Health & Safety Update - April 2019

Health & Safety Update | April 2019

Industry News - Safety & Security - PPE - Tools & Equipment

Reaching new heights of protection from high-level damage Workplace safety innovators, A-SAFE, have re-engineered their Height Restrictor to bring even more customer benefits

Warehouse Labelling and Identification Systems By jim Roberts

The management of any warehouse/stores needs an effective labelling and identification system, stock needs to be identified and in its rightful place in order to maximise order picking and minimise costly errors. Beaverswood can offer a one stop shop for all your warehouse labelling and identification needs.

It is understood that many order pickers working in an environment where an in-effective system operates waste a large proportion of their time trying to pick goods that are not in their rightful place.

This also leads to an increase in picking errors these errors hurt every aspect of the business as not only does it lead to having to re-process the order sometimes involving credits, re-invoices and re-despatch taking up lots of precious time it could also lower customer retention.

For many SME’s having a full blown barcoded order picking system isn’t feasible due to the costs and as a result most business retain their existing systems which often become antiquated as a result of changes in product, market fluctuations and warehouses practices. A small outlay to produce a labelling system can help in

achieving lower picking times, lower errors and often help in increasing customer satisfaction and retention.

Looking purely at cost saving lets use a typical example of an industrial goods re-seller averaging 50 orders a day with an average order value of £75.00 (£3750.00) His order picking errors are 3% (1.5 orders per day) with all the associated costs to correct these orders running at £40 per order. 1.5 orders x £40 =£60 – per day x 20 working days a month x 12 months = a yearly cost of £14,400. By having a more efficient system and reducing order picking rates down to 0.5% which would equate to 0.25 orders per day (£40 x 0.25 x 20 days x 12 months) would give a total cost of £2,400. Not only therefore is there a direct saving of £12,000 achieved in the first year but also it would equate to an extra 300 orders being delivered correctly to the customer, a true double edge sword by reducing costs and improving customer retention.

As well as having an effective labelling system, legislation states that you must warn staff/visitors of hazards within the premises.

According to statistics one worker is killed every six weeks and many more injured as a direct result of forklift accidents. Having set pedestrianised routes/areas and visible forklift warning signs will help reduce the likelihood of any incidents occurring. Our floor marking range can be found here FLOOR MARKERS

To further aid demarcation products such as floor signalling can be used which help highlight walkways, traffic flow, pallet positions and general marking on the warehouse floor. Available in a choice of 6 colours these floor labels are a simple but effective solution for floor marking.

Over the last few years there has been a significant growth in company’s adopting 5S and LEAN manufacturing policy’s, The 5S focus is on Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain.

Company’s adopting these policy’s achieve higher operational results by sustaining a productive work environment, reduce waste, help lower accidents and lower unplanned downtime.

To manage warehouse waste and maintain 5S standards adding Racksacks to the end of racking help waste segregation, promotes a cleaner green environment with less clutter/waste products being on the floor possibly leading to lower accidents.The racksacks are available in 14 standard designs and can also be produced with special prints/logos/design. Due to legislation that became effective in 2015 all waste producers must follow a hierarchy to re-cycle or re-use as much of their waste as possible and any waste that can not be must be segregated before being passed to waste collectors.

These products can be purchased through many industrial distributors for further details on the nearest supplier and to obtain more information on labeling and identification products contact Beaverswood Supply Co Ltd, 0118 9796096, sales@beaverswood.co.uk

WELCOME April 2019

Contents cover story

34

04

Industry News

14

Safety & Security

19

PPE

27

Tools & Equipment

A-Safe

Reaching new heights ofprotection from high-level damage Workplace safety innovators, A-SAFE, have re-engineered their Height Restrictor to bring even more customer benefits.

20

28

How to ensure that your ppe equipment is always in tip-top condition

CFTS: lift truck safety inspections “need same clarity as HGVs�

4 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Industry News

GEZE solution is just the ticket Laser precision proved to be just the ticket in the redevelopment of Telford’s bus station where the latest GEZE technology has combined efficiency with passenger safety.

The travel hub - part of the Telford Shopping Centre - has undergone a £1.9 million refurbishment and transformed an “out-of-date” terminus to a light and airy atrium geared to improve passenger experience.

The new Telford Bus Station separates the transport and customer areas with a bank of automatic doors powered by the GEZE Slimdrive SL NT operators.

Each set of doors is fitted with a GEZE laser scanner LZR® sensor – a new product devised for use in environments that have specific and demanding requirements.

The movement sensors provide a three-dimensional protection of the monitored area which initiate door openings at the optimum time. This is a massive boon to passenger safety as the automatic doors stay closed – activated only when the bus is parked and in position.

This protects passengers from wandering into the area when bus manoeuvres are taking place.

As LZR scanners are fitted to the doors they are easier to install and are more aesthetically pleasing than sensor loops which need to be embedded into the ground and sealed with bitumen in order to install. Sensor loops also deteriorate over time and can be expensive and awkward to replace.

They not only make an ideal safety barrier but also add to the improved aesthetic of the station. With a height of just 7cm – Slimdrive SL NT operators are almost invisible, virtually silent in operation and can move leaf weights of up to 125kg. They are ideal for buildings with high levels of footfall and a continuous flow of people heading in and out of the building.

Integrated within the shopping centre, the bus station acts as a ‘hub and spoke’ operation for the borough’s transport network and is intended to boost economic growth by encouraging increasing visitor numbers into to the town and providing an “attractive gateway”.

The re-development is a partnership between Telford Shopping Centre, Arriva and Telford & Wrekin Council which secured £1.3 million for the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership towards the improved bus station facility.

The improvements are part of a wider programme of expansion and modernisation costing £200 million and coincided with Telford 50 – the golden anniversary of the creation of Telford as a new town.

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK: “The redevelopment of Telford Bus Station has significantly improved the facilities for commuters using public transport and making it a pleasurable experience.

“We are delighted that GEZE technology has helped bring about some of this change and delivered a solution that is effective, efficient and brings real benefits to bus station operations and the people who use such an important transport hub.”

Matt Powell, network and transport group manager at Telford & Wrekin Council: “The provision of intelligent access solutions at bus loading points was a key part of improving safety in the new building. The solution provided has been a great success, and helped us meet this objective without any manual intervention.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 5

Industry News

TC Facilities Management

score a clean sweep in quality audits Following a rigorous 2-day assessment, TC Facilities Management (TCFM) has successfully passed three external management systems audits including the new ISO 45001:2018 standard. This and the other new 2015 versions for ISO 9001 and the Environmental audit ISO 14001 were all passed without any nonconformities or observations, emphasising the commitment of TCFM’s senior management to these standards.

The audit took place over two consecutive days and included a comprehensive review of company policies and processes. This was to assess TCFM’s approach to the quality (ISO 9001) and safety (ISO 45001:2018) they provide to their customers and colleagues, as well as the measures they take to minimise TCFM’s environmental impact (ISO 14001) from their operations.

The new ISO 45001:2018 is believed could help, on a global level, save more lives, reduce accidents further and improve employee morale. Organisations have until March 2021 to make the transition to the new standard that came in 2018, replacing the BS OHAS 18001:2007. TCFM’s achievement in making the transition to the new standards is testament to the work of TCFM’s compliance manager Richard Grafham who championed the transition. It also emphasises the senior management’s commitment to these standards.

Brian Mold TCFM’s QHSE Manager said, “The successful transition to the new standard along with the renewal of the established standards clearly demonstrates TCFM’s commitment to quality and safety in all that we do and is a tremendous reassurance to our customers that TCFM remains a business you can trust and a huge accolade to all our staff and their hard work.”

6 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Industry News

Safety barrier experts, A-SAFE, named Manufacturer of the Year Workplace safety innovators, A-SAFE, won the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year at the 2019 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The award recognises A-SAFE’s manufacturing excellence and their outstanding contribution to the sector in the region. The win, previously awarded to renowned manufacturers such as Rolls Royce and Camira Fabrics, will see A-SAFE go on to compete against other regional winners for the national title at the Made in the UK event in June.

Manufacturers from across the region met at the Hilton City Hotel in Leeds for the 7th Annual Made in Yorkshire Awards organised by Insider Media. The award ceremony celebrates the successes of leading Yorkshire based companies, who distribute their products across the country and around the world.

James Smith, A-SAFE’s Co-owner said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. We’re very much a local family-run company, who always aim to develop the very best solutions for our customers. It was an honour to celebrate Yorkshire manufacturing amongst some of the most exceptional manufacturers in our area”.

All A-SAFE’s products are researched, designed, tested and manufactured at their premises in Halifax.

Retaining complete process control enables them to give unmatched quality assurance, central to A-SAFE’s

ethos. However, with 76% of sales being exported around the world, 16 global subsidiaries and 40 trusted resellers, it is clear A-SAFE’s horizons are far-reaching.

“We have had a fantastic year at A-SAFE. In the last 12 months, we have invested more than ever. Our factory is custom-built, and we always aim to source the most advanced machinery and cutting-edge technologies. We strive to remain agile, constantly developing and pushing boundaries to better respond to customer needs” said Co-owner Luke Smith.

The Award Judges added: “A-SAFE embraces the unknown and is not afraid to invest in research, development and production equipment to answer customer problems”.

For further information, please visit the company website: www.asafe.com

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 7

Industry News

Digital platforms’ rating system will benchmark gig economy work standards A joint UK-South African research project has developed a rating system to measure working conditions in the digital gig economy.

The Fairwork Foundation project’s system will enable digital platforms to measure their performance against five standards – fair pay, fair conditions, fair contracts, fair management and fair representation. The standards include whether a company pays the minimum wage and ensures the safety and health of its workers.

The joint project between the Universities of Manchester and Oxford in the UK and Cape Town and the Western Cape in South Africa collaborates with workers, trade unions, platforms and policy makers to develop core principles of fair work. The team then undertakes research to evaluate whether digital platforms meet those standards.

The aim is to improve the welfare and quality of platform workers. The project notes that there are more than 60 million workers world-

wide who undertake work that is controlled via apps.

These digital workers have no collective bargaining powers and little ability to negotiate wages and working conditions with their employers, the project team has said.

“Digital platforms offer new employment opportunities for workers in developing countries, but those opportunities too often fall short of decent work standards,” says Professor Richard Heeks, Professor of Development Informatics at the University of Manchester.

“We hope the ratings will be widely used – customers will be able to make informed choices when ordering a taxi or a takeaway, workers can quickly distinguish between good from bad platform employers, and investors can add an ethical dimension to their business and financing decisions.”

The Fairwork Foundation project will be delivered in five stages and is due to be completed in 2021. It is funded by the UK Economic Social Research Council as part of its Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) New Models of Sustainable Development programme.

Starkstrom has designed the Isolated Power Supplies to comply with the International and UK Standards for areas that are classified as either “Group 2” or “Clinical Category 4 or 5” locations.

The Starkstrom Automatic Transfer System has now been certified Sil 2, to give even greater peace of mind. Starkstrom will continue to strive to be seen as leaders in our field of expertise. To find out how our solutions can help your hospital please find our contact details below.

Tel: +44(0) 20 8868 3732 info@starkstrom.com Quote ref: 00022018

Starkstrom The Charter Building Charter Place Uxbridge UB8 1JG

8 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Industry News

Advanced Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Installation of its 100th Panel on London Underground The 100th fire alarm control panel, from global leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of intelligent fire systems, Advanced, has been installed on the London Underground.

The UK-based manufacturer is celebrating its 20th year in business with more than 60 Tube stations now protected by its industryleading fire systems.

First beginning operation in 1863, the London Underground transports five million commuters to 270 stations across the capital each day, serving over a billion passengers a year.

The most complex installations are on the Jubilee line, where Stratford has six networked MxPro panels and Waterloo Tube station has five, while the deepest installation is at Hampstead, over 30 metres below ground level.

The complexity of the systems differs from station to station, but all are fully integrated with sprinkler systems and have a device to monitor the escalators, a location of particular importance in terms of fire safety. Many also have a repeater panel, which allows the fire system to be controlled and monitored from multiple locations within the station.

Approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13, MxPro 5 panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge

areas and tens of thousands of field devices. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range mean that MxPro is customisable to almost any application and it can be found in challenging and prestigious sites around the world.

Amanda Hope, UK Business Development Manager for Advanced, commented: “We have worked closely with the London Underground team to specify the optimum installation for each station. The training and ongoing support that we provide means it is simpler to train staff on each system, and any technical queries can be dealt with rapidly by our remote team.”

As Advanced moves into its 20th year the fire systems manufacturer has established itself in its new, state-of-the-art, 48,000 sq ft base in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The move is essential to satisfy increasing UK and international demand from customers for its life safety products - with turnover increasing past the £20million mark in 2018.

Advanced’s MxPro fire systems support two new technologies, the

TouchControl touchscreen repeater and AlarmCalm complete false alarm management system. TouchControl is a 10” HD touchscreen that offers dynamic reporting and control via a unique interface that includes Active Maps and zone plans. AlarmCalm uses Advanced’s fast hardware, updated config software and optional loop verification devices to deliver a system that allows the false alarm strategy for any building to be quickly and easily programmed and managed, increasing safety and reducing false alarms.

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks.

Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems. More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com

10 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Best Feet Forward

BASE boots have a flexible sole, to make them comfortable to wear even when bending. Next time you buy a pair of work boots, do the flex test.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 11

Protecting your feet while you work is important, but will a bog-standard pair of safety boots be enough to cover all eventualities, or is investing a few more pounds worth it to protect your feet and provide maximum comfort in the long-term?

Hyde’s Sales and Marketing Director, John Dabb investigates.

S

S3 safety boots such as these ones by BASE offer more protection for your feet and extra comfort for the whole foot, all day long.

afety boots are an essential part of PPE which no installer should be without, but all too often we can be led by price rather than comfort when choosing footwear for work.

However, choosing footwear that you will spend upwards of 8 to 10 hours a day walking, standing, bending and stretching in should mean that you take time and invest the necessary cash in ensuring your feet will be comfortable all day long. In the long-term, making do with illfitting and comfortable footwear can slow you down and even be detrimental to your health.

It isn’t just about spending more money on the appropriate safety footwear either, researching the many different options and trying them on for size is also important.

So what are the key things to look out for to ensure your next pair of safety boots are really made for working?

As a rule, all safety footwear must meet the minimum safety standards set out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), with EN ISO 20345:2011 being the current standard for safety footwear across Europe (EN).

This stipulates that all safety footwear must have toe protection against a 200-joule impact, meaning the amount of energy the toe region can absorb before breaking. SB safety boots meet this minimum legal requirement.

However, for a little additional cost, S3 boots have a puncture resistant midsole, anti-static properties, resistance to fuel oil on the outsole and energy absorption in the heel region, plus water resistant upper and cleated outsole. With S3 boots, safety combines with comfort in a way that is not guaranteed with standard SB footwear.

Perhaps the biggest test of comfort and durability for safety boots can be found in the cleat. The majority of SB boots have thick cleated soles made from polyurethane, which is solid and inflexible and therefore don’t give when bending.

While most people choose boots because they look robust with thick cleated soles, they are in fact incredibly uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Research has proven that they require significantly more force to bend the foot than a flexible soled boot that has the same safety built in. Therefore, a much more effective rule of thumb is to do a flex test: how well does the boot bend at the sole?

12 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Much emphasis is placed on the need for safety boots with protective toe caps to ensure your feet end the day in the same state as they started. While this is of course an unarguably important safety measure for builders, working in conditions that are wet underfoot presents just as much of a risk to health and safety as dropping heavy objects on to your feet, as by their very nature building sites are wet and boggy places, becoming even more so during the winter months.

The problem goes beyond having to put up with working in soggy socks; being exposed to such conditions can actually have quite serious consequences on the state of your feet. In a very short space of time, foot immersion

can cause problems, with one of the most common, and troublesome of complaints being trench foot which if not treated effectively can have potentially serious consequences.

Caused by exposure to damp, cold conditions, trench foot is essentially the blood vessels constricting in an attempt to keep warm, by reducing blood flow to the extremities. This reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients to the feet, which can result in tissue and nerve damage.

The foot become numbs, changes colour, swells and starts to smell due to damage to the skin, blood vessels and nerves in the feet. Left untreated, tissue and nerve damage occur, swelling increases and a constant pins and needles sensation begins. In extreme cases, blisters and ulcers develop, skin starts to peel off and tissues begin to die, resulting in gangrene.

Unlike with frostbite, trench foot doesn’t require freezing temperatures, in fact it can develop in temperatures up to 16°C. Any wet environment, be it from excessive sweating to wearing damp socks and shoes can cause the condition.

Worryingly, it can take less than a day of exposure to poor conditions for trench foot to develop and it can take up to six months to fully recover.

The best way to avoid such a painful and potentially career limiting condition, is for builders to choose suitable footwear, with a waterproof and light-weight breathable barrier to keep feet dry, cool and comfortable in all weathers.

For just a few pounds more than a standard SB boot and a few minutes spent trying the footwear on before you buy, an S3 safety boot and one that is water proof offers a wealth of protection and comfort that you can’t really put a value on when it comes to looking after your feet.

Feet stay dry and comfortable all day long with Be-Dry Mid boots from BASE.

For more details, call Hyde on 0121 704 2324 or visit www.brianhyde.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 13

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14 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Safety & Security

Why saving a few extra pounds on emergency lighting can be dangerous When it comes to designing emergency lighting, there are many factors to consider. Peter Adams, Mackwell’s Central Service & Training Manager explains more.

Not only must the emergency lighting system be fit for purpose, but it must also meet stringent safety and compliance standards. Meeting these standards can impact financially, both in terms of the design and specification, through to the installation, and the on-going maintenance of the system. Often portrayed as a necessary but unattractive part of the lighting scheme, emergency lighting is in fact, a safety critical system and is a legal requirement within commercial premises.

It is provided to help facilitate the immediate and safe evacuation of occupants from the premises in times of emergency and as such, must be afforded the same importance and diligence of other such systems. Short cuts and corner cutting such as the specification of substandard components and ineffective maintenance schedules, brought about by budgetary constraints can all result in non-compliances, compromising the safety of the building occupants.

One of the most fundamental aspects of building safety, the provision of an adequate emergency lighting system, can often be overlooked. Its importance, however, is critical in ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public. Emergency lighting provides guidance and illumination of a sufficiently high level to enable all occupants to evacuate the premises safely at times of emergency. The consequences of a non-compliant emergency lighting system can impact severely on the health and safety of occupants, resulting in prosecutions such as fines and custodial sentences depending on the level of non-compliance.

British Standards With the extensive revision of BS 5266 - 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises (released May 2016 and brought into force in June 2017), the way designers approach emergency lighting has fundamentally changed. Despite better defined responsibilities and more detail on emergency safety lighting and standby lighting requirements, the area is now more complex with greater scope for confusion between parties responsible for the design, installation, testing/commissioning and ongoing performance of the emergency lighting system.

As with most aspects of health and safety, there are many national and international standards in place to ensure that such systems can perform the tasks demanded of them. It is therefore imperative that the constituent components of the emergency lighting system are selected, designed and installed to the specific criteria within these standards, ensuring compliance and performance of both the components and the system as a whole.

The Code of practice, BS 5266 :1999 – 2016, is an essential point of reference. Its accompanying standard; BS 5266 Part 7 - EN 1838: 2013, defines the minimum

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 15

Safety & Security Compliance

lux levels and photometric requirements when designing the emergency lighting scheme. Also, in place is the standard; BS EN 60598-2-22: 2014, for luminaires used in emergency lighting and ensures that they achieve the performance required whilst remaining electrically and mechanically safe.

In addition, the European Application Standard with improved testing regimes, EN 50172: 2004, is a vital supporting part of the BS 5266 series.

The design objective for any emergency lighting system is established by BS 5266 Section 5.2.1 which says that, when the supply to the normal lighting fails, emergency lighting is required to: • indicate clearly the escape routes • provide illumination along such routes to allow safe movement through the exits • ensure that fire-alarm and fire-fighting equipment can be readily located British and European Standards provide guidance on the implementation of requirements and solutions, on sustainability and energy use, guidance on required equipment, lighting for specific specialist areas as well as guidance on the installation process, testing and commissioning – all of which need to be considered at the start of the design process.

It is also important for the manufacturer to understand the intended environment for the luminaire in order to specify the correct safety components. Although there is currently no legislation covering the use of LS ZH (low smoke, zero halogen) components, it is recommended that LSZH be used in fittings specified for use in large public areas where there is a risk of fire. This will minimize the risk from the after effects of an electrical fire, such as gas and smoke inhalation. For example, after the Kings Cross fire in 1987, LSZH sheathing became mandatory for all electrical wiring in London Underground Stations.

In order for the emergency lighting system to remain compliant throughout its lifetime, structured and effective maintenance is essential. The system requires testing in line with the requirements specified in BS EN 50172, together with any remedial action which is identified by these tests. Routine visual inspection of the system is also fundamental to check for any changes to décor, colour schemes, fabric and structure together with any reparations which may impact the designed scheme.

Unlike a fire alarm system which is generally subjected to a simple, periodic audible test for functionality, (albeit in line with an annual sub-contracted service contract), the maintenance of the emergency lighting system is more time consuming if being undertaken manually, without the aid of an automatic test facility, The annual full discharge test of up to three hours duration may need to be staggered across different storeys and areas within the building and this may be perceived as a costly and labour intensive overhead. What value can be put on the health and safety of occupants though? The effect of the emergency lighting is seldom seen until required, and it is during these times, where the safe and immediate evacuation of the building is paramount, that we come to appreciate the true value of this safety critical system.

Luminaires The cumulative operating costs of emergency lighting can be considerable, and the choice of fitting should be considered in terms of its installation cost, long-term energy consumption and maintenance or replacement costs. LED’s consume about 25% of the power of traditional lamps and offer excellent lumen maintenance as the light output remains constant throughout its design life. The greatest cost benefit, however, relates to lamp replacement. LED lamps typically have a 50,000h rated life, ten times that of a typical fluorescent tube.

Using LED emergency luminaires will greatly reduce the maintenance costs of an emergency lighting system and they have a longer expected life and lower running costs than standard luminaires.

Batteries Batteries also have an impact on the cost of luminaires intended for emergency lighting, with Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries the preferred choice for self-contained luminaires despite the fact that they utilise a toxic metal. However, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries

16 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Safety & Security offer a viable alternative with significant benefits over the Nickel-cadmium battery. The NiMH battery offers an energy density two to three times that of the NiCd battery, meaning it can be a third of the size of the NiCd equivalent.

Combined with a LED light source and appropriate charger, this can result in a very compact package. Another significant benefit is the charging regime. NiCd batteries require a constant current charge, NiMH batteries however, have an excellent rapid-charge capability meaning they can be given a boost charge followed by a trickle charge. This results in long term energy savings, reducing ongoing costs.

Maintenance Traditionally industry practice has been to replace the whole emergency fitting if it fails the annual test as it was believed that this was more economical than isolating the circuit to replace the faulty component, usually the battery. This often results in emergency fittings being replaced every 3 to 4 years, but by choosing a fitting that allows for easy removal for repair and upgrade and an accessible battery drawer, the life span of the unit can be considerably increased, reducing long-term maintenance and replacement costs.

Keeping emergency lighting luminaires clean is vital to lighting efficiency. Over time dirt, grease and the build-up of insects inside the light fitting can reduce the light levels and can reduce the illumination by up to 30%, potentially falling below minimum lighting levels. This could mean a test failure and result in a non-compliance.

Monitoring Solutions

Testing Statistical evidence indicates that regular testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems is not routinely carried out by many organisations as it is laborious and time consuming, and therefore expensive. However, the fines for non-compliance are more so and eventually puts lives at risk.

Testing of the emergency lighting system should be carried out at regular intervals by a qualified person. The tests must be carried out in line with the schedules outlined in BS EN 50172 as below: • Daily – visual check that all charge indicators are lit on and check lamps on all maintained luminaires are working.

• Monthly - a monthly functional test is designed to simulate a failure of normal lighting for sufficient time to allow all emergency luminaires to be checked for correct operation and signs of damage or deterioration and the results recorded in a log book.

• Annually – a test simulating the failure of the normal lighting supply for the full emergency duration (typically 3 hours) to ensure that the emergency luminaires can function for the full duration whilst maintaining their declared emergency output or ballast lumen factor figures. During this test, the batteries will be discharged, and the luminaires will not be fully operational until they have had time to recharge.

Therefore, this test is normally carried out whilst the building is unoccupied and at periods of low risk.

There are systems available which will make the testing process easier and less expensive, the upfront costs are similar to installing a standard emergency lighting system, but the payback is the long-term maintenance and testing cost savings.

• Self-test Emergency luminaires provide simple ‘stand-alone’ automatic testing and the result of the test is indicated through a bi-colour LED on the luminaire. Monthly checks will still need to be carried out by the responsible person and the test results recorded and entered into the log book. However, the benefit of this type of system is that the person recording the information is not required to be qualified as they will not be testing the system manually.

• Automatic Test Systems connect the emergency luminaires to a remote-control panel that collects the results centrally.

These systems provide 24/7 monitoring, self-testing and reporting, including remote access to the status of every fitting, automatic record keeping and fault notification. These systems use a low voltage communication signal via an interface such as DALI and can be easily retro-fitted, providing regulatory compliance with minimal effort.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 17

Safety & Security Specification Compromising on the specification of a fitting at installation can lead to long term maintenance issues, impacting on health and safety. It is a requirement that luminaires chosen for self-contained emergency lighting include a local indicator which is visible in normal operation. These indicators are a valuable aid to maintenance in the first instance, as they provide an immediate indication of the health of the emergency luminaire and that the battery is being charged. If the indicator is green, the luminaire is healthy. They do not, however, negate the requirement for regular safety checks. Emergency lighting systems should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure they are fully functional, the batteries are fully charged and that their light sources remain operational. These checks should be carried out by a suitably qualified responsible person as determined in the fire safety order and the fire safety log book should be updated subsequently to each test.

This will ensure that all fire safety legislation is adhered to and that the emergency lighting system remains fully operational, meeting fire safety requirements.

The law is drafted to place ultimate responsibility squarely with the owner of the property, but it also names in the act a “responsible person”, who the owner of the property can appoint and delegate that responsibility to. That person is then required to make the necessary provision for emergency lighting, including undertaking risk assessments and having a proper fire safety schedule mapped out. Even if the owner delegates the responsibility, they are still responsible for ensuring that the “responsible person” has been properly trained.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the installation of emergency and safety lighting and Article 12 of the regulation stipulates that: “Emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs, and emergency routes and exits requiring illumination, must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.” Any breaches of the Order are likely to result in the person responsible facing fines or imprisonment.

For too long, emergency lighting has been viewed as the poorer cousin to the main lighting scheme.

Necessary as a legal requirement but ultimately detracting from the general ambience, and interfering with the aesthetics of the design whilst incurring extra expense.

It needn’t be like this, however. In an era of discrete LED light sources together with slim-line control gear fixtures, architectural designs, and effective spacing tables, the emergency lighting luminaires, if used sympathetically, often end up complimenting the designed scheme whilst bringing comfort and reassurance to building operators. To compromise the emergency lighting is to compromise the health and safety at work act, the Fire Safety Order and ultimately, the individual.

Legal Imperative Since the introduction of the Fire Regulation Reform Order in 2005, the legal imperative for installing emergency lighting systems is the same as for the fire-alarm systems. Failure to comply with the correct installation of emergency lighting and to maintain the system could cost a business dearly. If fire authorities discover that the emergency lighting system is not fit for purpose or non-compliant, and that the system has not been properly maintained, the company could receive a hefty fine, often in the tens of thousands of pounds.

If neglect is proven in terms of the standard of the installation or maintenance of emergency lighting, and leads to injury or worse, the ‘responsible person’ could face a custodial sentence.

Yes, there is a financial impact, but what price can be attached to a human life? Unless we change our attitude to this safety critical system, and give it the respect that it deserves, all too familiar, tragic events associated with non-compliant commercial premises will continue to occur.

As a world leader in the design and manufacture of reliable, innovative electrical components, Mackwell’s emergency lighting products offer some of the best in quality and performance on the market today.

Offering an unsurpassed breadth of products such as high-performance luminaires, super-discrete integrated emergency products and architectural exit signs. Emergency lighting is a legal obligation that should never be compromised – safety by choice, not by chance.

Further information is available from Mackwell on 01922 742145 by email info@mackwell.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.mackwell.com

18 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

FIRE PROTECTION, SAFETY & SECURITY 09

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• Water based - Does not leach • Allows wood to breathe naturally • Internal and External application • Colourless - Odourless • EN 13501 - 1 • Non Toxic - No Solvents • BS 476 part 6 & BS 476 part 7 • Euro-class B-s1-d0 and C-s1-d0 • BM TRADA ISO 9001 Certificate •Meet’s the highest EU standards

EXTERIOR WOOD PROTECTION

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Enquiry No.207 www.mclink.co.uk/948-207

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T: +44 (0)1825 764737 E: info@appeng.co.uk FIRE PROTECTION COATINGS www.appeng.co.uk Protecting the irreplaceable

Applications Engineering Ltd, 16 Horsted Square, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QG Protected timber

Unprotected timber

Dual port Fire Sprinkler ValVe Set • Dual ports that enable the flow switch to be mounted on either side.

• Available with optional CPVC mating sockets.

PROTECT YOUR TIMBER SUBSTRATES • 100% pressure tested.

• 1” and 1 ¼” full bore test valve Call:• 01304 842 555 Email: sales@envirograf.com Easy access for servicing Enquiry No.208 www.mclink.co.uk/948-208

ORGANIC CLEANER

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 19

PPE

These NEW slim-fit stretch trousers deliver extreme working comfort.

Hi-tech fabrics and body-mapping designs in the NEW FlexiWork SoftShell Trousers from Snickers Workwear ensure maximum working mobility wherever you are.

The brand new 4-way stretch comfort fabrics integrated into these Work Trousers deliver enhanced freedom of movement as well as improved ventilation and overall comfort.

With great fit and superb value for money, they also have a slimmer tailored fit for better all-round looks and protection against snagging, plus Armortex Kevlar reinforced stretch fabricin the KneeGuard Pro System for greater flexibility, comfort and durability.

So check out these and the other Stretch Garments from Snickers Workwear – the optimal choice for craftsmen and women who need to get every job done comfortably on site.

Snickers’ NEW Street-Smart Stretch Trousers For Maximum Mobility on Site.

Getting information on the Snickers’ new Comfort garments is easy. You can call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

20 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

PPE

How to ensure that your ppe equipment is always in tip-top condition AF International, leading brand manufacturer of effective cleaning solutions for the Office Products Industry now offers a complete range of cleaning solutions for the PPE sector. Utilising their experience and expertise from the last fifty years, the company has developed a range of high tech cleaning products specifically designed for the Personal Protective Equipment sector; the range is easily identifiable by the smart new gunmetal livery.

Establishing a regular cleaning regime for the maintenance of PPE equipment (such as safety glasses and hearing defenders) has never been more important, particularly as most PPE equipment is available for shared use in the workplace. Grease and grime can build up very quickly impairing the effectiveness of equipment. To combat this, AF International have developed three key products ideally suited for many industries such as construction, laboratories, education, warehouse protection and some sporting activities.

PPE equipment is a legal requirement in many industries and maintaining good working order is not only best practice, but often imperative. Storing the equipment in a safe dry place does not, unfortunately, prevent dust and grime build up; prevention via a regular cleaning regime really is the best solution.

Hearing defenders form part of mandatory safety equipment for many industries and shared usage is very common. AF’s EPC - Hearing Protection Cleaning Wipes are a re-sealable flat pack of 40 cleaning wipes, impregnated with a safe cleaning solution, designed to remove grease and dirt from ear defender equipment for daily maintenance.

Safety glasses are also a key element of mandatory protective equipment with dust and dirt causing visibility issues. Choosing the correct cleaning and maintenance solution can help users to experience the best results from their safety glasses. AF’s SGC Safety Glasses Cleaning Wipes are available in a handy tub of 60 wipes, impregnated with a smear-free cleaning solution. This invaluable cleaning solution is also available in a box of 50 individually packed sachets, excellent for communal areas to prompt the use of regular PPE cleaning and maintenance.

Paul Hardy, AF Brand Director commented “We truly believe that cleaning PPE correctly can keep hearing protection and safety glasses equipment in their best condition for all users. They are a critical importance within many workplaces and a regular and well maintained cleaning regime is vital.”

To find out about office equipment cleaning and the right products to use go to www.af-net.com.

News updates, competitions and giveaways can be found on our Facebook page, AF International, at www.facebook.com/AFInternational and on twitter @AFInternational.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 21

PPE

Experts in Textile Solutions For more than 85 years, workwear from F. Engel™ has been selected by customers from all over Europe as the first choice for all-round protection and maximum comfort no matter what a work situation may demand.

Founded in 1927 by Carl J. Engel Senior and now 4th generation family-owned, the company has 850 employees based at its Headquarters in Norgesvej, Denmark and 2 factories in Lithuania. Since it first began, with the importing of denim from the U.S. as a hard wearing fabric, the company’s aims have always been the same – to provide superior quality, value for money workwear designed for a perfect, flexible fit and to give long lasting, reliable service.

The original fabric was called Bull Denim which was made from 100% cotton. Over the years the materials and manufacturing processes have been continually developed to incorporate many new practical and beneficial design details with the versatility of the fabric improved by adding the yarn combination of polyester and cotton.

New colours have been introduced and many businesses are now recognized by the specific colour combination and design of their Engel corporate workwear where not only is it valued for its practical uses but also as a significant part of a company’s professional statement.

Development is an ongoing process as new smart colour combinations and materials are continuously created and tested, with a constant emphasis on product quality, innovation, flexibility and environmental awareness.

The company has an impressive seven collections (along with a large range of accessories), all of which are ‘tailor-made’ for a wide range of industries including manufacturing, offshore, building & construction and the commercial sector. Each item of clothing is designed to be a perfect, comfortable fit whilst giving maximum freedom of movement and reliability. As an example, one of the main names under the F. Engel banner is ‘Combat’; geared to cope with any season and designed for action, this durable and stylish, uni-coloured collection has contrasting and reflective piping for greater visibility on jackets and trousers, many of which are made from 100% cotton.

Almost all the trousers in the range feature such useful detail as ruler-pockets, hammer straps and mobile phone pockets, whilst the leg-length can be extended an extra 4-6cm if required. Other names to look out for, each with their own unique benefits, include ‘Cargo’, ‘Galaxy’ and ‘Work Zone’ and the ‘Light’ range for warmer weather.

All Engel garments are available from The Workwear Trade Centre, Milton Keynes; Telephone: 01908 561569; email: sales@wtc-workwear.co.uk and Anchor Safety, Ipswich; Telephone: 0800 328 5028; email: sales@anchorsafety.co.uk For more information visit: www.fe.dk/en/ email: Mark McBrayne at mmc@f-engel.com or telephone: +44 (0) 7933 150197

22 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

PPE

Dr. Martens combines durability, flexibility and comfort for new footwear collection Iconic footwear brand Dr. Martens is continuing to spearhead innovation throughout the work footwear category, with the launch of its Cubeflex boot, its most flexible welted product ever.

A unique outsole fuses Dr. Martens welted construction with lightweight cushioning materials to deliver multi-directional flex, slip resistance and enhanced comfort.

and are likely to be lifting heavy materials as part of their job. Wearing the correct and comfortable footwear is especially important in order to prevent serious injury.”

In a survey conducted of 560 professionals working within the trade industry by On The Tools and Dr. Martens, 92.9% said that comfort was their main priority. Foot Fatigue is typically caused by an imbalance in the footwear or if the boots are too toe-heavy, potentially leading to sore shins, shin splints and other muscle fatigue.

The Britton 7-tie Gibson-cut boot combines durability and flexibility for a dynamic work style that has comfort at its core. Its new engineered Cubeflex sole provides multi-directional flex to move with the foot for enhanced comfort and support on unstable ground, while Dr. Martens resilient welted construction ensures the footwear is tough and built to last. The SoftWair™ sock liner combined with multi-density PU and EVA midsole components achieve superior levels of user comfort featuring increased arch support, improved breathability and supportive heel cup.

Jon Marchant, Global Category Director at Dr. Martens said: “Workers today demand greater comfort, reliability and durability without sacrificing the necessary levels of protection. In manual trade, workers spend much of their time on their feet

“I am really excited about the general future of the industry and what it means for Dr. Martens.

Improving standards and regulations will drive consumers towards quality, reputable brands. As a brand we will continue to strive for innovative, product solutions with a focus on comfort,” concluded Jon.

For more information regarding Dr. Martens, please visit: www.drmartens.com

EVERYDAY FACE-FIT CHECK PressToCheck™ is the easiest way to face-fit check the seal of your respirator, every time you put it on!

Fit it - Press it - Check it

KM 586271 BS EN 140 BS EN 143

The BSI Kitemark™ is the UK’s highest mark of Quality - validating continuous batch test quality management.

KM 22786

ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems (QMS) helps ensure customers get consistent, quality products & services.

WINNER JSP PressToCheck™ is a proud BSIF Innovations Award Winner.

JSP staff are BSIF Fit2Fit accredited to carry out fit checking and qualitative fit testing including PressToCheck™.

JSP maintain, monitor, sample test, and keep test records of products they sell under a robust and audited QMS.

JSP safety equipment meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE Regulations and is CE marked.

www.jspsafety.com uksales@jsp.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1993 826050

24 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Galvanizing giants’ lead-free switch is first for industry One of the world’s leading corrosion protection companies has completed a unique conversion to lead-free galvanizing.

Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd made the bold decision to eliminate lead from its process at all 14 of its plants across the UK 10 years ago.

The completion of the process means the company is thought to be the first of its type in the country to become ‘lead-free’.

Small amounts of lead have been used to facilitate the galvanizing process for decades and it continues to be widely used today.

The challenge for Wedge Group Galvanizing was to develop the metallurgy and overcome technical challenges while maintaining and improving on the quality of the finish expected by its customer base.

Chris Woolridge, Managing Director of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, said: “The amount of lead used in a traditional galvanizing process is very small but we wanted to remove it from our processes completely and made a firm commitment to do that 10 years ago.

“We have put a significant amount of time and effort into perfecting a

methodology that produces even better results than before.

“The fact we believe we are the first galvanizing company in the UK to run a lead-free operation is a fantastic achievement.”

The initiative was made particularly timely by the 2018 reclassification of lead massive contained in REACH (an EU regulation for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).

David Nobes, Technical Services Director at Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, said: “The reclassification could turn into a major headache for some of our customers, who might have to meet exceptionally tight tolerances or demonstrate exacting procedures. Some might even review the use of any process that involves lead as a result.

“Because of the commitment we made 10 years ago our process doesn’t use lead at all and therefore removes any potential issues. Despite the challenges we’ve been running a lead-free

galvanizing process in our plants for some time and we are very pleased with the results.

“It takes a very long time for background levels of lead to be removed from existing baths, but levels are monitored regularly and the fact we now achieve indicative levels of less than 50 parts per million (or 0.005%) within the bath melt means we can proudly claim our process is lead-free.” www.wedge-galv.co.uk

Redefining

performance comfort and style uvex is an internationally renowned manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) recognised worldwide for its comprehensive portfolio of products which provide outstanding protection; comfort and most importantly, a high degree of wearer acceptance.

All uvex products are totally uncompromising where quality and dependability are concerned. The uvex range comprises of:

Safety Eyewear

Hand Protection

Safety Footwear

Hearing Protection

Respiratory Protection

uvex-safety.co.uk

26 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

ANPR HELPS TO SECURE NORTH WEST AMBULANCE SERVICE REGIONAL HQ As part of a new centrally controlled vehicle security system, The North West Ambulance Service has recently updated the security of its premises at its Lancashire regional headquarters using Nortech’s stainless steel bollards that house Nedap ANPR cameras.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) NHS Trust operates around 1,000 vehicles to provide 1.1 million emergency and non-emergency patient journeys. It was established in 2006 by the merger of ambulance trusts from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, Cumbria and Lancashire. The Lancashire regional HQ is based near Broughton in Preston.

As vehicles approach the new barriers, the ANPR reads the number plates and converts each valid number plate into a Wiegand ID string, which it sends to the access control panel in the same way as a standard card reader. The Wiegand number can then be checked centrally for access rights so that vehicle access can be granted or denied accordingly.

The trust needed to secure the perimeters of their premises at the Lancashire regional HQ and appointed Expert Security UK, Frank Whittle Partnerships and W. Monks Ltd to design and install the new centrally controlled vehicle security system.

Danny Scholfield, Sales Director at Expert Security UK, commented, “We are all delighted with the final result. The system is very fast and ticks all the boxes for us. As we are already using the Net2 system here at the HQ, it is great to see the ANPR integrating into the system without complication. The barrier system is a great security measure for us and has prevented unauthorised parking.”

Expert Security UK approached Nortech in order to integrate the Nedap Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) into the system and new automatic barriers were installed to secure the perimeter and prevent unauthorised vehicles.

Nortech supplied the ANPR camera housed in a robust stainless steel bollard to protect the camera from any potential vehicle knocks.

The benefits of the Nortech ANPR system is that it integrates with most access control software, avoids the need for manned gates or vehicle tags, allows automatic vehicle identification at between three and six metres and prevents

unauthorised vehicle access.

Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company.

The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.

Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com Nortech is supported by Vantage PR

Visit mccue.com/uk call 01908 365511 email UKsales@mccue.com

28 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Tools & Equpiment

CFTS:

lift truck safety inspections “need same clarity as HGVs”

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 29

Tools & Equpiment Logistics managers are being urged to seek absolute clarity over forklift Thorough Examinations, after it was revealed lift trucks are involved in 50% more serious accidents than HGVs.

Although forklift trucks are not subject to an MOT, as HGVs are, they do require a Thorough Examination under both LOLER and PUWER, so the importance of carrying out this examination to the highest standard is critical to the industry and all those working in it.

CFTS believes this lack of clarity surrounding how often lift truck examinations are carried out and documented can leave managers confused – potentially placing employees at risk.

At the recent National Fork Lift Safety Conference, the HSE revealed there are around 1,300 serious forklift accidents each year – 50% more than HGVs. CFTS has therefore advised organisations to ensure their lift trucks are inspected to a safe, rigorous standard satisfying both LOLER and PUWER requirements – and to treat the issue as seriously as inspecting vehicles on the road.

CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin says: “Every logistics or transport manager worth their salt knows exactly how their HGVs and PSVs are inspected and maintained.

But the truth is, your lift truck is far more likely to be involved in a lifechanging accident – and to have its inspection regime questioned by the HSE. “Ironically, satisfying your fork lift Thorough Examination duties is actually far easier than for HGV inspections. Whereas HGVs need to undergo an annual MOT and formal programme of PUWER safety checks, the CFTS Thorough Examination for lift trucks covers LOLER and PUWER in one quality-assured process.

“What’s more, if you have your Thorough Examination carried out by an experienced lift truck specialist, you can have any faults fixed there and then – instead of waiting for a retest, like you would with an HGV. For employers, that means fewer disruptions and lower maintenance costs.

“The fact HGVs are so well-inspected goes to show the benefit of absolute clarity around standards, schedules, methods and documentation. Which is why BITA and the FLTA, the forklift industry’s two leading authorities, teamed up to create CFTS in the first place.”

Established in 2004, CFTS is the fork lift truck industry’s own voluntary standard for Thorough Examination. Accredited providers sign up to a clear code of conduct, and standard inspection methodology, satisfying both LOLER and PUWER standards.

And thanks to a growing network of more than 400 accredited companies, Thorough Examination has never been easier to arrange.

To learn more about Thorough Examination, or to find the nearest details of your nearest CFTS accredited company, visit www.thoroughexamination.org or call 07730 768668.

30 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Tools & Equpiment

How do you control who uses lift trucks on site?

It should go without saying that letting someone without proper authorization use the equipment is a basic safety no-no. With a real risk of serious injury or even death resulting from forklift accidents, there’s no good argument for putting an unsuitable or unqualified person in control.

If someone is likely to use a lift truck on your premises, you need to be sure of the following:

training!” then I’m afraid your going to have to think again. If it’s too much trouble to train them, it’s too much trouble to have them in the truck.

• Have they been trained to use equipment safely?

An important safety step you’ll need to take is to bring in a system to prevent anyone unauthorized from having the possibility of using the truck.

On a simple level this could be a system of tight control over who can access the keys to the trucks. However, there are more hi-tech systems such as PIN keypads or programmable fobs that can be brought in. These not only makes it far more difficult for unauthorized people to use a truck, but in the event of unauthorised use happening there will be an identifiable person whose code/fob/other was used by the

• Have they been trained to use the specific truck in question?

• Have they received all three stages of training: Basic, Specific, Familiarisation?

And if you find yourself thinking “But we have lots of temporary and agency workers. We don’t have time to put them through all those bits of

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 31

Tools & Equpiment

“If it’s too much trouble to train them, it’s too much trouble to have them in the truck.”

unauthorised person, which encourages individual employees to take greater responsibility for their own access credentials.

Any trucks that are accessible should never be left unattended, even briefly. When truck are not in use they should be safely parked and shut down — for example the gas supply should be turned off.

As manager, this workplace is your work place, and as such you are dutybound to ensure it is kept safe. If drivers are visiting it should be routine to confirm that they have received adequate training and have sufficient site knowledge to operate safely.

Implementing a system such as our Show Your Hand system across the site will also help visiting drivers if you brief them when they arrive. It’s another step to getting everyone on the same page.

Show your hand is a simple, operator-led idea with 3 easy-to-remember parts.

1. An operator sees a pedestrian coming too close and stops their truck 2. The operator shows their hand to signal for the pedestrian to stop 3. If the pedestrian does not stop, the operator turns off the ignition until a safe distance is achieved — reducing the risk of an accident.

The same preparation should be true if any of your operators find themselves needing to use lift trucks on someone else’s site. Make sure they know to familiarize themselves with the new site before operation. Don’t just rely on the manager at the other end to take care of everything.

You may feel this is a bit belt-and-braces, but with forklift safety it’s always better to be over-cautious than under-prepared.

www.mentortraining.co.uk

32 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

“We want construction workers to be aware of the risks associated with the activities they carry out on a daily basis; be conscious of the fact their work may create hazardous dust; and consider how this could affect their health, in some cases irreversibly. We want businesses and their workers to think of the job from start to finish and avoid creating dust or disturbing asbestos by working in different ways. We want to see construction firms encouraging their workers to firstly keep the dust down and wear the right mask and clothing.

“Ultimately, we want construction workers’ lungs to be protected from ill health, so they can go home healthy to their families and enjoy long careers in this important industry.”

For more information on the programme of inspections and to download our free #DustBuster selfie cards visit: https://bit.ly/2QWLYib and follow the campaign on Twitter at @H_S_E, on Facebook @hsegovuk and @SaferSites. You can also join the conversation at #WorkRight

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 33

In May 2019, revised definitions of four of the base units of the SI will come into force.

The redefinition of the “Kilogram” ensures a stable definition for the unit kilogram. However it also calls for explaining the background and benefits of this revision.

METTLER TOLEDO is helping users to understand it better with a free White Paper “Redefinition of 1 kg”.

Redefinition of the SI unit kilogram: Everything is Different, but Nothing Changes - METTLER TOLEDO’s new White Paper explains why.

In 1889, the first General Conference of Weights and Measures (GCPM) defined the unit kilogram based upon the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), known as the “Paris kilogram”.

In November 2018, GCPM formally adopted the new definition and it will be practically implemented from May 2019.

The kilogram had been the last measurement unit of the International System of Units (SI) to be defined by a man-made physical body, namely an artefact. However, the problem with this definition is that this physical body, although intended to have a stable mass, actually changes its mass over time. Since this body itself is the reference for all mass measurements, this change cannot be determined by any measurement.

From World Metrology Day 2019 (May 20) onwards, the new definition will be in force and the kilogram will be defined in terms of a combination of fundamental constants: the Planck constant, h, which is stable and universally accessible. Until that point in time, h was measured directly linked to the IPK. However, from this date, the definition simply changes its direction. This also implies that the change of definition will not introduce any (step) change in the moment of switching. This major reexamination of the SI since its foundation in 1960 may be perceived as ground-

shaking to the weighing world. However, the goal of this redefinition is to ensure long-term stability and traceability of the unit for mass by making it independent of the material artefact, without affecting calibration or measurements.

METTLER TOLEDO delivers a new White Paper based on expert knowledge to help customers find out more about the reasons, methods involved and benefits of redefinition of 1 kilogram.

Stay ahead of the changes and learn more by downloading a free White Paper “Redefinition of 1 kg” now.

34 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Reaching new heights of protection from high-level damage Workplace safety innovators, A-SAFE, have re-engineered their Height Restrictor to bring even more customer benefits.

A-SAFE is committed to providing workplace protection and safety solutions that are designed to minimise risk, injury and damage.

The A-SAFE Height Restrictor offers guidance and physical protection; guarding against damage to vulnerable corners, columns, door openings and overhead assets such as sprinkler systems and ventilation pipes.

“The A-SAFE Height Restrictor has proved a popular product since launch. It can be used as a visual aid to direct traffic at the same time protecting surfaces and as flagging up any specific risks at height” reports A-SAFE’s Product Manager; adding “this latest development introduces a new element of modularity. For our global clients this means the product is quicker to ship and quicker to install; reducing delivery and set-up times”.

This modularity comes about thanks to two coupling mechanisms:

the iFlex coupling which is a key component of the A-SAFE flexible polymer barrier range, and unique to the company’s energy absorption system; and the new in-line coupling which enables the product to be adapted to the customers’ needs in terms of vertical height.

Being easier and quicker to assemble means there is even less disruption to day-to-day activity during the installation process.

According to A-SAFE’s Senior Design Engineer, “We are always looking at ways to improve the customer experience. Efficiency is a key driver and therefore anything we can do to minimise disruption to business as usual during installation is a key factor”.

Reducing disruption and minimising downtime is an important goal throughout the product’s lifetime.

Thanks to A-SAFE’s exclusive self-coloured polymer composition, high visibility is ensured and its

inbuilt strength and durability further supports the ultra-low maintenance solution. The unique composition of the A-SAFE polymer gives the Height Restrictor a unique capacity to flex, absorb impact and dissipate impact forces whilst retaining its integrity. This enables warehouse and factory managers to concentrate on the job at hand, safe in the knowledge the product is working to safeguard the business assets effectively year-on-year.

As the inventors of the world’s first industrial strength polymer safety barrier, A-SAFE’s aim across its entire range is to give each customer the tools to create a safer, best practice working environment. The Height Restrictor complements this, and integrates seamlessly into the A-SAFE range of workplace protection solutions; adding valuable protection to busy environments.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 35

Tools & Equpiment

WernerCo appoints APS as exclusive BoSS X Series distributor for UK and Ireland The UK’s leading manufacturer of access equipment, WernerCo, has announced the appointment of Access Platform Sales (APS) as its exclusive distribution partner for its BoSS® X-SERIES in the UK & Ireland.

Both companies have long enjoyed a successful relationship and to formalise its partnership it showcased the micro powered access platforms together at this year’s Executive Hire Show.

As part of the new distribution deal, both WernerCo and Cambridgeshirebased APS have launched a new advertising campaign featuring the X-SERIES, which is aimed at the hire and facilities management market.

Nick Platt, VP Ops EMEA & Managing Director of WernerCo UK, commented: “We recognise the valuable expertise that APS brings to the supply and servicing of the BoSS® X-SERIES in the UK and Ireland. By having an exclusive

relationship with APS, it allows our customers to benefit enabling us both to present a simpler solution.”

The BoSS® X-SERIES from WernerCo is a modern alternative to traditional ladders and steps, offering a high level of safety whilst remaining easy to transport and operate. The range of self-propelled micro-scissor lifts has the benefit of being compact in dimensions, simplicity in operation and offers working heights of up to 5.2m.

APS Managing Director, Steve Couling, added: “BoSS® is a great brand and the X-SERIES has proved extremely popular in the push-around sector. By bringing in WernerCo as an exclusive partner it

means we can focus on providing a better level of availability and commitment to this range, thereby giving our customers a better service.”

The BoSS® X-SERIES consists of the X3X, which has a maximum platform height of 3.2m and the BoSS® X3 at 2.55m. Both machines allow a safe working load of 240kg and are designed for use indoors in confined spaces as they fit through standard doorways and corridors as well as in passenger lifts.

For further information and sales enquiries contact 01480 891 251 or visit www.accessplatforms.co.uk.

36 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Tools & Equpiment

Why climb when you could walk?

Falls from a height stubbornly remain the number one cause of death and injury in the construction industry.

Despite a gradual improvement – history has shown us that not enough resources have been put into preventing these incidences – the biggest single factor affecting safety in the industry.

Gravity is not something that we think about as we go about our daily lives – even though it is an essential and ever present part of our lives…..and therein lies the rub.

We are unable to function without it but as soon as we elevate ourselves off the ground to carry out a task - it becomes a latent danger. The second that we make an error, it impartially, indifferently and ruthlessly takes its toll.

The risk is at its greatest wherever the working at height is temporary, that is why construction along with related activities are so severely affected from even a relatively low height fall which can produce serious or devastating injuries.

Faced with this – the only logical conclusion is that anything that can be done to reduce or eliminate this risk has to be worthwhile considering.

A ladder is an adequate device as a means of access to temporary works in many cases.

This is only valid however providing that it is suitably positioned, secured, the user has both hands unencumbered and is focussed on the task of using the ladder.

In reality - in a construction environment, these conditions are frequently not met and certainly can almost never be the case where an individual is working from the ladder.

Even when selected and positioned to be an access device, the frequent requirement to move materials and tools between levels means that the ladder has the potential to become highly dangerous.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 37

Tools & Equpiment European Work at Height regulations have already begun the push to move from ladders to stairways as a means of access to temporary works. Viewing ladders as “the last choice as a means of access or place of work” – means we can presumably expect any updating of the UK’s WAHR to

follow suit – and rightly so. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on working at height is due to issue their delayed report this month.

It will be interesting to see what their document – snappily entitled “Preventing serious injuries and fatalities while working at height” has to say on the subject.

Temporary access stairways allow operatives to walk up a staircase rather than climbing ladders. As well as improving health and safety standards and site working conditions, stairways deliver production, financial and technical benefits.

Made of corrosion resistant, structural quality aluminium extruded profiles for strength and reliability, the Alto Universal Scaffold Stair is a light enough to be handled conveniently, simple and versatile solution to the working scaffolders needs.

As a leader in the provision of safe solutions for working at height, Alto has introduced a portfolio of products which make safety at height easier and more comprehensively available.

Often a tower is the practical solution to safe working at height – the newly re-engineered version of the Alto Stair HD Tower with self-closing intermediate access gates allows options for “odd” heights and an internal balustrade at the working platform.

The Alto Universal scaffold stair unit is an all-aluminium solution for safe, compliant access covering a range of levels in scaffolding that can fit in with the specific site application without the need for a separate stair tower.

The internal balustrade gives convenient, safe and versatile access – with no inconvenient hatches or potentially risky ladders.

www.durable-uk.com