Health & Safety General Code of Safe Practice

Transcription

1 Health & Safety General Code of Safe Practice for Construction, Maintenance, Installation and Repair Selwood Housing Group Page: Page 1 of 23

2 Contents 1. Application of the Contractors General Code of Safe Practice 2. Purpose of Document 3. Legal Requirements 4. Contractual Obligations of the Contractor 5. Before Commencing Work 6. Pre Construction Information 7. Construction Phase Plan 8. Health and Safety File 9. Risk Assessment/ Method Statements 10. Competence and Audit 11. Site Induction 12. Completion of Works 13. Excavations 14. Confined Spaces 15. Connection to Selwood Housing Group Services 16. Tools & Equipment 17. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment. (Cranes, Excavations, Hoists and MEWPs) 18. Guards, Fences & Other Barriers 19. Access Equipment 20. Scaffolding 21. Occupied estates/schemes or premises 22. Control of Noise and Vibration 23. Personal Protection / Dress Code 24. Asbestos 25. Good Order - House Keeping 26. Waste Disposal 27. Manual Handling 28. Smoking 29. Fire Precautions 30. Work at height 31. Accident Reporting 32. Security 33. Traffic Flow and Parking of Vehicles 34. Vulnerable Persons 35. Children and Young Persons 36. Welfare 37. Health Surveillance 38. Disciplinary Procedure 39. Summary Page: Page 2 of 23

3 APPENDIX A Key H&S legislation APPENDIX B CONTRACTORS DECLARATION OF UNDERSTANDING AND COMPLIANCE Page: Page 3 of 23

4 1. Application of the Contractors General Code of Safe Practice 1.1 This General Code of Safe Practice for Construction, Maintenance, Installation and Repair (CoP) describes the practical steps which Selwood Housing Group requires of contractors and their employees to safeguard the health and safety of themselves, Selwood employees, residents and visitors. It has been written to comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and regulations made thereunder 1 including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations It equally applies (where relevant) to contractors carrying out construction, repairs, maintenance, installation, supply or minor works. If in doubt regarding the application of the CoP, or in any circumstances affecting safe working not covered by the CoP, advice should be sought from Selwood Housing Group. 1.2 All construction works will be subject to this CoP either under the provisions of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Management Regulations) or The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations) and related updates. The observance of this CoP does not in itself in any way relieve the contractor, employees or sub-contractors of their responsibilities under legislation or contract law. 1.3 Selwood Housing Group provides a range of advice and guidance to contractors either at tender stage or prior to works commencing. Contractors shall abide by the guidance contained in all these documents and understand that this CoP complements and is in addition to these documents and any other documents reasonably available at tender or quotation stage e.g. contract preliminaries. 2. Purpose of Document 2.1 This CoP sets out the standards required from contractors carrying out construction, repairs, maintenance, installation, supply or minor works for Selwood Housing Group and to comply with the legal duties and standards required by Selwood Housing Group through the Principal Contractor. 2.2 The standards outlined in this document have been developed by Selwood Housing Group to aid and clarify the expectation of safety performance and culture on its sites and other locations where contractors are working. 2.3 It is the responsibility of each Contractor to communicate the content of this document to his employees, and those of his sub-contractors and to ensure that it is strictly followed. 2.4 Where the contractor s requirements exceed the requirements of this document they will take precedence. 2.5 The phrase construction work in this CoP means any work relating to the construction of ne buildings, the modification or repair of existing buildings or the installation, repair or servicing of building services or any other activity defined as construction by Regulation 2 of the CDM Regulations. 3. Legal Requirements 3.1 Selwood Housing Group has wide-ranging legal obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974(HSW) and supporting Regulations. 1 See list of key H&S legislation in Appendix A. Page: Page 4 of 23

5 3.2 Under Section 2 of the HSW both Selwood Housing Group and contractors working on its sites have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their own employees. 3.3 Under Section 3 of the HSW both Selwood Housing Group and contractors working on its sites have a duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to conduct their undertakings in such a manner as to safeguard the health and safety of persons not in their own employment. 3.4 Under Section 4 of the HSW both Selwood Housing Group and contractors working on site have a duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that buildings and/or work sites under their control, or plant or equipment in those buildings or work sites, are safe and without risk to health. There must also be safe access to or egress from sites. 3.5 The CDM Regulations apply to certain contracts relating to the construction, modification or repair of buildings or the installation, modification, repair or servicing of building services. The Regulations contain designated dutyholder roles which for the purposes of this document are as follows: Client Selwood Housing Group. Key responsibilities include appointing Principal Contractor and Principal Designer for multi-contractor construction projects, ensuring overall that adequate time and resources are allocated, notifying any F10 projects and providing pre-construction information. Principal Contractor appointed by the Client, may either be the only contractor working on a single contractor construction project or, the lead contractor on a multi-contractor construction project. Has key responsibility for drawing up the Construction Phase Plan and H&S management during the construction phase. Principal Designer - appointed by the Client, role may be taken on by the Client or Principal Contractor or be a separate appointment. Has key responsibility for H&S management in the planning and pre-construction phase and compiling the Health & Safety File. Contractor any organisation or individual who carries out manages or controls construction work. Key responsibility is to plan, manage and monitor construction work carried out either by the contractor or by workers under the contractor s control (e.g. sub-contractors, self-employed persons). Designer an organisation or individual whose work involves preparing or modifying designs for construction projects, or arranging for, or instructing, others to do this. Designers may include architects, consulting engineers and quantity surveyors or anyone who specifies and alters designs as part of their work. This can include others if they carry out design work, such as contractors or commercial clients where they become actively involved in designing in relation to their project e.g. surveyors. 3.6 The Management Regulations impose a duty to co-ordinate arrangements for safety between the Selwood Housing Group and its contractors irrespective of whether the contract is subject to the CDM Regulations or not. Page: Page 5 of 23

6 3.7 Where a contract is subject to the CDM Regulations, the Principal Contractor will be responsible for developing and maintaining a Construction Phase Plan and for ensuring adherence to the plan by all contractors and sub-contractors, including themselves. 4. Contractual Obligations of the Contractor 4.1 The contractor, contractors employees, sub-contractor and their employees and any other persons associated with the supply of services and not belonging to Selwood Housing Group are required to undertake to conform with the provisions of this CoP as a condition of acceptance of the contract. 4.2 Contractors must, therefore, take all necessary steps to ascertain the health and safety requirements which are likely to apply to their contract and to include their costs before submitting their quotations or tenders or accepting an order to work on any other terms. The contractor shall ensure that sufficient resources including time have been allocated to enable the project to be carried out in compliance with health and safety law and will be required to demonstrate this to Selwood Housing Group prior to the contract being awarded. 4.3 It follows that once the terms of the contract have been agreed between Selwood Housing Group and contractor; no claim will be entertained for additional expenditure incurred by contractors or their sub-contractors in complying with this CoP. 4.4 Selwood Housing Group shall be entitled to regard a failure by the contractor or subcontractor to observe the provisions of the CoP as a breach of contract. In any case Selwood Housing Group reserves the right in the event of such failure, to suspend the work until conditions which are safe and without risk to health are provided. If another part of the contract is breached by the contractor or subcontractor, it will not be a defence to show that this CoP has been complied with in full. 4.5 The Contractor shall indemnify Selwood Housing Group against and from any claim, damage, loss or expense in respect of personal injury, damage to property or any loss (whether caused by negligence or not) which may arise out of or is connected with or in consequence of the carrying out, completion or maintenance of the work which may arise from a breach of the contractor, sub-contractor or their servants or agents of any of the provisions of this CoP. Provided nothing herein shall impose any liability upon the contractor for negligence on the part of Selwood Housing Group, its employees or agents. 5. Before Commencing Work 5.1 Before work commences on a contract the contractor must inform Selwood Housing Group s authorised person so that they can ensure that the appropriate arrangements for coordinating the management of health and safety have been made. 5.2 Where the employees of a contractor may be required to work in hazardous areas it is the responsibility of the contractor to acquaint his employees of such hazards and corresponding safe systems of work before commencing work. 5.3 In the case of hazardous areas, hazardous work or when contractors operations may need to be especially coordinated with those of Selwood Housing Group, the work needs to be governed by means of a permit system. Appropriate permits must be issued by the Selwood Housing Group authorised person (e.g. Project Manager) before work commences. Page: Page 6 of 23

7 5.4 In cases not covered by permit to work systems contractors personnel must not enter any rooms unless given express permission by the Selwood Housing Group authorised person. 6. Pre Construction Information 6.1 Selwood Housing Group will provide pre-construction information (PCI) as part of the tendering or procurement process in order to enable those preparing bids to assess the resources they will need to allocate to perform their duties under the regulations. The PCI will typically include as appropriate: Introduction: A description of the project. Key dates. Contact details for the project team. The extent and location of existing information Project arrangements: Planning and managing the construction work. Communication and liaison. Security. Site hoarding. Site transport. Permit-to-work systems. Fire precautions. Emergency procedures. Means of escape. Authorisation requirements. Confined spaces. Smoking and parking restrictions. Safety hazards. Boundaries and access. Restrictions on deliveries, waste collection or storage. Adjacent land uses. Existing services. Ground conditions. Existing structures. Issues relating to plant and equipment. Health and safety information in earlier design, construction or as-built drawings. Health hazards. Asbestos. Contaminated land. Client s activities. Storage of hazardous materials. Page: Page 7 of 23

8 Significant design and construction hazards. Assumptions and working methods. Arrangements for co-ordination of ongoing design work. Significant risks identified during design. Materials requiring particular precautions. A description of the format of the Health and Safety File and any conditions relating to its content. 7. CONTRUCTION PHASE PLAN 7.1 The Principal Contractor must prepare the Construction Phase Plan and receive written approval of such from the Principal Designer before construction work commences. The CPP will typically include as appropriate: 1.0 INTRODUCTION/DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Project description and key dates Key contact details (client, designers, CDM co-ordinator, principal contractor and other consultants). Extent and location of existing records and plans relevant to health and safety on site and details on work sequencing. 2.0 SITE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN Programme of works highlighting residual risks which need to be managed. Management structure and responsibilities for health and safety. Health and safety targets for the project setting standards. Arrangements for: Regular liaison between parties on site. Consultation with the workforce. Handling design changes during construction phase. The selection and management of sub-contractors. The exchange of health and safety information between contractors. Arrangements for site security/access. Site induction. On site training. Welfare facilities and first aid arrangements. Reporting of accidents and incidents. Production and approval of method statements. Site rules. Fire and evacuation procedures. A P R A C T I C A L G U I D E F O R T H E S M A L LE R C O N T R A C T O R 3.0 ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONTROLLING SIGNIFICANT SITE RISKS 4.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE 4.1 Layout, format and content. 4.2 Arrangements for collecting and gathering information. Page: Page 8 of 23

9 7.2 Any proposed significant change to the CPP must be agreed in writing by the Principal Designer before proceeding. However, in circumstances where an immediate risk to health and safety or risk to the structural integrity and/or stability of a building exists, verbal approval may be given. 7.3 All contractors working on site must make themselves and their employees aware of the Construction Phase Plan. Contractors are to ensure compliance with its content by their employees when on site. 7.4 Where contractors have a design input they are required to comply with the obligations under the CDM Regulations specifically in relation to Regulation 9, including any variations. Relevant Hazard Identification/Risk Assessments relating to buildability are to be issued to the Principal Contractor for inclusion in the Construction Phase Plan. 8. Health and Safety File 8.1 The Health and Safety File will be compiled by the Principal Designer. Relevant input is required from the Design Team and Contractors. In cases where the Principal Designer has left the project before it finishes, it will be for the Principal Contractor to pass the file to the Client Selwood Housing Group. 8.2 Information for the Health and Safety File must be passed to the Principal Designer during the project and not left until project completion and/or completion of any relevant work package. However, it is recognised that certain testing and commissioning certificates and as built information may not be available until completion of the works. 8.3 The H&S File should typically contain the following information: Project directory - identify the names, responsibilities and contact details of the CDM duty holders for the project Description of the works Significant residual hazards/risks Information and as-built drawings, plans Any hazardous materials used in construction H&S information which will be useful for the Client in the operation and use of the building, e.g. for cleaning and maintenance Any information relevant to dismantling or removal of plant and equipment Structural information, e.g. safe working loads Description of installed services including fire safety systems 9. Risk Assessment/Method Statements (RAMS) 9.1 The CDM Regulations require employers and self-employed persons to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to workers and any others who may be affected by their undertaking and record significant findings. 9.2 All method statements will be reviewed by the Selwood Housing Group person appointed for overseeing the works, usually prior to commencing work on site. A period must be allowed for this process and therefore method statements must be submitted by a given date and agreed by the Selwood Housing Group authorised person. Failure to comply may result in a delayed start to the operation. Page: Page 9 of 23

10 10. Competence and Audit 10.1 All Contractors management and supervisory staff employed on Selwood sites will have a demonstrable competence in both appropriate management and supervisory skills and Health and Safety matters. Selwood Housing Group staffs retain the right to check on certificates and qualifications held by contractors staff. These requirements may be confirmed by competence audits All tradesmen and operatives employed on Selwood Housing Group sites will have demonstrable skill level incorporating Health and Safety training e.g. a CSCS Card or similar at the appropriate level for the activities to be undertaken Although the ongoing monitoring of Health and Safety is the Contractor s responsibility, formal inspection and/or auditing will be carried out at intervals dependent on the nature of the work. Any deviations from agreed procedures or statutory requirements will be recorded advised to the appropriate persons and where necessary, rectified immediately. The content of the site safety inspections/audits will also be discussed at progress meetings with contractors. The following documents should be readily available for inspection: A copy of Liability Insurance A Health & Safety Policy Risk assessments Method Statements Test certificates for plant/machinery Qualifications and/or other evidence of competence of employees Vehicle MOT, Insurance and relevant Driving Licenses Permits to work 11. Site Induction 11.1 Everyone working on a Selwood Housing Group site will go through a Health and Safety Induction process before they are allowed to commence work on site. This induction training will concentrate on site-specific Health and Safety factors and will be given by the Principal Contractor. Contractors staff will be inducted onto site initially by a member of Selwood Housing Group staff but subsequently this can be the contractor s staff who are competent in knowing the risks and procedures to be adopted on site All visitors must report to the Principal Contractor where they will receive the appropriate level of induction. 12 Completion of Works 12.1 The contractor shall formally hand over the works to the Selwood Housing Group person appointed to oversee the works, and instruct representatives of Selwood Housing Group and the users in the operations and maintenance of new or modified facilities Upon completion the contractor shall: Leave the site clean and clear Remove equipment and consumables which are the property of the contractor. Make good defects Remove from site for lawful disposal all waste and surplus materials. Page: Page 10 of 23

11 Remove barriers, boardings etc. Hand over to the Selwood Housing Group authorised person overseeing the works, keys, passes, Health and Safety File and O&M manual. 13. Excavations 13.1 Work must be carried out using methods and precautions outlined in the Health and Safety Executive Guidance HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services Selwood Housing Group as far as reasonably practical will provide contractors in advance with information locating existing underground services. Designers and Contractors must be furnished with the most accurate record information available from the Selwood Housing Group authorised person and contractors should actively seek this information if it is not provided The contractor must carry out a CAT survey and Genny grid survey of the area(s) to be excavated prior to commencing works using trained personnel The work site must be made and kept safe by means of barriers and warning notices at all times. Excavations should be boarded over or temporarily backfilled when work is not actually proceeding All trenches and excavations, particularly those adjacent to roads or existing buildings, must be adequately shored Stop blocks or similar barriers must be used as necessary to prevent vehicles from manoeuvring too close to the edge of excavations If work cannot be completed in one day then overnight barriers must be solid (plastic tapes are not acceptable) and warning lights fitted. Barrier height must conform to a minimum height of 950mm with any gap between the top rail and any intermediate rail not exceeding 470 mm as well as a toeboard of a minimum 100mm height The contractor must ensure that adequate inspections, at least weekly, and after bad weather, are carried out on all excavations Any underground services, disturbed, altered, installed etc must be recorded by the contractor and drawing details with reference measurements forwarded to Selwood Housing Group immediately so that records can be updated When work is complete, the site must be left in a usable condition and all protective covers, barriers and warning notices removed. 14. Confined Spaces 14.1 Any confined space work must be carried out under an agreed Permit to Work procedure. This applies not only when works are to be carried out but also when areas are to be inspected. Before each such operation begins Contractors and their employees must complete a PTW form and submit it to the authorised person. Permission will only be granted once that authorised person is satisfied that the method(s) to be employed is a) necessary and b) safe. Where both criteria are satisfied the authorised person will issue or approve a Confined Spaces permit in writing The Contractor must ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and related Personal Protection legislation. Page: Page 11 of 23

12 14.3 Residential loft spaces are not normally regarded as confined spaces, although a range of general hazards may exist which the contractor must address within his RAMS documentation. 15. Connection to Selwood Housing Group Services 15.1 Contractors must not connect to or interfere with the compressed air, electrical, gas heating or other services of Selwood Housing Group unless this is within the specification of the construction work or has otherwise been agreed by the authorised Selwood Housing Group person Contractors are responsible for providing the correct connectors to services and for checking that the services available are adequate for their purposes The contractor or his employees must not enter any sub-station, switch room or similar area unless this is within the specification of the construction work or has otherwise been agreed by the authorised Selwood Housing Group person. 16. Tools & Equipment 16.1 All plant, tools and equipment used by contractors on Selwood Housing Group premises must comply with all relevant legal requirements and must be maintained in accordance with appropriate safety standards Portable electrical tools must be efficiently earthed or double insulated and have been PAT tested in accordance with the HSG 107 Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment Contractors may not use Selwood Housing Group plant, tools or equipment without the express permission of the Selwood Housing Group department concerned. Where the contractor is allowed to use Selwood Housing Group plant, tools or equipment it is his duty to his own employees (Sections 2 & 3 of HSW Act) to ensure that the said plant, tools or equipment are suitable for the intended use and in good condition. If any such plant, tools or equipment is damaged, lost or stolen while being used by the contractor Selwood Housing Group will claim reimbursement to the value of repair or replacement. 17. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment. (Cranes, Excavations, Hoists and MEWPs) 17.1 It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all lifting equipment and accessories brought on to Selwood Housing Group sites are in compliance with The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and updates All lifting operations must be fully assessed and planned by a competent person who has adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and carried out in compliance with relevant guidance and standards, e.g. BS7121 Safe Use of Cranes All lifting equipment including excavators, hoists and MEWPs must be accompanied with all current examination inspection and test certificates and reports. 18. Guards, Fences & Other Barriers 18.1 Guards or fences must not be removed from any machinery or plant without the express Page: Page 12 of 23

