Installers Best Practice Guide
Transcription
Installers Best Practice Guide
Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 1 Installers Best Practice Guide Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 2 Page 2 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 3 Installers Best Practice Guide Contents Section 1 – Responsibilities & Fitting Guide A Individuals Responsibilities B What We Expect C Equal Opportunities D Installation, Safety & Site Rules E Welfare & First Aid F Reporting Accidents G Emergency Procedures H Safety Signs I Loading the Job J Arrival on Site & Introduction to the Resident K Removal & Installation L Final Checks and Final Clean M Handover N Environmental Considerations Page 6 7 8 12 17 19 20 21 23 24 26 46 49 51 Section 2 – Health & Safety On Site A B C D E F Electricity on Site 53 Power Tools 54 Electrical Appliance Maintenance & Testing 55 Gas Appliances, Fittings & Ventilation 58 Hand Tools 61 Easi-Dec Scaffolds, Independent tie Scaffold & Tower Scaffold 62 G Ladders & Step Ladders 72 H Personal Safety- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 76 Section 3 – Dangers to Health A B C D E F G H I Biological Agents Chemical Agents (COSHH) Skincare Asbestos Manual Handling Noise & Vibration Alcohol & Drugs Violent Residents Closing Statement 80 81 84 87 92 96 98 99 100 3 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 4 Installers Best Practice Guide Foreword We (Anglian Building Products) give this booklet to all our site operatives. It outlines the health and safety rules and procedures you need to follow when carrying out work on our sites. We aim to manage our operations using trained and competent workers and to make sure, as far as we reasonably can, that we protect the health, safety and welfare of any person likely to be affected by our activities. All workers must carry out our induction programme. 4 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 5 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 Responsibilities & Fitting Guide 5 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 6 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - A Individuals Responsibilities The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places legal responsibilities on employers, employees and the selfemployed in terms of health and safety. We expect you to: take reasonable care of your own safety and health and that of others who may be affected by your actions or failure to act co-operate with us in following the safe systems of work for the task and let us know if there are any problems with these systems correctly use any work equipment we have provided, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in line with training or instructions not interfere with, or remove anything provided for, health and safety purposes always co-operate with us on health-and-safety issues report all accidents, incidents and near misses to us so we can pass details to our health and safety department and report any faulty equipment to one of our contract managers or supervisors. 6 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 7 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - B What We Expect Always: arrive on time show your ID card call the resident by their name (for example. Mr Smith); explain what you are going to do keep the resident informed at all times be polite have the right tools for the job work tidily and clear away all rubbish work safely care for the resident’s home show respect park your vehicle in line with the Highway Code and keep to any site rules avoid damage to plants and trees where possible use clean dust sheets and groundsheets check windows and doors are fitted well and work properly and explain to the resident how the windows and doors work. You must never: work before 8am and after 5pm unless we have authorised this get involved in an argument (verbally or physicaly) with a resident discuss others work disclose confidential information discriminate against anyone leave anything in an unsafe or insecure condition smoke within the boundary of the property or accept any gifts of money or goods. Always ask before you: enter a resident’s property or moving a resident’s personal possessions. 7 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 8 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - C Equal Opportunities We are committed to making sure that we provide equal opportunities in employment and in delivering services. We aim to make sure that everybody working for us or who we serve receives fair treatment. We are committed to reviewing our policies, procedures and practices with the aim of our workforce reflecting the communities within which we work. We will also work together with our clients and others with an interest to design and deliver services which help meet the different needs of our residents. 8 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 9 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - C Equal Opportunities What is equal opportunities? Equal opportunities is about making sure people are treated fairly and given fair chances. It is not necessarily about treating everyone in the same way, but about recognising that everybody has different needs and that these are met in different ways. What is diversity? Diversity is concerned with recognising that not all people are the same and that each individual in any group of people (see the following list) may be different. Race Sex Gender reassignment Disability Sexuality Religion or belief Age Marital or civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity We know that people have different values, attitudes, cultural views, beliefs, skills, knowledge and life experiences. They will also have different personal and family situations. Because of this, they may also have different needs. So, when we talk about diversity, we mean the differences between people. 9 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 10 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - C Equal Opportunities Equal opportunities when we deliver services As a leading service provider in the replacement-window market, we aim to delight all our customers. We will: keep to legal and other requirements promote a culture of equal opportunities and diversity throughout both the organisation and our supply chain make sure that all new personnel and contractors receive relevant training as part of their induction, and appropriate ongoing training include issues to do with equal opportunities when evaluating our suppliers and when looking at our management work with client and other groups to identify residents’ individual needs propose solutions to suit people who may have special needs try to serve all clients, residents and other relevant people equally and fairly, and make sure that our policies and procedures do not discriminate unlawfully against any person or group of people use plain English in all correspondence and avoid using technical jargon work with the client and provide other communication solutions including RNIB TypeTalk, RNID TextTalk, large print, Language Line telephone interpretation, document translations and face-to-face meetings and monitor how well we keep to this policy using a process of reviews, education and audits. 10 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 11 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - C Equal Opportunities Anyone who works for us must: accept and be committed to following our policies and procedures; and go to training and briefing sessions as and when we ask. Managers will make sure this policy is passed to all employees and those in the supply chain. If you break this policy, we may deal with it using our disciplinary procedure. In terms of our supply-chain partners, we will review the status of their agreement. Steve Pollard Managing Director Anglian Building Products 11 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 12 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - D Installation Anything from this To this 12 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 13 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - D Safety must be your number one priority Your safety and that of our customers is our most important concern. Through many years of experience, we have developed a high level of understanding about the associated risks of replacing windows, doors and other associated products to properties in residential areas. We have developed method statements and risk assessments that can be adopted or tailored to suit most contracts. We have done this following the principles of risk assessment as shown in regulation 3 of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This involves: identifying the dangers associated with the tasks evaluating the likelihood of possible harm from the danger working out how dangerous the risk is and identifying the people who might be harmed. We will carry out a construction-phase survey for all properties, not only to check the dimensions of the products we are replacing, but also to identify any possible hazards and to identify the methods we will use to work safely. At each site there will be a construction-phase health and safety plan which will contain all method statements and risk assessments relating to the work to be carried out. It will be there for everyone to see. 13 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 14 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - D Safety must be your number one priority We use the acronym (ERIC PD) when developing the risk assessment after identifying the hazard, and more importantly, when reducing the risk to an acceptable level. Eliminate: Remove the risk by using other methods to carry out the task safely. Reduce: Use other methods of working that will not remove the risk entirely, but will reduce it to an acceptable level. Isolate: Make sure that only people involved in the task are exposed to any level of risk. Control: Make sure that any measures identified above are clearly communicated, monitored and enforced. Personal Protective Equipment: Use this to further reduce the likelihood and severity of any risk which may still be left. Discipline: Make sure all workers are competent in the tasks they carry out and that they behave professionally and keep to all health and safety rules. As an installer, we will give you a copy of the property survey report. You must read the hazard identification section, including the health and safety and fitters’ notes, so you understand the scope of the work and the methods you should use to work safely. 14 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 15 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - D Site Rules a All work must be carried out in line with our method statements, policies and procedures. You must use safety equipment and personal protective equipment at all times. b Smoking is not allowed within the boundary of the property where the installation is taking place, at any place within the site compound or depot other than in a designated area, nor in any of our vehicles. c Mobile access equipment can only be put up by trained and competent staff. You cannot alter any scaffold unless you are a qualified scaffolder. d Do not mess around, carry out practical jokes, drink any form of alcohol, fight or use drugs. If you need to take prescribed drugs while working on site, let the contract manager, or their representative, know, so they can take any action which may be needed. e If you use electrical power tools, make sure they are checked, kept in good order and formally inspected and tested regularly. Do not use any equipment which needs a 240-volt source. f If you have equipment such as ladders and stepladders, make sure they are of industrial standard, checked and kept in good order. We may inspect these items, and ask you to take them from site if they do not meet our inspection standard. You must never misuse or abuse any equipment. 15 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 16 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - D Site Rules g Keep containers and waste skips locked and secured when not in use. Take care when placing glass and other waste materials into waste skips. You must follow best practice and control measures as shown in the risk assessments. h You must wear shirts and long trousers at all times. (We do not class high-visibility jackets as shirts.) You cannot wear sports shirts, shorts, or non-Anglian branded workwear unless we specifically instruct you. i You cannot play music. j You must not do hot work (work using flame or which generates sparks) unless you have been risk assessed by your manager. k You must agree any weekend and out-of-hours working with the contract manager. l You must keep to any other rules we need to put into practice to make sure you can work safely on the site and to protect other people, such as visitors and residents. 16 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 17 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - E Welfare & First Aid Welfare Facilities Before you begin work on the site, we will tell you about the welfare facilities (such as a toilet) available to you. You have a responsibility to help make sure that these facilities are kept in a safe and clean condition. We will not accept any abuse of these facilities and it could lead to disciplinary action. First Aid We will make sure that all sites have a trained and qualified person to give first aid or a suitable appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements. You should know who the first aider or appointed person is on site. First-aid facilities and equipment are on site. As most work is carried out away from the site depot, all installation teams must carry a suitably stocked first-aid box. 17 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 18 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - E First Aid There is no standard list of items to put in a first-aid box. However, as a guide, and where there is no special risk in the workplace, you would normally find the following. A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid. 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes). Two sterile eye pads. Four individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile). Six safety pins. Six medium-sized (approximately 12cm x 12cm) individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings. Two large (approximately 18cm x 18cm) sterile individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings. One pair of disposable gloves. You should not keep tablets or medicines in the first-aid box 18 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 19 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1 - F Reporting Accidents Reporting accidents and incidents You must report immediately all accidents, incidents and near misses (no matter how minor they may seem at the time) to your contract manager or supervisor and record this on an accident or incident report form which we will send to the health and safety manager. By law, some accidents must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) to the Health & Safety Executive. If you have time off after a work-related accident that results in you being away from work or unable to carry out your normal duties for more than three days, you must let the contract manager or supervisor know as soon as possible, even if you do not intend to go back to the site. 19 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 20 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- G Emergency Procedures Precautions Make sure you are familiar with all the escape routes in case there is a fire and that staircases, corridors, landings and other escape routes are kept clear from obstruction at all times. Report any unsafe conditions to your contract manager. If there is a fire Raise the alarm. Call the Emergency Services by dialling “999”. If you feel competent enough to tackle the fire and it is safe to do so, use the nearest suitable fire extinguisher. (Extinguishers will be labelled to show the type of fire they are suitable for and show the user instructions.) When tackling the fire, make sure you are between the fire and your escape route. Keep your escape route clear! Do not take unnecessary risks. Evacuation If safe to do so, close all doors and windows. Leave the building by the nearest available route or as you are told. Walk in a quiet orderly way to the assembly point or a safe place outside the property and wait for instructions. If you are the last person to leave and it is safe to do so, check all rooms are clear. Do not stop to collect your belongings. Do not use lifts as they may fail if the electrical supply short-circuits. Do not leave the assembly point or enter the building again until the fire brigade or person responsible for the building tells you to. 20 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 21 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- H Safety Signs Safety Signs Prohibition signs These signs are round with a white background and red border. They also have a red bar through them. Prohibition signs mean you must not do something. Mandatory signs These are round with a blue background and white symbol Mandatory signs state that you must do something. 21 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 22 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- H Safety Signs Warning signs These are triangular signs with a black border and a black pictogram on a yellow background. They give warning of an unsafe condition. Safe Condition signs These are square or oblong with white symbols on a green background. They show safe conditions, such as a first-aid post or emergency evacuation route. 22 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 23 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- I Loading the job Make sure you have a copy of the property survey report. Check the hazard identification sheet, health and safety notes and fitters notes sections to make sure you have enough equipment and material to carry out the installation safely and complete the job. If any special requirements are identified on the survey such as scaffold to be erected or asbestos removed before the installation, check with your manager that this has been carried out and it is safe for you to carry on with the job. If you carefully load and check off the units and installation parts, it will save you time, as any shortages on site will mean a trip back to the depot. You must turn up on site with all the right materials in perfect condition. Any larger units should have sashes or fixed panes removed to reduce the overall weight and reduce the risks of manual handling both for loading and installation. For example, remove sashes from double doors. You must make sure that all units and equipment are safely secured so they can be transported. Make sure the units are strapped to a transit rack inside your van. When doing this take care not to damage the products and use cardboard, bubble wrap or clean dust sheets between units, especially woodgrain products. You must also check that any equipment or material carried on the roof of your vehicle is safely secured to a purpose-made roof rack. You must make sure that all objects are securely fastened to the roof rack using ratchet straps. Where possible keep the packaging around Rooftrim products. Always stack Rooftrim products flat. Make sure no loose materials can fall and damage the product. Make sure you arrive on site with all the right materials in perfect condition. Do not overload your vehicle. 23 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 24 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- J Arriving on the site First impressions count. Remember you are representing both us and the client. Arrive on site in a clean uniform with a clean vehicle. This is the first impression we want to give all our customers. You should aim to arrive on site at the time we have given to the resident. You must call your manager or local office if you are unavoidably delayed. You should make sure your van does not cause an obstruction. You should always ask permission before parking on the resident’s property. 24 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 25 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- J Introduction to the resident Always show your Anglian ID card A professional approach when you introduce yourself to the resident will give them confidence that the job will be carried out in an efficient and workmanlike way. Always make sure you know and use the resident’s name. Walk around the job with the resident and explain your plan of action. Make yourself aware of everyone in the property, especially those who are more vulnerable such as young children and the elderly. There are three main rules when working in properties which have children and young people staying in them. 1 Do not work in any property where there is nobody over the age of 18 2 Do not work in a property if the resident goes out leaving only people under the age of 18 in the property 3 Do not work in rooms where only children or young people are present. Agree any arrangements for temporarily separating people from the work. Make yourself aware of any pets at the property, particularly dogs that may become aggressive. Ask for all pets to be suitably restrained or isolated from the work (this is for their safety as well as yours). Ask the resident to remove curtains, blinds and fragile items from around the area of work. If they need help, please help them. Tell them when you expect to finish and check they will be able to fill in the property completion report. 25 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 26 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Preparing and protecting the site First and foremost check the hazard identification sheet and health and safety notes on your survey. Remember that you are in someone’s home. A few minutes of time spent laying dust sheets and groundsheets at the start of the installation will save hours of cleaning and prevent expensive insurance claims against us. The area to be worked on during the day must be completely protected from the point where you enter the house to each individual window you are working on. Use the newest sheets to cover soft furnishings, beds and so on. When protecting electrical goods such as TVs and so on, you should lay the dust sheets over a lightweight plastic sheet. Use outside groundsheets below every frame you remove to prevent the ground becoming contaminated with small shards of glass or splinters of wood which could be dangerous. You must also cover patios and driveways if they are to be used for storing materials, debris from the work or for sawing trims and timber. Handle frames carefully to avoid damage. Always stack sealed units vertically on timber packers with spacers between each unit and the wall. Do not stack sealed units on any routes of entry or exit. Identify a suitable area for preparing the new units. This should not be on the main route into the property, nor on the public footpath or road outside where you are posing a danger to visitors and members of the public and blocking emergency escape routes. 26 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 27 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Checks before removing the old windows A pre-removal check will avoid safety issues and problems caused by removing the window to find that the new frame will not fit. Although the points below should be covered on the health and safety section of the survey report, you should still look for the following: Does the window butt up against a soffit board? Do you know what the board is made of? If you are not sure or cannot positively identify it as a non-asbestos-containing material, stop and contact your contract manager immediately. Are there signs of structural damage particularly at the head, such as cracking in the brickwork above or sagging header bricks? Are there any pipes or cables that pass through or are fixed to the frame that need to be isolated or made safe? Does the window or door being removed contain any permanent ventilation that could be needed for a gas appliance? If you have any doubts about the above, contact your contract manager or supervisor immediately. Finally, check each aperture and window against the survey before you carefully remove it. 27 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 28 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Removing the window Do not remove more than three windows at a time, as it creates a through draft, spreading dust and other bits throughout the property. Always make sure that there is a warm comfortable area for the residents to use during the work. If you carefully remove the old product, it will reduce damage and the time spent making good. Always work from inside the property to remove windows above the ground floor. Never work from a ladder to remove windows. Score around the reveal and tap all around the frame to separate it from the plaster. Remove all opening lights, with the glass intact wherever possible. You must wear safety glasses, safety gloves and Kevlar sleeves while removing windows or breaking out glass. You should place fragments of broken glass directly into a plastic dustbin kept for this purpose. Cut through any transoms and mullions as shown in the illustration. Carefully pull the mullions away from the centre of the unit in the directions shown by the arrows. Do not put too much force on these sections as if they suddenly become free, you may lose your balance. 28 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 29 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Clearing up For your own safety and that of the resident, keep the site as tidy as possible. You should immediately bend nails over or remove them from the timber and load any rubbish into the installation vehicle. Secure any opening lights inside the vehicle and strap them to a transit rack to prevent glass breaking while you are driving. You should clear glass fragments and small items and place them in dustbins. Never gather up ground or dust sheets with glass fragments in them. They can pierce the material and cause an injury. You should load old PVC-U frames onto the vehicle for recycling. You can return lengths or off-cuts of trim, profile, gutters, and so on that you do not use to the depot for recycling. You must clear away all old nails, screws, glass fragments and plastic swarf to avoid injury to anyone, especially children and pets. 29 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 30 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Prepare the window aperture Prepare the window aperture to make sure the window fits first time. Remove old internal and external mastic lines with a pallet knife. Remove any nails or old fixings. Make sure that the aperture is free of dust and bits and any other obstructions that will prevent you from installing the window properly. Check that the existing vertical damp-proof membrane (dpm) in the cavity is intact, correctly positioned and not damaged. Renew and replace it if not. Where necessary, carefully trim the back of the window board so that the new frame can then be pulled back tight to the existing plasterwork. This allows the new frame to be fitted plumb and level. If necessary, remove the plaster just above the window board to allow for the sill upstand. 30 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 31 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Installing the sill Correctly installing the sill is the foundation of a good installation. Here are the main points to remember. You will need to replace the mortar bed if it is damaged. It is acceptable to bed sills onto silicone with packers up to a bed depth of 10mm. Over 10mm deep, you will need to use a mortar bed. Cut a 6mm nozzle so you can apply silicone to the sill upstand. Sills must have a silicone bead on the back of the upstand which is enough for the silicone to ooze out when the frame is pulled back to the sill. You need to apply enough silicone at each end of the sill to make sure that the ends of the frame are closed off when you install the window. You must always secure the frames to the sill with screws at either end and screws no more than 600mm apart in the rest of the frame. The preferred method is from the underside into the bottom of the unit before you install it. If a unit is less than 1350mm wide, you can install the unit onto a suitable mortar bed or silicone seal and you do not have to use anchor fixings. When the unit is greater than 1350mm wide, you must install it onto a suitable mortar bed or silicone sealant base and fix it to the masonry with anchor fixings. Make sure the sill is watertight by applying silicone sealant into the hole before inserting the anchor fixing and around the screw head once fully tightened. 31 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 32 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Fixing distances Generally you will fix all four sides of the frame as follows: Corner fixings must be between 150mm and 250mm from the closest point to the weld Fixings must not be less than 150mm from the centre line of a mullion or transom The other fixings must be no more than 600mm apart You need at least two fixings on each jamb. If it is impossible to follow these rules, you should agree other positions with the contract manager. If a pre-cast concrete or steel lintel makes it not possible or very difficult to use these fixing distances, you can replace mechanical fixing by using polyurethane (expanding) foam. Never use fixing foam as the only method of fixing the entire frame into the reveal. Coupled windows must follow the same rules as perimeter fixings. You should be careful to keep the coupling joints equal and the frames aligned and plumb. You must apply bedding mastic to coupling joints within the profile cavity. It is not enough to rely on external pointing sealant. 32 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 33 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Anchor fixings You must carefully pilot drill the frame using an 8mm diameter HSS drill bit at the measurements previously given. You need to protect the frame from the drill chuck. We recommend you use a door outer threshold strip (part number: EXP 118) to protect the frame. When drilling masonry, brick dust and bits will fall into the friction stay. You must remove this dust or it will affect the life of the stay. You need to insert anchor fixings into the fixing holes and fit installation shims behind the fixings. Securely tighten the anchor fixings against the installation shims fitted behind every fixing point. You need to make sure that the jambs are straight and plumb. The collars of the anchor fixing should be flush with the face of the profile. You can also add to the anchor fixings by using spot fixing with polyurethane (expanding) foam. In situations where the cavity position does not allow anchor fixings, you can replace them with extended fixing lugs. In a new-build where the frame is fixed to the internal blockwork or timber framing before the external brick skin, you must properly support the bottom of the frame. Frames must not be fixed and suspended only on fixing lugs. 33 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 34 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Installing windows – the main points If you take note of the following, it will speed up the installation and reduce the risk of possible service problems. If you are working with a large or heavy window, make sure it does not have glass in it and remove the opening lights so it is easier to handle. Make a note of the positions of each bead within the frame as you will need to refit them in the same position. All units must be installed so that they are square, level and plumb, without twist, racking or distortion of the PVC-U window frame. If any member is distorted, it will reduce the performance of the window. Generally there must be a distance of at least 25mm between the front edge of the mainframe and the face of the building. Check the front bottom edge of the mainframe for damage, and if necessary run a block plane along the edge to remove burrs. When fixing at the head using polyurethane foam, apply it sparingly between the mainframe and the structure. Spot position the foam above all vertical members, and then at no more than 600mm centres apart. Polyurethane foam expands and exerts considerable force after it is applied. You need to be careful that this does not distort the product. Do not apply foam as a continuous run across the width of the mainframe. 34 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 35 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K You should carefully reglaze fixed lights, making sure that the glazing wedges are correctly inserted and beads are back in their correct positions. The face of the beads must be flush at the mitres. Fixed Light Top-Hung Vent Side-Hung You should rehang opening lights, making sure that all locks operate correctly and you achieve an even cover between the opening light and the mainframe. You should take the glass out of all tilt-and-turn opening lights and correctly toe and heel them by following the residential door guidelines. Wedges should be silicone spotted as confirmation that you have carried out this task. Tilt and Turn Vent Tilt Only Vent You may need to toe and heel large side-hung casement vents to make sure they work correctly. 35 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 36 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Installing doors – the main points The door hinge has been developed to make the installation process as quick and efficient as possible. The points below will make sure the door works properly when fitted. We supply our doors pre-set from the factory. Follow the golden rule – fit plumb, level and square and you shouldn’t need to make any more adjustments. Carry out a two-way plumb and straight check inside the rebate and on the face of the jambs over their full length. This will make sure the total deflection is not more than 2mm. You should check the head and sill for plumb and level, and they must be within a tolerance of 1mm. It is worth spending the time making sure the frame is correctly installed so you save time when carrying out the final adjustment. The door hinge is set from the lock side. This is the datum point for checking the adjustment. You will not need to adjust the door if it has 5mm ± 1mm, cover against the long leg frame rebate and the door lock operates satisfactorily. 36 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 37 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Installing doors – toe and heeling Toe and heeling is essential to the long-term stability of the door and is a basic part of the door-installation process. All panelled or glazed doors must be toe and heeled. Toe and heeling is the process of packing between the sealed unit or panel and the leaf to make sure the door assembly is rigid and will not drop out of square over time. To correctly toe and heel a door, you need to remove all the glazing beads and tighten the wedges to square up and lock the door leaf in position around the sealed unit or panel. Make a note of the positions of each bead within the frame as you must refit the beads in the same position. Before replacing the glazing beads, you must apply a small bead of white silicone over the edge of the wedges you have checked or adjusted. This will help prove that you have followed the correct procedure if the door needs adjusting at anytime in the future. Once the door has been toe and heeled, you should hang your full weight on the leading edge of the door leaf as a check that the wedges have been correctly positioned and you have removed all risk of further settlement. To pass this test, the door lock should operate freely and the leaf should stay perfectly aligned with the frame. If the lock does not operate or there is any sign of movement, you should check the security of frame fixings on the hinge side. If necessary, you need to repeat the toe and heeling procedure. 37 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 38 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K If you have not followed the above procedure and the door needs a service call, we will charge you for the expense. Installing doors – composite doors When installing a composite door, the same principles apply as when installing a glazed residential door. The main points are to make sure that the door set is plumb, level and square. You should not need to toe and heel a composite door. 38 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 39 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Installing a bay – the main points The surveyor will identify on the survey if the bay is structural or not. You will need to use Acrow props to support the loading above the head of the bay when it is removed and installed. Load-bearing bays must have load-spreader plates under the sill, spigots through the sill and jacking devices at the head. You need to make sure that holes through the sill are completely sealed. You need to fit non-structural bays with packers below the sill, a 5mm bearing plate between the baypole and the sill and a jacking device at the head. For more guidance on installing bays, see Bay and Combination Window Installation Guide 2009 (ML0713 November 2009). 39 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 40 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Building work Horns Always mask off product and surrounding brickwork with masking tape. Always try to match the existing mortar. For large voids, you must always use old tiles or brick off-cuts to bulk pack the area. Never use expanding foam or paper to pack out horns as the repair will collapse and crack over time. Dampen the brickwork and paint with PVA. Make sure you mix the new mortar with PVA and plasticiser. Leave the mortar to dry before finally pointing carefully. Apply a finish before you remove the masking tape. Rendered finishes You must check the condition of the existing render. Chop back any loose render. We will make good the rendering but do not apply any finish, for example, paint. You must make sure the frame is protected before you begin the rendering. You must make sure the mix has PVA (and plasticiser if needed). Dampen the block or brickwork with PVA. Apply the render carefully. Blend in the render using a soft brush if needed - this will depend on conditions at the property. 