To help you identify the correct safety equipment to use when operating a particular piece of equipment, we have used the following symbols throughout this guide. All site safety and personal protection equipment can be purchased from Normans HIRE or one of The Building Centres, Commercial Buildings and Five Oaks.
Eye Protection
Wear suitable goggles, minimum EN166 Grade B.
Dust Mask
This equipment creates dust and a suitable dust mask (e.g. fold flat to minimum EN149) or respirator should be worn.
Ear Defenders
This equipment has high noise levels and earplugs or general purpose ear defenders should be worn.
Safety Footwear
Where a risk to the feet is present we recommend the use of industrial footwear incorporating steel toecaps, to EN345.
Protective Gloves
This equipment presents a hazard to your hands. Appropriate gauntlets, PVC, cotton or rigger gloves should be worn.
Safety Helmets
Must always be worn on construction sites but helmets are recommended with some items of equipment wherever it is used, to the minimum of EN397.
Diamond Wheel
Diamond products are available for this machine. They are safer to use, eliminating the risk of wheels shattering, and have a much longer working life.
Power Breaker RCD Units
A Residual Current Device provides protection against electric shock. We recommend RCD’s when using electrical equipment (240 Volt) outside or in damp conditions.
HAND-ARM VIBRATION
It is estimated that around five million workers are exposed to Hand Ar m Vibration Syndrome (HAV) in the workplace. HAV or Vibration White Finger is a widespread condition within the industry, and it can lead to serious injury and long-term damage to hands and muscles. It is caused by frequent exposure to high vibration equipment such as power tools.
THE SYMPTOMS
• Pins and needles
•Numbness or pain in fingers
•Fingers turning white
• Stiffness and difficulty in handling small items
Symptoms may be triggered by colder temperatures
THE REGULATIONS
– understanding the terminology
Regulations introduced in 2005 indicate the severity of this syndrome and the importance of preventing it. “The Control of Vibration at Work 2005” regulations mean that employers need to take steps to assess and reduce vibration risks:
• Control risks where exposure exceeds 2.5m/s2 A(8)(averaged over an 8-hour period). This figure is the Exposure Action Value (EAV), the daily amount of vibration permitted before employers must take steps to control risk.
• Make sure that exposure never exceeds 5m/s2 A(8) (averaged overran 8-hour period). This figure is the Exposure Limit Value (ELV), the maximum level of exposure allowed by the regulations.
Under these recent laws the EAV and ELV must be measured as the sum of the
vibration in three axes (the Vibration Total Value) – not just by using the dominant axis as before.
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE RISK OF
HAV?
As an employer:
• Identify whether there is an existing problem
• Select the right equipment –familiarise yourself with the vibration levels and ask for advice
• Provide staff with information and training on methods of controlling risks
• Do not ignore employee symptoms
• Ensure you only provide tools that are regularly serviced
• Always provide suitable safety wear and sharp accessories, replace blunt drills or chisels
• Provide reports to the relevant authorities of HAVS cases amongst staff
As an employee:
• Don’t grip the tool too tightly – let the tool do the work
• Follow operating instructions
• Don’t ignore the symptoms –report them to your employer immediately
• Ensure that you are fully trained and up-to-date with new legislation
• Always wear good gloves and safety wear, and keep warm and dry
HOW ARE VIBRATION LEVELS MEASURED?
The Hire Association of Europe (HAE) undertook a comprehensive review of the available equipment to compile a database of vibration readings.
Vibration is measured in ‘metres per second squared’. This is abbreviated to m/s2 or MS-5, with the last figure indicating the vibration level. The higher the figure the greater the vibration level.
This database will be supported by a simple colour-coded means of identifying the appropriate level of usage for each piece of equipment.
GREEN LOW vibration levels between 0-5m/s2. 8 hours maximum daily usage.
AMBER MEDIUM vibration levels between 5-10m/s2. 2 hours maximum daily usage.
RED HIGH vibration levels over 10m/s2. Assess the risk on an individual basis. Minimal usage time.
The table below will help you to assess machine risk.
Vibration Value
Max. Usage Period m/s2
Low 2.8 .......480 minutes in 8 hours
Low 3.0 418 minutes in 8 hours
Low 3.5 307 minutes in 8 hours
Low 4.0 .......235 minutes in 8 hours
Low 4.5 .......186 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 5.0 ....151 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 5.5 ....124 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 6.0 ....105 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 6.5 ..... 89 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 7.0 ..... 77 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 7.5 ..... 67 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 8.0 ..... 59 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 8.5 52 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 9.0 46 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 9.5 ..... 42 minutes in 8 hours
Medium 10.0 .... 40 minutes in 8 hours
High 10.5 ..... 34 minutes Assess Risk
High 11.0 ..... 31 minutes Assess Risk
High 11.5 ..... 28 minutes Assess Risk
High 12.0 ..... 25 minutes Assess Risk
Please Note: makes and models may differ, in these cases the highest value is given.
The information provided by the HAE in its database will continue to change as more machines are tested and added. To help you identify the potential risk, we have included a simple colour-coded symbol against relevant tools. These symbols equate to the HAE scheme.
Maximum Usage
Low vibration levels
8 hours daily
Medium vibration levels
2 hours daily
High vibration levels
Assess risk (see table)
We have also included the manufacturer’s figures for vibration levels in m/s2 against the relevant products.
