Our Heath & Safety Policy
CRUMBLEHOLME Builders LLP
2 Rectory Cottages, Warmwell, Dorchester, Dorset. DT2 8HF
Tel 01305 854876 Mobile 07870 642366 e mail : simon(insert@here)crumbleholme.co.uk
Website : www.crumbleholme.co.uk LLP Reg : OC385265 VAT : 163 0640 35
Partnership Health & Safety Policy
(Edition – January 2024)
1) General Policy and Intent ………This partnership has a commitment to:
1.1) So far as reasonably practical, to ensure the Health & Safety of all persons (members, sub contractors, customers / general public) who may be affected by the company’s activities.
1.2) Provide adequate information, instruction/training & supervision to allow all persons to avoid hazards & contribute to their own & other’s Health & Safety.
1.3) Provide safe methods of work, access to work places and safe work environments.
1.4) Arrange safe transport, handling, storage and use of all materials and substances.
1.5) Provide and maintain : safe plant; vehicles & equipment; adequate welfare facilities; personal protective equipment (PPE).
1.6) Carry out risk assessments of hazards & formulate method statements to minimise risks during working.
1.7) Undertake safety inspections & ensure correct reporting / investigation procedures of incidents, accidents & occupational ill health.
1.8) Carry out regular monitoring & reviews of Health & Safety measures & consult with staff over matters affecting their Health & Safety
NB : Coronavirus - please refer to item 3.6a below
2) Partnership’s Responsibilities :
Simon Crumbleholme as managing partner of Crumbleholme Builders LLP has overall responsibility for the partnership's Health & Safety. He has a degree in Building Technology & Management, has received Health & Safety training and has several year’s experience in the building industry at managing and supervisory levels.
He will ensure that :
2.1) The partnership's Health & Safety policies are implemented & maintained
2.2) Adequate resources, time and money are expended to fulfil the policies.
2.3) Competent advice, guidance & publications are obtained to comply with new & existing Health & Safety legalisation.
2.4) Hazards are identified as far as practical. Risk assessments & work method statements are formulated as necessary during estimating and / or constructional phases of works. All staff & persons concerned are fully informed of these.
2.5) Records of sickness, incidents / accidents, safety training, vehicle / plant inventory & maintenance are maintained.
2.6) Members and sub contractors are motivated to maintain Health & Safety at all times and report hazards or defects as soon as they are known.
2.7) Remedial action is taken following reports of hazards, defects or incidents.
2.8) Regular reviews of this policy are undertaken. When such policy reviews / amendments are made, that these are brought to the attention of all staff & persons concerned.
3) Duties & Responsibilities of operatives - these apply to everyone.
They (all members & sub contractors) must :
3.1) Read and understand this document. Updated versions will be issued as required as they are made.
3.2) Safe Systems / Methods of Work : Fully comply with systems / methods of work agreed and provided for everyone's safety.
A Safe work system / method is devised taking into account the hazards of the job or task.
A Hazard is "something that could cause harm".
A Risk is "the likelihood (high or low) that someone will be injured by the hazard"
A Risk Assessment is a careful examination of what factors could cause unsafe working or injury and a method statement is made to define the safe work methods / practices to be used to minimise the risk of injury as far as reasonably practical. Some of these will be general covering tasks often undertaken whilst unusual hazards / risks will require specific assessments and method statements.
3.3) Hazard Reporting : Simon Crumbleholme is to be advised if it is thought that further hazards and risks are present and that the planned safe working practices need changing. This also applies if the partnership is working as a sub contractor to another contractor.
3.4) Workplaces must be kept free of debris and well lit. Fire escape routes must be established prior to starting and maintained unobstructed at all times.
3.5) Protection / Barriers : Workplaces must be adequately protected from entry by unauthorised persons (especially children). Barriers & Heras type fencing must be used as required. Excavations must be protected by barriers and covered up if possible. Adequate warning signs must be displayed at all times.
3.6) Welfare / Hygiene : Thorough washing of hands, faces etc must be undertaken prior to eating or smoking. Washing and toilet facilities to be arranged at each workplace / site.
3.6a) Coronavirus : (from 2020) This virus can be contracted from close proximity with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. Current Government Guidance will be followed - Simon Crumbleholme has automatic update emails from HM Government and also Dorset Council.
Social distancing is to be maintained wherever possible and face masks and other PPE is to be worn by all if required. Food and drink is not to be accepted from customers. Frequent and thorough hand washing / cleansing is to be maintained.
If symptoms develop, Simon Crumbleholme is to be advised ASAP by phone or text. Self isolation is to be undertaken until a suitable test or medical advice is received.
At March 2022 - Restrictions have been lifted.
3.7) Smoking or vaping : Smoking is strictly forbidden by law on any site.
3.8) First Aid : First aid kits are provided in each vehicle and must be maintained / replenished.
3.9) Fitness for work : Everyone must be aware of the effect of alcohol and drugs on their ability and fitness to carry out work safely. This includes the taking of medicines (on prescription or otherwise). Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs must not work, operate plant or drive vehicles. Simon Crumbleholme must be advised immediately of any change to health or an illness that might pose a potential risk of any sort.
3.10) Eyesight : Must be satisfactory with glasses / contact lenses worn if required. Any other disabilities must be declared to allow suitable arrangements to be made. Eye protection to be worn when required.
3.11) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn whenever necessary. Ensure that PPE is looked after properly & that it is renewed when defective. Hard hats must be worn when necessary or at all times if the workplace is declared a “hard hat area”. PPE will be free issue by the partnership but operatives must provide and wear suitable safety footwear at all times. (see item 3.33 at the end of this document for list)
3.12) Dress : Operatives must also dress suitably at all times (ie no clothing / long hair that could catch in any equipment etc). When necessary, operatives must use sun block creams with sunhats / sunglasses / clothing to prevent sunburn etc.
3.13) Infections : Operatives must take reasonable care & precautions when working under possible exposure to biological infections etc. Thoroughly wash (sterilise if necessary) after work and prior to eating or smoking. Adequate vaccinations must be maintained by all operatives (if in doubt consult your doctor).
3.14) Incident Reporting : Every incident, however small must be recorded - this means anything that interrupts work, causes a problem or injury. Such incidents must be recorded in the partnership's accident book held at Simon Crumbleholme's home office. He will also investigate circumstances and take any steps required.
Reporting serious accidents - under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) it is a legal requirement for employers to report serious incidents to the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).
3.15) Manual Handling : (ie Human effort to move any object ) Everyone must take reasonable care against personal injury involved in tasks such as lifting heavy loads. Additional help must be sought and if necessary suitable lifting equipment employed. The partnership will strive to minimise manual handling operations.
3.16) Working at Height :
Ladders - these should only be used for short term and very light work. Generally they should only be regarded as a means of access to work at heights. They should be erected at an angle of approx 1 : 4 and always securely anchored.
Mobile scaffold towers : These must be erected on level bases with all boards/guards rails used. They must be securely anchored where required and regularly checked & maintained.
Scaffolding : Will always be erected by a specialist scaffolding company and must not be altered in anyway except by the competent persons working for the scaffolding company.
Harnesses : Where necessary harnesses are to be used with suitable anchor points.
Hoists / chutes : Only certified hoists and chutes are to be used. Precautions and barriers must be in place at all levels. Materials or debris must never be thrown down from a height.
3.17) Working with Heat : When working with heat (welding, LPG torches or hot air guns etc) care must be taken to ensure that fire extinguishers are to hand and protective heat mats used where possible. Regular checks must be made on adjacent combustible materials for smouldering fires etc and for a period of 30 minutes after completion of this work.
3.18) Fire : Fire is potentially very dangerous. Fire hazards arise from the use of machinery, cutters, grinders, welding, blowtorches, hot air guns, electricity and deliberately started fires (including smoking). Everyone must be aware of fire hazards and maintain fire prevention at all times. Fire extinguishers are provided in all vehicles and they must always be ready for use. Everyone must know how to use them and they must be replenished immediately if used.
3.19) Confined Spaces / Lone working : Where working in confined spaces or alone, special precautions must be formulated and put in place. Whenever possible lone working must be minimised and regular contact made by mobile phone to colleagues if possible.
3.20) Working on or near public highway : When working / loading / unloading etc on or near a public highway (or other potentially dangerous public/private area) full safety precautions must be put in place as required. These are to include high visibility vests / jackets and where necessary cones, barriers and signs etc and banksmen if required.
3.21) COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Risk assessments must be undertaken to reduce the risk of harm from any materials, liquids, gases, fumes, dust etc used or encountered to a minimum. If possible, exposure to or the use of a hazardous substance should be avoided or designed out. Only when this cannot achieved, should respiratory protective equipment / clothing be used.
Hazard data sheets on the materials / products should be studied prior to use and then strictly adhered to. Recommended work practices must be employed and good hygiene rules followed (ie washing prior to eating or smoking etc). Where necessary designated protective equipment must be worn (ie goggles, masks, gloves, protective clothing etc).
Pro-active steps must be taken to limit and contain dust generation (ie wet cutting / protective sheeting etc). Remember that other people / clients / general public can be harmed by fumes / dust etc that you generate.
3.22) Asbestos : This will be encountered in the following ways
a) Identified prior to works starting with sample testing, suitable method statements / specialists in place.
b) Accidentally encountered during working.
Asbestos containing materials are widespread (ie fascia boards, ceilings, panels, insulation, gutters/downpipes, profiled/corrugated roofing, floor tiles, older artex, some artificial roof slates etc)
Where asbestos is found or suspected, work must stop and Simon Crumbleholme informed so that specialist advice / investigation can be sought.
3.23) Lead : This leaves a residue on the skin & can be absorbed by eating or smoking if hands are not thoroughly washed. Cuts should be protected & gloves worn whenever possible. Also see manual handling above.
3.24) Storage of Materials : Materials must be safely stored (ie bricks/blocks not stacked unevenly or too high; materials on scaffolds secured etc). Combustible materials must not be exposed to heat or naked flames.
Cement / plaster / lime etc are not to be left exposed to be blown by draughts or wind. Materials must be protected to prevent damage or distortion - this could cause harm when being used or worked.
Petrol, white spirit and other inflammable substances must be stored in manufacturer's containers or specific labelled containers (ie manufactured petrol cans). Such substances must be stored in adequately ventilated areas away from sources of ignition.
3.25) Disposal of Rubbish : Rubbish to be bagged or placed in a skip as it is generated. A clean site is a safe one ! Special care must be taken with glass etc and skips safeguarded from the public and especially children. Plasterboard to be separately disposed of generally in yard based skip.
The Partnership is registered with the Environment Agency and holds a Certificate of Registration under The Waste (England & Wales) Regulations 2011 (commonly known as a waste transfer licence < use link to view.
3.26) Use of plant & equipment : Do not modify or misuse any item of equipment - including scaffolding, safety harnesses, safety guards, warning signs/barriers and fire extinguishers. Do not use any equipment or plant that you are not competent to use. Understand and do not exceed the limitations on performance of any equipment
3.27) Electrical Plant shall be battery powered whenever possible. If not, 110volt shall be used and if 240volt has to be used, it shall be used with a RCD safety device. Correct fuses, circuit breakers must be used at all times. Unattended equipment must be unplugged and stored securely. Do not work on or attempt to repair live equipment. Isolate completely (ie unplug) before changing blades or drill bits etc. Where possible use low voltage battery drills and tools.
3.28) Power Cables : Care must taken in routing site power cables - these to be 110v where ever possible. Cables must be protected and not crushed / driven over or present trip hazards. Damaged cables/terminations to plant or plugs must be rectified immediately. Cables must not be undersized or excessively long for the loading being transmitted. They shall be fully unwound when in use to prevent overheating.
3.29) Plant Defects : Report defects on plant, vehicles/equipment immediately. Label & remove faulty items from the workplace. The above points apply equally to any hired plant.
3.30) Vehicles : The partnership will take steps to maintain its vehicles in good condition. Any defects must be reported immediately. The driver of each vehicle is responsible for checking the vehicle prior to use and must not drive the vehicle if unroadworthy.
Vehicles must not be unevenly or over loaded - loads must be fully secured. If anyone uses their own vehicles, the above points shall still apply and adequate insurance must be held for any business / trade use.
3.31) Driving : All drivers must be competent and possess a full licence. They must drive safely, paying due regard to traffic, weather conditions and the Highway Code. Ample time must be allowed for journeys to avoid speeding. Employees must not drive if too tired after work, adequate rest is to be taken or alternative arrangements made. Simon Crumbleholme must be made aware of any traffic related offences or points.
3.32) Emergencies : If an emergency or fire arises, stay calm and do not rush or panic. Escape from the danger area and contact emergency services as appropriate. Inform Simon Crumbleholme as soon as possible (mobile / phone numbers on first page of this policy)
3.33) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Finally !! Use common sense at all times.
If you are unsure or concerned over any matter whatsoever - ASK Simon Crumbleholme.