40 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 41 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Building work Plastering Always make sure the surrounding area is fully protected, especially from water damage. You must use tarpaulins not just dust sheets. Check the condition of the existing plaster inside. Tell the customer if the existing plaster is not sound or if any wallpaper needs to be cut back or removed. We are only contracted to make good the plaster around the frame, unless this is shown on the schedule of work. We do not decorate. Make sure you protect the product before beginning work. Chop back any loose plaster and make sure it is feathered back. Always use a scrim joint if abutting plasterboard to avoid cracking. You must dampen block or brickwork with a PVA solution. Apply plaster carefully. You may need to apply more than one coat depending on the thickness of cover. Make sure each layer dries enough before applying any further coats. If you do not do this correctly, it will crack and we will be called back. 41 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 42 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Building work – box bays Make sure the timber is isolated from brickwork using either liquid damp-proofing or a DPC membrane. Make sure the timber uprights provide support to the existing structure above (see the sketch below). Make sure the new timber provides a solid base to fix new liners and architraves to. Make sure you insulate all voids which the old window fitted into. Make sure the new architraves cover the line of the old architrave. 42 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 43 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Rooftrim Preparation You need to put ground sheets below every area of work before you put up any access equipment. Cover flower beds, patios and driveways, especially if they are to be used for storing, cutting or preparation. Make sure you identify an area to prepare the product before you install it (in other words, cutting to size etc). Protect the area with a groundsheet doubled over. Make sure the route is clear of obstacles and any rubbish. Be careful if the route involves steps, doorways and blind corners. Always handle materials carefully to avoid damage and place them flat on groundsheets. Checks before you remove old fascias, soffits or gutters You must check the following before you begin any work: How near you will be working to mains power cables, TV cables, BT cables, satellite dishes, Sky dishes etc. Whether there are any outside lights, overflow pipes, boiler flues and so on which may be affected Any existing damage - in other words, broken tiles, damaged verges and so on Existing damage to felt edges Asbestos soffits Check the existing window sash clearances Check whether there are any bats or birds’ nests Make sure you have put in place suitable access equipment or it is available for use. Recycling You should cut off any old PVC-U guttering and downpipes. You should also cut waste trim and off-cuts to no more than 1000mm lengths and return them for recycling. Return any unused trims and spare material and place them either in the long bags for recycling or return them to the trim rack or stores for use on other orders. For more guidance on installing rooftrim products, please see the ’Rooftrim Detail Installation Instructions 2010’ (MLO775 August ’10). 43 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:23 Page 44 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Internal trims Internal trims should be used. These will cover minor damage to the decoration, and prevent problems from movement and shrinkage. Before you fit any trims, you must thoroughly clean all inside surfaces including the glass. Our standard policy is that you should fit an internal 28mm flat batten around the inside face of the window, flat to the reveal. You need to bond this trim to the reveal with acrylic sealant, or to the frame with superglue in reasonably dry places. Use silicone in locations that will usually have a high moisture content (bathrooms and so on). The internal trims must be a tight fit and scribed if this is needed. Where the trim abuts the frame, and at corner joints, you need to finish the trims with a neat bead of white small gap filler such as Stelmax. Where the trim abuts the wall, you need to finish the trims with a neat bead of acrylic sealant, or silicone in locations that will usually have a high moisture content (bathrooms and so on). 44 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 45 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- K Sealing outside A carefully applied silicone line is the company standard finish. On a standard face brick installation, a gap of no more than 10mm for expansion should have been allowed. Apply the silicone to fill the gap and create a seal between the mainframe and the structure. Where brown silicone is used around white windows, make sure you apply masking tape to the window to create a clean finish. If the surveyor has specified external trims, you should only fit them over a silicone gun line between the frame and the masonry. You will not need a second gun line between the front edge of the trim and the structure. Cleaning the product Our products must only be cleaned with Anglian recommended cleaning materials. You must remove all protective tape, manufacturing labels and glass protectors. You should only clean the glass with Anglian glass cleaner – part number 6612. PVC-U should only be cleaned with Anglian PVC-U cleaner (cream cleaner for white PVC-U – part number 18184. Solvent cleaner for white PVC-U - part number 22407. Cleaner for woodgrain profiles – part number 6693). We recommend that all installation teams carry a vacuum to help with the final clean-up to remove dust, grit and swarf from the frame, drainage tracks and friction stays. If it is possible, you should also use a vacuum cleaner to clean out dust at the outside sill ends before using the external sealant. 45 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 46 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- L Final checks and final clean The final check and clean is your opportunity to turn a good installation into a great one. Use the checklist below as a final reference document before you hand over to the resident. Appearance – check that: the installation site is free from any dust and the inside of the window frame is free from swarf, brickdust and dirt the unit is installed plumb, level and square in the aperture, and the sight lines are even there is no movement in the outer mainframe there are no cracks or breaks in welds the correct number of frame fixings has been used and capped all opening lights are fitted square and plumb within the mainframe all exposed faces (including beads and trims) are free from surface damage there are no cracks or scratches on any sealed units you have fitted obscure glass where necessary and positioned it correctly any decorative features, such as Georgian bars or lead effect in the glass, line through correctly you have positioned glass gas-filling pips (if they apply) correctly any plasterwork has been completed to a smooth finish internal trims are fitted correctly, to the company trim policy; 46 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 47 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- L internal window board and end caps are fitted where needed sill end caps are fitted correctly if they are needed you have removed any brick dust that may have built up between the frame and the sill product accessories are fitted correctly where needed opening lights next to each other line up all the frame members and sealed units are clean drainage slots are clear of all swarf you have removed all chinagraph marks and stickers from the opening lights and apertures inside (you should pay particular attention to stickers on the top of opening lights and the back of the sill) any pointing outside and rendering have been completed, if needed you have removed all protective tape and you have removed all debris and rubbish from the resident’s property. Sealing – check that: you have applied sealant where needed the sealant joints have a smooth finish and are correctly shaped and the sealant forms a continuous run around the frame. 47 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 48 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- L Operation and performance – check that: all opening lights open and close correctly and are fitted square and plumb within the mainframe all locks and fasteners operate correctly all locks and hardware items are secured in place using the correct type and number of fixings the mitres of all glazing beads are correctly aligned, and beads cover the spacer bar all handles have correct screwcaps and locking handles supplied with keys restrictors or restrictor hinges have been fitted where identified on the survey report and operate correctly all door accessories, letterbox, house numbers, spy hole and so on are fitted correctly if these are needed all cables have been refixed and relevant items work correctly and safety glass has been fitted to critical places - see the diagram below. Critical locations in internal and external walls 48 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 49 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- M Handover This is the final part of your service to the resident and should complement your professional approach throughout the installation. You should make sure the resident has no concerns about the installation before you leave the property. Walk the resident around the finished installation, room by room. Show them how each unit operates so they understand any operational features. Tell the resident about the need to regularly maintain the moving parts. Let the resident know about the correct cleaning agent and methods to use for the product. Warn the resident about the risks of damage if they use cleaning products which are not appropriate for the product. Give the resident an Anglian care and maintenance guide. Make sure you have filled in the property completion report in full and ask the resident to fill in and sign it. 49 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 50 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- M The standards and methods laid out in this document form part of our best-practice policy. We have designed them to improve the level of service and quality of installation we offer to our customers. These standards will be monitored by your contracts manager to make sure the standards are maintained and that they help with your own personal development. They will also be audited by the health, safety and quality manager. 50 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 51 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 1- N Environmental considerations Bats and nesting birds Bats and nesting birds are protected by law. They can be found in roofs and eaves of buildings, so when carrying out roofline work, you must look out for signs that they may be there. If you discover or suspect that bats or nesting birds are present, you must stop work immediately and tell your contract manager who will tell you what to do next. Aquatics Some of the substances which we use for fitting and cleaning our products are harmful to aquatic life. Make sure that you have read the COSHH assessments for each substance and take care to prevent accidentally releasing them into ponds, fish tanks or watercourses. Recycling and waste Remember you must make sure you return all old PVC-U guttering, downpipes and unused trim off-cuts for recycling. Cut them into maximum two-metre lengths. Use long bags on site for any waste trims and spare material which you return for recycling. Return any unused items to the depot. We expect you to leave all waste removed from properties in our skips unless we tell you otherwise. If possible, you should return all first-generation PVC-U windows to the depot for recycling. It is your responsibility to make sure you get rid of all waste (whether it is dangerous or not) using the correct methods. As a responsible organisation, we believe in managing our environmental policies and procedures properly. 51 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 52 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 Health & Safety On Site 52 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 53 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - A Electricity on Site Electricity is such a part of daily life that we can be forgiven for forgetting how dangerous it is. If you misuse, abuse or ignore the dangers of electricity, it can cause severe burns and, at worst, death! Many installations will have electricity cables fixed to or passing through the frame which need replacing. Unless they can be isolated by removing a standard three-pin plug from a mains socket within the property, stop work immediately and contact your contract manager or supervisor. Never try to isolate equipment such as extractor fans or outside lights by removing wiring from a fixed installation. Only qualified electricians can carry out maintenance, repairs, installation, isolation on electrical equipment. Avoid taking risks! 53 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 54 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - B Site Safety – Portable Electrical Appliances Power Tools When you are using mains-voltage equipment in construction, the risk of injury or death from using damaged or faulty equipment, leads or plugs is unacceptably high unless you take special precautions. The precautions must reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Reasonably practicable precautions include: using battery-operated tools of less than 25 volts and using reduced-voltage equipment, 110 volt centre tapped to earth. You must never use 230-volt mains-supply equipment. 54 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 55 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - C Site Safety – Portable Electrical Appliances Maintenance It is important that electrical equipment is regularly serviced in line with the manufacturers’ instructions. If you own the equipment, you must do this. The maintenance system will need to include: daily checks regular formal visual inspections and combined inspection and electrical testing where necessary. We have the right to remove from use on site any electrical equipment we suspect is not fit for use, or where a current proof of inspection cannot be produced. You can see the following easily and this should form the basis of the formal visual inspections and your daily checks. Make sure that: you cannot see any bare wires the cable covering is not damaged and is free from cuts and scuffs (apart from light scuffing) the plug is in good condition, in other words, the casing is not cracked, the pins are not bent or the key way (socket) is not blocked with loose material there are no taped or other non-standard joints in the cable the outer covering (sheath) of the cable is gripped where it enters the plug or equipment (you should not be able to see the coloured insulation of the internal wires) the outer casing of the equipment is not damaged or loose and all screws are in place and there are no overheating or burn marks on the plug, cable or the equipment. 55 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 56 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - C Site Safety – Portable Electrical Appliances Combined inspection and electrical testing Testing can find faults such as loss of earth continuity, deterioration of the insulation and contamination by dust, water and so on. All of these faults are likely to happen on a construction site, because of the environment, and they may not be picked up by your checks or formal visual inspections. Because of this, it is important that testing is carried out by a person trained to do so at a frequency appropriate to the type of equipment and the risks. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) What does a PAT Test consist of? This is a visual inspection which checks for: damaged flexes damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration) correctly wired plugs and a correctly rated fuse. Then it involves a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), which can include: earth continuity testing insulation resistance a polarity test and an earth leakage test. 56 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 57 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - C Site Safety – Portable Electrical Appliances Suggested inspection (and how often) for electrical equipment on a construction site (Source: HSE guidance series HSG 141) Equipment/ application Voltage User check Formal Combined visual inspection inspection and test Battery-operated power tools and torches Less than 25 volts No No No 110V Portable and hand-held tools, extension leads, site lighting, moveable wiring systems and associated switchgear Secondary winding centre tapped to earth (55 volt) Weekly Monthly Before first use on site and then every three months You should stop using damaged equipment immediately and clearly label it as faulty. Do not try to carry out makeshift repairs. Repairs should be carried out by competent electricians. 57 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 58 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - D Site Safety – Gas Appliances, Fittings & Ventilation You are bound to come across the requirements for gas appliances and ventilation during your job. It is important that you can recognise if any actions you may take to complete your task will interfere with the appliance or ventilation. Air Supply To make sure the appliance is burning properly, there must be enough air. This is known as adventitious air and normally enough to supply an open-flued appliance up to 7KW. (Usually a nondecorative fuel-effect gas fire without back boiler) Open Flued Appliances Open-flued appliances with inputs higher than 7KW need more permanent fresh air. (A standard domestic boiler would normally be between 15 to 20KW.) A decorative fuel-effect fire up to 20KW would need 100cm2 of free air. When replacing units in rooms containing these types of appliances, you need to pay attention to any permanent ventilation in the existing unit. These units must not be replaced unless there is permanent ventilation of the equivalent free air space, either in the new unit, or it has been provided by another method before the installation (in other words, fitting a core vent). 58 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 59 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - D Site Safety – Gas Appliances, Fittings & Ventilation Overglass or through frame ventilators If you are going to refit the vent in the window, it must: be non-closable not include any extra gauze or screens and have ventilation slots which would prevent a ball which is 10mm in diameter from entering but allow a 5mm ball. Never fit a standard closable ventilator. Do not try to fit external canopies on both sides. Vents which meet the Gas Regulations are marked ‘Gas Vent’ Room-sealed appliances Room-sealed appliances do not need extra ventilation. These are normally modern combination boilers Extractor Fans If extractor fans are to be fitted or replaced in any room or space inside where there is an open-flued appliance, extra ventilation may be needed. This will mean a gas engineer on the Gas Safe register must carry out a spillage test. Gas Cookers Any room containing a gas cooking appliance must have a door or a window which can be opened or another form of ventilation direct to outside air. 59 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 60 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - D Site Safety – Gas Appliances, Fittings & Ventilation Do’s & Don’ts Do: check all existing units for permanent ventilation make sure you replace any existing ventilation check the position of gas terminals in relation to the replacement units check all existing units for pipes that are fixed to or pass through the frame, and that they have been isolated or made dead before you continue and get help from your contract manager if you are not sure. Don’t: ever try to carry out work on any gas fitting or flue ever remove permanent ventilation needed for a gas appliance or ever try to carry out DIY repairs if you accidentally disturb a gas appliance or fitting. Contact your contract manager immediately. Only trained and competent registered engineers are allowed to work with gas. 60 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 61 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - E Site Safety – hand tools Always use the proper tool for the job! Hand tools are basically safe unless abused or misused. You should replace any damaged or worn-out tools. Do not: use blunt cutting tools as they need extra force to carry out the task and increase the risk of slipping use chisels with mushroomed heads (they should be ground down to prevent hammers slipping and metal fragments flying) use screwdrivers as chisels – they become damaged, handles shatter and they then become useless as screwdrivers use a hammer if the head is not secure or the shaft has become damaged or split or leave tools lying around unattended when not in use. This also applies to power tools which should also be disconnected from the power supply when not in use. Do: keep your tools in good condition use tool pouches to hold smaller items (never put sharp tools, particularly Stanley knives, in pockets) store tools safely and securely when not in use and use the right tool for the job. 61 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 62 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Site Safety – working at height Independent tied scaffold You cannot put up any scaffolding unless you are trained to do so or are under the supervision of a trained and competent person. This must be a qualified scaffolder. By law, scaffolds have to be inspected. These inspections should be carried out: before first use after any alteration or addition after poor weather conditions and at least every seven days. Your manager should keep a record of these inspections on site and they must be available for inspection. The scaffold may be ‘scaff tagged’ with the inspection detail actually attached to the scaffold in question. Do not use scaffold unless there is a current and valid inspection record in place. Before using a scaffold, you should carry out some simple visual checks. Check the inspection record. Check that the scaffold is double handrailed and that all toe boards are in place. Check that no scaffold boards have been removed. Check that all boards are secure and appear in good condition. Check that all ladders are secured and extend at least one metre above the working platform. 62 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 63 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Check that safety gates are fitted to external ladder access points. Check that trap doors are fitted to internal ladder access points. If there are ladders to the next lift to protect the trap point, only the uppermost point needs a trap door. If there is no ladder for access to the first lift for security reasons and you need to install a ladder for this purpose, the ladder must extend at least one metre above the working platform and be secured to the scaffold by lashing round both stiles at the top. Using a scaffold: You must wear a hard hat and high-visibility jacket at all times Do not try to increase the height of a scaffold by using ladders, stepladders or any other hop-up style equipment Do not remove any ties provided for the stability of the scaffold Do not climb on the scaffold – only use access ladders Keep the scaffold clear of debris, tools and spare materials Do not work below someone directly above. At the end of each working day, either remove or board over the first lift access ladders to prevent unauthorised access. 63 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 64 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Site Safety – working at height Tower Scaffolds Tower scaffolds are widely available and can provide an effective and safe method of gaining access to work at height while preventing falls. However, using tower scaffolds inappropriately and not putting them up properly are the cause of many accidents each year. Aluminium towers are light and can easily overturn if not used correctly. The towers rely on all parts being in place to make sure they are strong enough. And they can collapse if sections are left out. The manufacturer, supplier or hirer has a duty to provide an instruction manual that explains the sequence in which they must be put up, including any bracing requirements and the height to which the tower can be used safely. Towers must only be put up by or under the supervision of trained and competent people who are following a safe method of work. Trained means having been to a formal session carried out by an authorised trainer of PASMA, the Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association. (You should have a PASMA training identity card which states what you are authorised to do. These cards are normally valid for five years.) Competent means that after the training you have been assessed working with tower scaffold and are using the equipment safely and in line with your training. A safe method of work means working in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and to an approved method. There are two approved methods recommended by PASMA. They have developed these in co-operation with HSE. 64 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 65 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F The first method is the 'through-the-trap' (3T) method. This method allows the person putting up the tower to position themselves so they are at the least risk when installing the guard rail parts to the next level. It involves the operator taking up a working position in the trap door of the platform, from where they can add or remove the parts which act as the guard rails on the level above the platform. It is designed to make sure that the operator does not stand on an unguarded platform, but installs the parts to a particular level while positioned within the trap door of that same level. The second method, an advanced guard rail system, uses specially designed temporary guard rail units, which are locked in place from the level below and moved up to the platform level. The temporary guard rail units help prevent falls and are in place before the operator goes on to the platform to fit the permanent guard rails. By putting up guard rails, in stages, from a protected area at a lower level, the operator is never exposed to the risk of falling from an unguarded platform. If you are using a tower scaffold: make sure it is resting on firm level ground with the locked castors or base plates properly supported never use bricks or building blocks to take the weight of any part of the tower install stabilisers or outriggers when told to do so in the instruction manual provide a safe way to get to and from the work platform, for example, using an appropriately designed internal ladder and provide edge protection (guard rails and toe boards) on all working platforms and platforms used for storing materials. 65 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 66 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Site Safety – working at height The stability of any tower is easily affected. Unless the tower has been specifically designed for this kind of use, never carry out activities such as those listed: Fitting sheets to the scaffold Using the tower in strong winds Using the tower to hoist materials or support rubbish chutes Carrying out grit blasting or water jetting. If ties are needed, check that they are put in place when the scaffold is up and that you keep necessary ties in place when the scaffold is being taken down. When putting up tower scaffolds, do not: over the safe height-to-base ratio in the instruction manual (towers should never be higher than the height recommended by the manufacturer use the working platform as a support for ladders, trestles or other access equipment overload the working platform fix ties to the centres of thin-walled aluminium tubes or climb up the rungs on the end frames of the tower to reach the platform unless the rungs have been specifically designed for the purpose of getting to and from the working platform. These have rung spacings of between 230 and 300 mm and an anti-slip surface. When moving a mobile tower: reduce the height to no more than four metres check that there are no power lines or overhead obstructions in the way check that the ground is firm, level and free from potholes and never move the tower while there are people or materials on it. 66 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 67 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F When towers are used in public places, you need to take extra precautions. Put up barriers at ground level to prevent people from walking into the tower or work area. Reduce, as far as possible, any materials and equipment stored on the working platform. Remove or board over access ladders to prevent unauthorised access if they are to stay in position unattended. When the tower scaffold is up, carry out the following checks: From the Ground Using the manufacturers’ instructions, check that all parts are in their correct positions. Check that the tower is vertical and level in both planes. Check that the outriggers are correctly triangulated, that they are on firm and stable ground and bearing their share of the weight of the tower. Check that all the castors are locked and that they are all bearing their share of the weight of the tower and the surface they are resting on is firm and stable. Check that the wing nuts on the castors are fully tightened but wear gloves to do this (at least one adjustable leg should be fully retracted at all times). Check that the tower has not been put up too close to overhead power lines (within 15 metres of electricity pylons and 9 metres of wooden poles carrying cables). Check the weather conditions as you should not work on towers if wind speeds are more than 17mph. (On the Beaufort scale 4 = 13 to 18 mph and is classed as a moderate breeze. It would be expected that the wind raises dust and loose paper and that small branches move.) 67 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 68 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Site Safety – working at height Climbing the tower gradually Check that hooks on both ends of horizontal and diagonal braces and platform boards are correctly positioned, and that the locking mechanisms have locked into place. Check that hatches open towards the outside of the tower and that the guard rail prevents them being left open. Check that the all interlocking sections are in the correct position and are secure. Check that all handrails and toe boards are fitted and secure. If the tower has been tied to the structure, check the ties are sound. Finally before you first use the scaffold, fill in an inspection report. You do not need a new report every time the tower is moved at the property address. However, if you need to remove guard rails or other parts to allow the tower to be moved past an obstruction, you should carry out a pre-user check to make sure the equipment has been put back correctly. In this situation, you need to update the inspection report to record this. You can get copies of the inspection report from the contract manager or supervisor. You must hand the report into the site office or to your contract manager at the end of each day. It must be kept for three months. 68 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 69 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Easi-Dec Only put up Easi Dec if you are trained to do so or under the supervision of trained and competent people and in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Trained means having been to a formal session carried out by Easi Dec or an ABP authorised trainer. (You should have received a certificate of training.) Competent means that after the training you have been assessed working with Easi Dec and are using the equipment safely and in line with the training. During your training session you will have received a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions. You should keep these in case you need them in the future. You can get a copy of this manual from your contract manager if you have misplaced the one issued. 69 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 70 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Site Safety – working at height Easi-Dec Manual Front Cover 70 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 71 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - F Easi-Dec There must be at least two people to assemble Easi Dec. And, at least one person in this team must be trained and competent. After you have put up the Easi Dec, and before you use it, you should carry out some simple checks. 1 Is the dec at the correct angle (1/4) with platform level and at 900 to the wall? 2 Are the guard rails and toe boards fitted? 3 Is the access ladder at the correct angle, tied to the platform at the top and stabilisers used at the bottom? 4 Are all the correct locking pins in place with R clips facing the inside of the dec? 5 Are the horizontal and diagonal braces fitted? 6 Are the back legs fitted correctly (about 15 to 25mm off the ground) or is the dec staked to the ground through the foot and tied into the structure through the ring bolt in the platform? 7 Are the catwalks positioned correctly with the securing straps in place? 8 Do you have the correct PPE, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, high-visibility jacket and so on? Before you first use the Easi Dec, you must fill in an inspection report. You do not need a new report every time the Easi Dec is moved at the property address. However, if guard rails or other parts have to be removed to allow the Easi Dec to be moved past an obstruction, you should carry out a pre-user check to make sure the equipment has been put back correctly. In this situation, you need to update the inspection report to record this. You can get copies of the inspection report from the ABP manager. You must hand the report into the site office or to your contract manager at the end of each day. It must be kept for three months. 71 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 72 Installers Best Practice Guide Site Safety – working at height Ladders – requirements for using them You can use ladders if, after assessing the risks, using more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and the short time you will need the equipment. By this, we mean no longer than 30 minutes depending on the task. You can also use ladders for low-risk work where there are features on the site that mean you must use a ladder. + Any leaning ladder used on an installation for us must be fitted with top and bottom stabilisers. + Section 2 - G Ladders must be industrial class-1 ladders to BS2037 standard, or commercial grade to BS EN131 with a maximum static vertical load of 150kg. Never use class-3 domestic grade ladders on site. 72 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 73 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - G Ladders – maintenance and inspection You should check ladders each day if you are using them. If your ladder is not up to scratch, you could fall from it. You do not have to fall far to land hard. In 2008, over 165 workers a month suffered broken bones or head injuries following falls from ladders. Most of them fell less than two metres. Take a moment to check your ladder. Check the stiles Do not use the ladder if they are bent or split - the ladder could buckle or collapse. Check the feet Do not use the ladder if they are missing or worn or damaged - the ladder could slip. Check the rungs Do not use the ladder if they are bent, missing or loose - the ladder could become unstable. Your contract manager should inspect your ladders every six months and make a record of the condition. We can inspect any ladder brought onto the site using our own checklist and insist that you remove it if it is not up to standard. 73 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 74 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - G Site Safety – working at height Ladders: Before use First ask yourself: am I fit to work at height? Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder. A leaning ladder in good condition has: Both feet firmly attached and with a good tread Clean rungs Undamaged stiles (the side pieces that the rungs are attached to) Secure fastenings when it is extended. A leaning ladder in a good position: Is at an angle of 75° - one unit out for every four units up Will not move at the bottom Stands on a surface that is: firm level clear dry and not slippery. Will not move at the top Rests on a strong upper resting point (not plastic guttering or a window) and Has horizontal rungs (use a spirit level). In use: Only work on a ladder for up to 30 minutes at a time Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg) Use a tool pouch if possible to keep your hands free Always grip the ladder when climbing Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task Do not work off the top three rungs - this provides a handhold Try to keep three points of contact with the ladder. 74 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 75 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - G Step ladders As with ladders, you should only use industrial class-1 stepladders to BS2037, or commercial grade to BS EN131 with a maximum static vertical load of 150kg on site. Only use stepladders for light work which will last no more than 30 minutes and where a handhold is available. When you cannot maintain a handhold, you would have to justify using stepladders by taking into account: the height of the task whether you have a safe handhold on the stepladder whether it is light work whether the task avoids a side loading whether you will avoid overreaching whether your feet are fully supported and whether you can tie the stepladder. You must also carry out daily pre-use checks and formal six monthly inspections to make sure the stepladders are safe to use. Check the locking bars Do not use if they are bent or the fixings are worn or damaged - the ladder could collapse Check the feet Do not use if the feet are missing, worn or damaged the stepladder could slip. Check the stepladder platform Do not use if it is split or buckled - the ladder could become unstable or collapse. Check the steps or treads Do not use if they are not clean - or if the fixings are loose - they could collapse. Check the stiles Do not use if they are bent or damaged - the ladder could buckle or collapse. If working from stepladders – make sure the base is level. Stepladders can easily overbalance – never work more than two-thirds of the way up. 75 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 76 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - H Personal Safety You have a duty to take reasonable care of your own health and safety. You must follow safe systems of work to keep the risks as low as reasonably possible. You must use personal protective equipment to further reduce any residual risk. No Safety Footwear No Work Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) We will make the following items available, free of charge, to all installers. Ansell PowerFlex Plus (BS EN388:2003) This is an ideal all-round glove. Good at resisting cuts, tears and punctures. 18” Kevlar Sleeve (FS18) For extra protection and to add to safety gloves when handling broken and unframed glass. Good at resisting cuts and tears but not punctures. Max Pre-shaped Ear Plugs (BS EN352-5:2002) Protect against loud noise when using power tools. 76 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 77 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2 - H Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Peltor Safety Glasses (BS EN166:2002) Protect against mechanical hazards, solid particles, and flying objects. For use when ripping out, cutting, drilling, handling and clearing broken glass and so on. Hardhat & Hi-Visibility Jacket 77 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 78 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 2- H Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) If there is a chance you could be hit by falling objects (for example, in the warehouse) or have contact with access equipment (for example, scaffolding) and fixed objects (for example, nails in doorways, beams and so on), you must wear a hard hat. High-visibility jackets and vests are yellow clothing items that draw attention to people working in hazardous areas, particularly near moving traffic or on construction sites. You must wear this clothing: on construction and installation sites in regional operations warehouses and in areas where vehicles move around, for example, if our fitting vans and HGV delivery vehicles are operating. 78 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 79 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 Dangers to Health 79 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 80 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - A Biological Agents Biological agents are in the main naturally occurring materials that you may come across in the workplace which are often not related to the work being carried out. If you could come into contact with infectious material such as human waste, rubbish that could attract rats, dead birds (particularly in high-rise buildings) or needles, the situation will need to be assessed. The most effective method of preventing infection is to avoid direct contact with the infectious material and make sure you have high standards of personal hygiene. You should: only use your hands to clear materials after checking the area to see if there are any contaminants such as needles and sharps cover any broken skin and cuts with plasters before starting work and where appropriate wear gloves and safety glasses before eating, drinking or smoking, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and following contact with any material likely to be infectious, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and clean water. If there is contact with the eyes or mouth, thoroughly irrigate with clean water for up to 15 minutes. 80 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 81 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - B Chemical Agents Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) The type of work we do involves daily contact with substances which, to different extents, are dangerous to health. As an employer we have to assess the risks from chemicals to make sure they are used and stored safely. Under COSHH there is a range of substances treated as dangerous to health, which are usually identified as substances or mixtures of substances classified as dangerous to health under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 (CHIP). For most commercial chemicals, the presence (or not) of a warning label on the packaging will say whether COSHH is relevant. When using chemicals, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions printed on the packaging and also the guidelines in the COSHH assessments. COSHH assessments are in the site construction phase health and safety plan on all contracts. Make sure that you have read and understood the dangers, safe use and disposal of each chemical you will have to use. There is new legislation which has meant that there will be new labelling to all packaging which contain chemicals. On the following pages you will see examples of the existing and new warning labels. 81 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 82 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - B Chemical Agents The table below highlights the existing common warning symbols on packaging and associated meanings. Symbol Abbreviation Hazard Description of Hazard E explosive Chemicals that explode. F+ extremely flammable Chemicals that have an extremely low flash point and boiling point, and gases that catch fire in contact with air F highly flammable Chemicals that may catch fire in contact with air, only need brief contact with an ignition source, have a very low flash point or evolve highly flammable gases in contact with water T+ very toxic Chemicals that at very low levels cause damage to health T toxic Chemicals that at low levels cause damage to health Xn harmful Chemicals that may cause damage to health Xi irritant Chemicals that may cause inflammation to the skin or other mucous membranes. C corrosive Chemicals that may destroy living tissue on contact. N dangerous for the environment Chemicals that may present an immediate or delayed danger to one or more components of the environment Source: www.hse.gov.uk 82 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 83 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - C Chemical Agents The table below highlights the new common warning symbols introduced on packaging from December 2010. Symbol Example of Statement Example of Precautionary Statement Heating may cause an explosion Example precautionary statement Heating may cause fire Keep away from heat , sparks, open flames and hot surfaces – no smoking. May make fire more intense; acts as an oxidiser Keep only in original container. Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles. Causes serious eye damage Wear eye protection. Toxic if swallowed Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects Avoid releasing into the environment. Reflects serious longer term health hazards such as carcinogenicity and respiratory sensitisation. For example, it may cause an allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. In case of poor ventilation, wear respiratory protection. Refers to less serious health risks such as skin irritation, sensitisation and replaces the CHIP symbol. For example, may cause an allergic skin reaction. Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. Used when the containers hold gas under pressure. For example, may explode when heated. Keep away from heat sources. 83 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 84 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - C Dangers to health – skin care Any or all of the following can cause problems to the skin: Dust from brick, stone and plaster Cement Paints, varnishes, lacquers and stains Certain woods, especially exotic hard woods Certain epoxy resins and mortars and acrylic and formaldehyde resins Organic solvents Petrol, white sprit, thinners Acids and alkalis Ultra-violet not-ionising radiation from direct strong sunlight. Some people suffer skin disorders more than others. Their skin becomes sensitised. This means that sometimes being near a certain substance can cause problems for these people, even though they may not have direct contact with it. 84 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 85 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - C Dangers to health – skin care Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering, skin ageing and, in the long term, can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Always follow the sun protection six-point code: Keep your top on – clothing forms a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays – especially tightly woven fabrics Wear a hat with a brim or flap that covers the ears and back of the neck – these areas can easily get sunburnt Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunchtime Use a high-factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin. Apply as directed on the product Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour or is itching or bleeding. 85 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 86 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - C Dangers to health – skin care Cement Wet cement on unprotected skin, whether direct or through wet clothing, can cause severe, third-degree caustic burns. Portland cement burns skin with little warning. You cannot rely on feeling discomfort or pain to let you know that you are being burned. You may not realise how severe the burn is until several hours after contact. Dry Portland cement can produce effects from mild irritation to severe burns of the eye. It can irritate the upper respiratory system and cause inflammation of the lining of the nose. Repeated exposure to Portland cement may result in drying of the skin and may lead to the skin thickening or cracking. Emergency and First Aid Procedures Rinse out eyes immediately and repeatedly with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. Wash exposed skin areas with pH-neutral soap and clean water. Apply sterile dressings. And, get medical treatment in all cases of prolonged exposure to wet Portland cement. 86 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 87 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - D Asbestos Asbestos Awareness Properties There are two types of asbestos rock - amphibole and serpentine. The most dangerous types of asbestos fibres are blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos which are found in the amphibole group. The most common form of asbestos is white asbestos (chrysotile). This is the type of asbestos fibre normally found in asbestos cement and is from the serpentine group. The risks to health from chrysotile are significantly lower than the other forms of asbestos. Because of this, asbestos cement may be removed by trained competent people without them needing to hold an asbestos removal licence issued by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). On the other hand, asbestos insulation board usually contains the significantly more dangerous amosite or crocidolite forms and may only be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. The contractor must give HSE 14 days’ notice that they are planning to remove this form of asbestos. 87 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 88 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - D Asbestos Asbestos Awareness Effects on health The main risk to health from asbestos fibres is if they are inhaled. The body’s natural defence mechanisms will expel most of the fibres that enter the nose and mouth, but some of these tiny fibres can pass through these defence mechanisms into the lower parts of the lung. They can stay there for many years and, in some cases, work their way through the lung lining. Because of this, the more fibres breathed in, the greater the risk to health. Asbestos fibres taken in with food and water are normally expelled with other body waste. Fibres that come into contact with the hands are not likely to penetrate the skin. In the rare cases where they do, they may cause asbestos warts. These do not cause asbestos disease, are not fatal, and can be easily and safely removed. Breathing in asbestos fibres can eventually lead to a number of diseases. These include: Asbestosis or Fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs Lung cancer Mesothelioma, a cancer of the inner lining of the chest wall or abdominal cavity. There is currently no known cure for these asbestos-related diseases. Long term studies by HSE of asbestos exposure have proven that low levels and short periods of exposure are unlikely to lead to asbestos-related diseases unless repeated over a period of time. High exposure for long periods is linked more clearly to these illnesses. 88 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 89 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - D Smoking Smoking increases the likelihood of contracting an asbestos disease by four times. Where asbestos is usually found in buildings You could come across asbestos in: soffit boards, at eaves level or in porches (these may be either asbestos cement board or asbestos insulation board) fixed-panel glazing usually to the lower section of frames fitting down to the floor (again they may be either asbestos cement board or asbestos insulation board) rainwater goods such as guttering and downpipes containing asbestos cement textured decorative coatings such as Artex and vinyl or thermoplastic floor tiles. Asbestos soffit on head of window Asbestos panel in lower fixed glazing 89 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 90 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - D Asbestos You may also come across asbestos in the following: Sprayed asbestos and asbestos loose packing – generally used as fire breaks in ceiling voids Moulded or preformed lagging – generally used in thermal insulation of pipes and boilers Sprayed asbestos – generally used as fire protection in ducts, firebreaks, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and around structural steelwork Insulating boards used for fire protection, thermal insulation, partitioning and ducts (AIB) Some ceiling tiles Millboard, paper and paper products used for insulating electrical equipment. General procedures in dealing with an emergency, for example, an uncontrolled release of asbestos dust. Stop work immediately. Isolate the area and, if it is safe to do so: - damp down any exposed area using water spray (glass cleaner); and - create a partial enclosure using plastic ground sheets. Contact your contract manager or supervisor. 90 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 91 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - D How to avoid the risks from asbestos Work with asbestos is defined as work which includes removing, repairing or disturbing asbestos. Check the property survey sheet as this should highlight any materials suspected of containing asbestos which will affect your work. Assess your task and do not go ahead if you suspect it involves work with asbestos. Only trained and competent people are allowed to work with asbestos depending on a site-specific plan of work where all the risks have been reduced to the lowest possible level. If you have any doubts, stop work and contact your contract manager. House built with asbestos cement sheeting to both walls and roof. The guttering and downpipes are also asbestos cement. 91 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 92 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - E Manual Handling Manual-handling injuries account for over one-fifth of all accidents and ill-health incidents in the construction industry. Much of the work carried out on our sites involves lifting, carrying, moving and placing loads, sometimes of awkward shapes, in and around sites. Poor lifting techniques can result in strained muscles or serious back injuries. Common Injuries: Strains to muscles Sprains to joints Herniated discs Cuts Crushing Fractures. The guidance weight that an individual male can lift is 25kg. The weight is only a guide. Basically, it is up to the individual to say if they can lift it or not. 92 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 93 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - E Your duties Follow appropriate systems of work we have laid down for your safety. Make proper use of equipment provided for your safety, for example, trolley wheels. Co-operate with us on health-and-safety matters. Tell us if you see any dangerous handling activities. Make sure that your activities do not put others at risk. Good Handling Technique for Lifting Below are some practical tips suitable for safe manual handling. Think before lifting/handling Plan the lift. Can you use handling aids? Where is the load going to be placed? Will you need help with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded materials. If something is going to take a while to lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip. 93 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 94 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - E Manual Handling Keep the load close to the waist Keep the load close to your body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to your body. If you cannot get close to the load, try to slide it towards your body before trying to lift it. Get into a stable position Your feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground). You should be prepared to move your feet during the lift so you can stay stable. Start in a good posture At the start of the lift, it is better to slightly bend your back, hips and knees than fully flexing your back (stooping) or fully flexing your hips and knees (squatting). Do not flex the back any further while lifting This can happen if your legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the load. Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways, especially while your back is bent. You should keep your shoulders level and face in the same direction as your hips. Turning by moving your feet is better than twisting and lifting at the safe time. 94 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 95 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - E Keep the head up when handling Look ahead, not down at the load, once you are holding it securely. Move smoothly Do not jerk or snatch the load as this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury. Do not lift or handle more than you can easily manage There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can safely lift. If in doubt, get advice or get help. Put down, then adjust If you need to position the load precisely, put it down first, then slide it into the position you want. 95 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 96 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - F Dangers to health – noise and vibration Noise Being exposed to loud noises can, over a period of time, cause you to go deaf. In some cases people suffer from ‘ringing’ in their ears which affects their social life and ability to sleep. Noise damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. If you have to shout to make yourself heard – your hearing is being damaged. Always wear hearing protection in noisy areas or ‘hearing protection zones’ where warning signs are displayed. This is especially relevant on new-build sites. Make sure your ear plugs are a good fit. Always make sure when fitting or removing plugs that your hands are clean. Clean reusable plugs regularly. Use disposable plugs only once. Legally you have to keep ear protection in a clean and serviceable condition and get replacements for damaged items. Protect your hearing – not being able to hear warning shouts could put you at risk. 96 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 97 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - F Vibration Hand-arm vibration is vibration transmitted into your hands and arms when you use hand-held powered work equipment. Too much of this kind of vibration can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arms, and can become severely disabling if ignored. It includes vibration white finger, which can cause severe pain in the affected finger Ways to prevent HAVs are to use suitable low-vibration tools. Always use the right tool for each job. (This will allow you to do the job more quickly and expose you to less hand-arm vibration.) Check tools before using them to make sure they have been properly maintained and repaired to avoid increased vibration caused by faults or general wear. Make sure cutting tools, and drills bits are kept sharp so that they stay efficient. Reduce the amount of time you use a tool in one go, by doing other jobs in between. Avoid gripping or forcing a tool or piece of equipment more than you have to. 97 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 98 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - G Dangers to health – alcohol and drugs There is no place in the working environment for drug or alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a depressant and suppresses brain function. You need all your concentration when at work. This is particularly crucial on construction sites where you have to work with dangerous machinery and at heights. On average it can take one hour for a half-pint of beer or lager to leave your body. A heavy drinking session the night before may leave you over the limit the following morning. In 2009 nearly 20% of road deaths happened when the driver was over the legal limit. Some people killed on construction sites were also found to be over the limit. 5% of all road casualties had alcohol as a factor. When prescribed by a doctor, drugs can help, but some can have side effects that may affect your judgement or performance. If you are on any prescribed drug, tell your contract manager or supervisor. Anglian Building Products Drug and Alcohol Policy We will not allow anyone to work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If we find anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we will ask them to leave and they will be reported to their contract manager for further disciplinary action. 98 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 99 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - H Dangers to health – violent residents Residents who exhibit violent tendencies There may be situations where residents become verbally abusive or even aggressive. If this ever happens, you should avoid confrontation by always staying calm and polite. Do not become involved in an argument and keep a clear route where you can leave the premises as soon as you are able. Contact your contract manager, supervisor or resident liaison officer and tell them about the situation. 99 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 100 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - I Closing Statement Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of management or the HSE. This guide is aimed at giving you advice and best practice on how you can work safely and achieve a quality installation. This is not full guidance. In some circumstances, site-specific arrangements may be made that vary from this. If you fail to keep to this guidance or any other Anglian Building Products policies and health and safety procedures, we will take disciplinary action against you. Remember - the person who holds the greatest interest in you working safely is the person reading this statement. 100 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 101 Installers Best Practice Guide Section 3 - J Acceptance Sheet I confirm that I have received, have read and fully understand the contents of this Installers best-practice guide. I agree to keep to the rules, policies and procedures laid down. I understand that if I fail to keep to these rules, you may take disciplinary action against me. (Please use BLOCK CAPITALS) Trading Name (if applicable): Contact telephone number: Fax Number: Email address: Print Name: Signed: Date: Important Note It is your responsibility to make sure that you have given any person under your control or direction a copy of this guide before they begin any work on our sites. Issued on Behalf of Anglian Building Products: Print Name: Position: Signed: Date: Issue Number: 101 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 102 102 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 103 We have prepared this booklet as a guide to the minimum standards installers working for us must follow. Installers who work for us must also keep to best industry standards and to all Acts of Parliament, orders, regulations, by-laws and legal documents of any Minister of the Crown, government department or local or other authority, including the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies (where this applies). They must also keep to the requirements of all regulations, codes of practice and national agreements which apply to health, safety, welfare and employment which may be in force from time to time, together with our health and safety policies, rules and regulations in force at the time of the work. Errors and Omissions Excepted 103 Installers Best Practice Guide 26/7/11 10:24 Page 104 Anglian Building Products Unit 30 59 Hurricane Way Norwich NR6 6JB 0870 4280274 www.anglian-building.co.uk [email protected] HSGV2 11