As the HAE continues
completed, the available updated. The information provided is therefore as current and as accurate as possible at the time of going to print. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the HIRE team, at Normans. Alternatively visit the Normans website at www.normans. je or the Hire Association Europe website at www.hae.org.uk
WORKING AT HEIGHTS
Falls from height account for 50% of fatal accidents and over 4,000 major injuries every year.
The “Work at Height” regulations 2005 apply to working at any height where there
is a risk of a fall or personal injury. This can also mean loading and unloading from your vehicle.
The legislation has been developed to support the use of safe working practices. It sets out the employer’s responsibility for risk assessment, correct equipment selection and usage, and supervision and training.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT?
• Avoid working at heights wherever possible. With tools now available and advance planning, many jobs can be completed from the safety of the ground.
• Ensure that everything possible is being done to prevent falls. Use the correct equipment and ensure that it is used properly and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
• If working at heights is unavoidable, everything possible must be done to minimise the effect of a possible fall. Ensure that the correct safety equipment is worn at all times and that health and safety procedures, including staff training, are adhered to.
ALUMINIUM TOWERS
We now offer the 3T (Through the Trap) method of erecting aluminium towers. Instead of climbing on the outside of aluminium access towers, increasing the risks of a serious fall, the 3T (Through the Trap) method allows operators to ascend through platforms. With this method, guardrails can be added to the level above while sitting down – decreasing the risk of injury.
This method is recommended by PASMA (the trade association for the mobile tower industry) and developed in association with the Health and Safety Executive. Our towers are supplied by Euro Towers Ltd.
Normans HIRE are proud to have fully PASMA trained staff. Full and comprehensive assembly guides are also issued with each hire, and we will be pleased to advise you on all aspects of tower safety.
TOWERS SHOULD BE TIED IN PLACE WHENEVER POSSIBLE
(This is a requirement of towers 12m and above).
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
Ask Normans HIRE for advice on alternative equipment and personal safety equipment.
5 MAJOR RULES FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT
• All work at height should be fully planned and organised
• Ensure those who work at height are fully trained
• A full risk assessment must be carried out and the correct equipment used
• The risks of fragile surfaces have to be noted and controlled
• Have all equipment inspected and fully maintained
MANUAL HANDLING
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 2002 help employers tackle risks associated with activities such as lifting, lowering and pushing, pulling and carrying.
If employers cannot avoid hazardous manual handling tasks, everything possible to reduce the risk must be done.
Reducing the risk of manual handling
• Assess hazardous operations
• Avoid manual handling where possible
• Use manual handling aids
• Train staff fully on correct lifting techniques
Note: The HSE recommends the use of material lifting equipment such as vacuum lifters to handle and lay kerbs.
HEALTH & SAFETY
PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) Training
NUISANCE DUST
WHAT IS DUST?
Dust is made from “airborne particulates” which occur as a result of everyday work including cutting, grinding and drilling. These wood, stone or asbestos fibres can be hazardous to health if inhaled.
Modern tools have systems to control this, but additional help is often required to reduce or prevent exposure to harmful dust. A respirator is a good first step to achieving this, but further methods must also be considered to reduce exposure to dust both to equipment users and other staff in the same environment.
As studies prove that dust is a major factor in ill-health in the workplace, the “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health” regulations were introduced in 2002 to make sure qualified personnel carry out your risk assessment.
• Carry out a full risk assessment identifying any hazardous materials
• Select equipment with the best dust control
• Use tools with extraction, collection or suppression systems
• Protect the workplace from contamination
• Avoid sweeping – this creates dust clouds
Remember PPE must be used at all times.
NOISE
The “Control of Noise at Work” regulations came into effect on 6th April 2006, replacing the “Noise at Work” regulations 1989.
The new additions in the 2006 regulations include:
• The two action levels for daily noise exposure have been reduced by 5dB to 85dB and 80dB
• There are now TWO peak action values – 135dB and 137dB
• New exposure limit values of 87dB and 140dB (peak noise) – these should never be exceeded, and must take into account ear-protection
• Where there is a risk of long-term hearing disorders, health surveillance must be provided
UNDER THE REGULATIONS EMPLOYERS SHOULD:
• Assess the risks to your employees from noise at work
• Take action to reduce the noise exposure
• Hearing protection must be provided if noise exposure cannot be removed by other methods
REDUCING THE RISK OF NOISE
• Use ear protection at all times
• For risk of long-term noise damage, get advice from a qualified noise or health and safety professional
• Assess the working environment as this can impact on noise levels
• More information can be found on the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk
Note: A large number of hire power tools will produce noise levels above the action values.
Where this information is known, we have included the decibel levels provided by the manufacturers in this brochure.
WEEE DIRECTIVE
The following statement sets out our policy on the WEEE directive:
• To undertake the Household element of the distribution obligation; To undertake the Business element of the distributor obligation; To undertake the Producer responsibility obligation of the WEEE Directive;
ASBESTOS
Asbestos represents a significant danger. Asbestos fibres are present in the environment in the UK, so people are exposed to very low levels. However, a key factor in the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease is the total number of fibres breathed in. Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials or breathing in high levels of asbestos fibres –which may be many hundreds of times that of environmental levels – could increase your chances of getting an asbestos-related disease.
When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases which are responsible for around 4,000 deaths a year. There are four main diseases caused by asbestos: mesothelioma (which is always fatal), lung cancer (almost always fatal), asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be very debilitating) and diffuse pleural thickening (not fatal).
For more information on asbestos visit www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller
