IP66 rated polycarbonate enclosure. All products are UK manufactured and covered by DANLERS 5 year warranty. Tel: 01249 443377 - Fax: 01249 443388 Email: sales@danlers.co.uk - Website: www.danlers.co.uk
40 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
Managing the risk Through the right training and correct use of equipment, there are various ways employers can support lone workers to help them remain safe. Here, Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager for Inspection and Certification at HCL Safety explores how to minimise risks for those working alone at height. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a lone worker as someone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision. The number of lone workers across the UK is on the rise. In fact, over 8 million people are estimated to be lone workers, and not just within roles which involve work at height. According to the HSE, almost one third of fatal injuries affect those self-employed and working in construction. The construction industry alone is responsible for a shocking 59% of falls – and while the industry is working hard to put procedures in place, there is still a lot more to be done. Being alone while working at height, does not automatically mean workers are exposed to new risks that they wouldn’t be in groups. While the employer can mitigate the risks that all workers
are exposed to in a given work environment, the workers themselves have a duty to take care of their own health and safety – as well as of those which may be affected around them.
Managing the risk Before work begins at height, by law, employers need to ensure lone workers are not put at risk by considering several factors. Key legislation that employers need to adhere to include The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It is down to the employer to assess any potential risks which may occur around manual handling, medical stability, as well as whether the working area itself presents a risk. It is then important for the employer to take steps to remove risks where possible and put control measures in place to carry out the task in hand, safely. Employers should talk to their lone workers to understand what potential risks they have identified. This discussion should include any previous incidents or near misses, so they can be explored, and causes recognised before any work takes place. It is important to highlight that each job will present its own unique risks, so this process must include risk assessments for each individual site. There is also a dynamic aspect to think through when completing a risk assessment as conditions on a site change regularly. For example, surfaces can become slippery due to a change in weather, so external factors need to be a key consideration.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 41
of lone working
Employers should also look at the level of training needed for the lone worker to be able to work at height safely. With this, the level of supervision required should also be considered so that the lone worker meets all requirements for the job in hand and is competent enough to work at height.
Training Training is a crucial part of lone working at height as there is usually very limited supervision. Lone workers should be trained in how to carry out a risk assessment, working at height, rescue at height as well as manual handling. Training is also particularly important to help control uncertain or unexpected situations to implement practical risk avoidance strategies. What’s more, while other workers may be able to ask more experienced colleagues for support and guidance on a task, lone workers are unable to do so. Extra training may be needed in situations like this so that lone workers fully understand the risks of working at height. There are training providers out there that will help deliver thorough training to all participants, leaving people feeling engaged with the knowledge and understanding to do their jobs even better. It’s important that employers do their research before taking out any training for their employees so that they can be assured the training is up to scratch.
Monitoring Lone working isn’t a case of getting the right training and carrying out a risk assessment before being left to work completely alone. Keeping the lone worker safe requires more communication which may include scheduled visits or contact with lone worker by phone, radio or email; monitoring the lone workers to check they are following the right working procedures. Employers should also consider manual/operated warning devices which can be used to trigger an alert if a signal is not received from the lone worker in a certain timeframe. HCL Safety understands the potential risks associated with lone working and while it may be needed in certain instances, the business does not encourage lone working. HCL Safety always recommends there are at least two workers on site at any given time to ensure the best action is taken should something go wrong.
For more information, visit: www.hclsafety.com
42 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
PPE
Snickers Workwear Climate Control Underwear Dressing for the cold is like building a house – start with a good foundation. The Snickers Workwear Baselayer clothing uses high-tech breathable fabrics for ventilation and body moisture transport for consistent warmth and comfort. The seamless designs are available in 37.5® ventilating technology as well as polyester and merino wool to suit different types of work in a variety of cold weather conditions. The cutting-edge FLEXIWork and LITEwork designs and fabrics will keep you warm and dry - so you wont get cold, wet and shiver. All the garments are made from quick drying, lightweight fabrics that come with special ventilation features to control and regulate the heat from your body. All in all, Snickers Workwear Baselayer clothing will give you the kind of warm, dry and fresh working comfort you wouldn’t have thought possible. That’s why Snickers Workwear is the brand of choice for working outside in the winter. To get the more information on Snickers Workwear Baselayer Clothing, visit the website at www.snickersworkwear.com or call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788.
The Perfect Jacket and Trouser Combination For Winter From Snickers Workwear
Stretch-comfort Work Trousers and Hi-Tech 37.5® Work Jackets for optimum weather-protection on site
Snickers Workwear is continually improving its working clothes with superb new stretch Work Trousers and Hi-Tech Jackets.
These jackets and trousers are the perfect combination - whatever the working environment or weather condition – so check out what’s best for you at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
With great fit and superb value for money, the brand new comfort fabrics woven into Snickers’ newest street-smart Work Trousers deliver enhanced freedom of movement as well as improved comfort and close quarter mobility.
They’re perfectly complimented by the new, Hi-tech range of AllroundWork and FlexiWork jackets. They include 37.5® fabric technology garments for superb working comfort as well as others that are 100% waterproof, plus Hi-Vis working clothes for tradesmen and women that deliver maximum warmth, dryness and visibility when you need it most.
Getting information on the newest winter workclothes from Snickers Workwear
is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or emailinfo@snickersworkwear.co.uk
BREATHE E SILY BREATHE S FELY FLOW + ULTRA-LOW BREATHING RESISTANCE + MORE COMFORT + LESS HEAT
Protect your workforce with AlphaFLOW™, the new generation of disposable masks from Alpha Solway. A large, highly efficient valve combats the build-up of heat and moisture to make breathing extremely easy whilst the innovative pre-formed mesh shell design with a large filtering area ensures a secure, comfortable wearing experience. Breathe easily, breathe safely – protect with the AlphaFLOW™ range.
Request your trial sample
trial.alphasolway.com/flow PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION
E: sales@alphasolway.com • T: +44 (0)1461 380 333 Part of GROUP
44 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
PPE
Airborne Hazard Defence with the New Force™10 Typhoon™ Full Face Mask from JSP The NEW Force™10 Typhoon™ is an extremely lightweight, easy to maintain full face mask at only 365g with a completely clear panoramic visor to maximise light levels within the mask giving optimum visibility.
T
he optical class 1 panoramic visor conforms to EN166.B offering impact protection at speeds of up to 270 mph (tested using a 6mm steel ball bearing). The visor can have the option of a replaceable peel-off visor protector to prolong its life. Extensive research has been carried out by NIOSH (ISO16976-2) to distinguish the world’s 5 most common facial shapes. Using this research JSP have digitally optimised the ergonomics of the
Force™10 Typhoon’s™ face seal to maximise wearer compatibility. The Force™10 Typhoon™ is available in 3 sizes (small, medium and large) as comfort and fit is a key feature of this ultra-lightweight mask. The web like structure of the harness cradles the user’s head ensuring that the wearer is comfortable throughout the working day. The unique Typhoon™ exhalation valve has been designed to reduce breathing resistance, heat and moisture build-up.
The valve is unaffected by any moisture, and therefore can be used with the same performance under very low temperatures (-40°C tested). The Force™10 Typhoon™ Mask is compatible with both JSP Classic filters and JSP PressToCheck™ filters, which allow for Daily Face Fit Reassurance™ so the user is confident of an excellent fit. This mask has been meticulously engineered to incorporate a small number of key components. Disassembly, cleaning and maintenance are effortless with replacement parts available if necessary. www.jsp.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 45
PPE
These Boots Were Made For Building Scruffs Hatton Boots £39.95 vat free.
Here at Scruffs we know it’s important to kit out the masters of work in workwear that matches their expertise and keeps them safe, but that’s no all. We also help people in the trade and beyond to look good.
This mid-ankle safety boot is slip resistant and uses the latest Microfresh (R) technology that prevents the growth of mould to reduce odours, which is especially important for the warmer summer months.
Our latest creation, the Hatton Boot, is a stylish composite toe capped boot with steel midplate that offers lightweight toe protection and sole penetration at a competitive price.
With a price point under £40 RRP the full grain nubuck leather Hatton boot is a ‘reseller must stock’ with great on-shelf appeal. Order online at www.birchwoodpricetools.com, call 0115 938 9000, or email sales@birchwoodpricetools.com for more information on our full range and latest seasonal products.
ENGEL - COOL COMFORT
STRETCHED TO THE X-TREME X-treme cool-stretch trousers and all Engel workwear available from www.wtc-workwear.co.uk and www.anchorsafety.co.uk For more information visit: www.fe.dk/en email: Mark McBrayne at mmc@f-engel.com or telephone: +44 (0) 7933 150197
WORKWEAR
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 47
PPE
In May 2019, revised definitions of four of the base units of the SI will come into force. The redefinition of the “Kilogram” ensures a stable definition for the unit kilogram. However it also calls for explaining the background and benefits of this revision. METTLER TOLEDO is helping users to understand it better with a free White Paper “Redefinition of 1 kg”.
Redefinition of the SI unit kilogram: Everything is Different, but Nothing Changes - METTLER TOLEDO’s new White Paper explains why. Greifensee, Switzerland—December 1, 2018—In 1889, the first General Conference of Weights and Measures (GCPM) defined the unit kilogram based upon the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), known as the “Paris kilogram”. In November 2018, GCPM formally adopted the new definition and it will be practically implemented from May 2019. The kilogram had been the last measurement unit of the International System of Units (SI) to be defined by a man-made physical body, namely an artefact. However, the problem with this definition is that this physical body, although intended to have a stable mass, actually changes its mass over time. Since this body itself is the reference for all mass measurements, this change cannot be determined by any measurement. From World Metrology Day 2019 (May 20) onwards, the new definition will be in force and the kilogram will be defined in terms
of a combination of fundamental constants: the Planck constant, h, which is stable and universally accessible. Until that point in time, h was measured directly linked to the IPK. However, from this date, the definition simply changes its direction. This also implies that the change of definition will not introduce any (step) change in the moment of switching. This major reexamination of the SI since its foundation in 1960 may be perceived as groundshaking to the weighing world. However, the goal of this redefinition is to ensure longterm stability and traceability of the unit for mass by making it
independent of the material artefact, without affecting calibration or measurements. METTLER TOLEDO delivers a new White Paper based on expert knowledge to help customers find out more about the reasons, methods involved and benefits of redefinition of 1 kilogram. Stay ahead of the changes and learn more by downloading a free White Paper “Redefinition of 1 kg” now.
48 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
PPE
Dr. Martens – Supporting Women in the Workplace How many women, out shopping for a new wardrobe for the office, would venture into a men’s shoe shop and settle for a pair of lace up brogues in a size small enough to fit their feet comfortably? with online publication for professional women in industry, Womanthology, Dr. Martens discovered that the issue of badly fitting PPE (Personal Protective
It sounds like a crazy scenario, when we know there are 100s of fashion brands offering shoes that are designed and styled to suit and fit women’s feet. This is an everyday experience for most women working in industry jobs (such as building sites or factories) where their feet need to be protected from possible injury. Rather than footwear designed to meet their size and shape, women are offered small size men’s clothing and footwear that are ill-fitting, uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. Dr. Martens, the iconic footwear brand, recognised this as a serious issue for many working women. Through a social media campaign
Equipment) continues to be a real issue. Many readers tweeted their experiences of having to make serious adjustments to men’s size coveralls to prevent tripping up and stuffing tissue into the toes of their workboots in an attempt to get them to fit. Dr. Martens acknowledged that the modern workplace is a constant challenge – individual and team performance rely on having the right tools for the job, and quality safety footwear is one of those. Jon Marchant, Global Category Director at Dr. Martens, began developing a women’s line of safety boots in response to the growing numbers of women working in industry who deserve comfortable, high quality and safe footwear. “Manual work isn’t just a ‘man’ thing,” Jon says, “it’s an ‘us’ thing and we want to champion women
in industry and offer them footwear that fits correctly and keeps them safe at work. I’ve been shocked by the typical ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach to women’s fit PPE and the feedback we have from talking to many women is that they don’t want to be treated differently but with respect for the job they are doing and with their safety and comfort in mind.” So, in early 2018, Dr. Martens launched their own industrial Women’s Collection, giving women a choice of protection, style and comfort with no compromise on quality or safety. The strength of Dr. Martens’ fashion business influenced and guided the way the collection was designed. Jon continues, “First, we started with the right shape. We developed a women’s specific ‘last’ (the foot model that gives the length, width, in-step and overall foot volume) and then re-engineered the shape of our SoftWair sock-liner that gives underfoot airflow and great cushioning at the forefoot and heel. We think the collection is a real game-changer for the industry. Women demand and should expect the same level of comfort and protection as any man in the workplace, if they’re serious about their job, then they will also be serious about their choice of footwear.” Dr. Martens has a heritage of shoe-making expertise ensuring that durability, protection and performance remains the clear focus within the safety footwear offering. With the introduction of its Women’s Industrial collection, it has introduced iconic styling to a range of work boots that deliver maximum safety functionality for all women in the workplace. www.drmartens.com
Redefining
performance comfort and style uvex is an internationally renowned manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) recognised worldwide for its comprehensive portfolio of products which provide outstanding protection; comfort and most importantly, a high degree of wearer acceptance. All uvex products are totally uncompromising where quality and dependability are concerned. The uvex range comprises of:
Safety Eyewear
Hand Protection
Safety Footwear
Hearing Protection
Respiratory Protection
uvex-safety.co.uk
www.firmanglass.com
Anti-Slip GlASS RAnGE
INTERNAL USE ONLY
10mm DREAM BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 64
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 55
10mm DREAM CLEAR BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 64
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 19
INTERNAL USE ONLY
10mm ELEGANCE BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 61
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 43
10mm ELEGANCE CLEAR BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 61
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 34
• Tested To UK and European Standards • Toughened and Laminated
• Multi Laminated with Vanceva Coloured Interlays 10mm SECRET BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 62
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 51
• Can be processed, Shaped, Drilled as required
10mm TRUST BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 62
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 47
• GLASS FLOORS • BRIDGES • STAIR TREADS • WALK-ON ROOFLIGHTS 10mm COMFORT BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 60
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 44
CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY GLASS THICKNESS
FIRMAN SANDBLAST BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 65
NEW PRODUCTS 2017 NEW
NEW
CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY GLASS THICKNESS
10mm TRAIL BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 65
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 52
FIRMAGRIT BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 71
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 68
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 59
10mm COMFORT SANDBLAST BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 65
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 61
CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY GLASS THICKNESS
AVANT GARDE BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 72
BS 7976-2 Av.WET 61
To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com