13 permission of the Selwood Housing Group authorised person. Guards and fences must be replaced and secured as soon as work is completed and before machinery or plant is restarted or energized All contractors machinery or plant brought onto Selwood Housing Group premises must, where appropriate, be securely guarded or fenced and comply with the regulations relating to the type of equipment Where a contractor is carrying out work such as welding, the breaking or dressing of stone or concrete, grinding of metals etc., and he is not operating in an enclosed compound, he is responsible for the installation and maintenance of such screens or enclosures as may be necessary to protect all staff, students or visitors who may be in the vicinity Consideration must also be given to the effect of fumes or dust on nearby heat or smoke Detectors (see Section 29). 19. Access Equipment 19.1 All access equipment must be assessed for suitability by the contractor. Ladders (step and pole) may only be used for access and low risk short duration work where there is no suitable alternative and a risk assessment justifies their use. 20. Scaffolding 20.1 The employer of those persons using scaffolding is responsible for ensuring its safety. The Contractor shall extend this duty to any sub-contractor or others who may share use of a structure. Training includes safety awareness or specific training such as CISRS or NASC training of scaffolders, working at height, asbestos awareness or on industry best practice such as SG4-10 and TG20 is necessary for all working on scaffolding The Contractor shall ensure that all persons for whom they are responsible (employees, subcontractors etc) who engage in scaffolding assembly and dismantling provide evidence of training to a recognized standard. For example: PASMA qualification for alloy towers or CIRS card for conventional tube and fitting scaffolds Basic tube and fitting scaffolding equipment shall be erected in line with: National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) technical handbook and guidance notes. NASC SG4-10 and TG20 Best practice outlined in the relevant HSE guidance notes Erection and dismantling shall be done by competent operatives wearing suitably anchored safety harnesses Licences will be required where any scaffold is built on or over the public highway. The Contractor is to obtain permission to occupy the space over adjacent property. These provisions must be confirmed in writing prior to the commencement of erection of scaffold. The Contractor is to consult the local authority as to whether lights or other form of warning may be required; any electrical supply must be 110 volts or less. Page: Page 13 of 23

14 20.6 Access systems (scaffolds) shall be constructed so as to deter unauthorised entry when not attended. This will usually mean provision of boarding up up to a minimum height of 2.4 meters To comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 regulation 12 and HSE Construction Information Sheet No 47 (Rev 1) the Contractor shall have and use a system to indicate and monitor correct supervision of the structure. This may be achieved by the use of the ScaffTag system or any equal system agreed with the Selwood Housing Group person authorised to oversee the works. A competent person shall inspect any scaffold structure at least every 7 days Where a scaffold is to be in place for a prolonged period and it could provide access to a building containing valuable equipment Selwood Housing Group requires the contractor to discuss with the Selwood Housing Group authorised person provision of suitable security measures, the cost of which must be allowed for at tender or quotation stage All materials stored on scaffold must be secure at all times The scaffold must be securely tied in and erected so that windows are open able from the inside by the occupants, at all times. Fans and/or working areas over entrances and exits must be fully double boarded with a continuous membrane between to stop ANY matter falling through Scaffolding must be struck within one week of the Client having advised the Contractor that the works have been satisfactorily carried out. 21. Occupied estates/schemes or premises 21.1 The Contractor shall at all times be mindful of other persons who may be present within premises including unauthorised persons and shall take all necessary precautions to safeguard them with particular attention to the matters detailed in this CoP. This is in addition to all common law and statutory obligations Those parts of the estates/schemes, which must remain open to occupiers or the public, shall be provided with proper footways, guardrails and other protective measures to ensure the safety of the occupiers or the public. The Contractor shall also provide and maintain temporary access facilities where necessary. Where scaffolding is erected over or adjacent to an entrance, which is to remain in use, effective screen and fans shall be provided. The Contractor shall not block the access of occupiers or the public to estate roads, parking areas of pathways during the progress of the works. The Contractor shall maintain existing access, or if necessary provide alternative access facilities to lifts, staircases, lobbies, hallways, corridors, refuse facilities, etc., and shall ensure that work within lobbies, corridors and stair areas proceeds in an orderly and safe manner. All reasonable steps are to be taken to ensure that the corridors, staircases, refuse chutes, intake cupboards or WC s are not obstructed with plant, materials etc. 22. Control of Noise and Vibration 22.1 The contractor must ensure that Selwood staff, residents or visitors are not subjected to excessive noise. The contractor must endeavor to keep noise levels as low as practicable. Where noise is unavoidable the contractor should inform the Selwood Housing Group authorised person so that the work can be scheduled at more suitable times or so that information can be provided to those who will be affected in advance. Page: Page 14 of 23

15 22.2 Use of radios (other than safety radios) by contract staff is prohibited in any occupied part of premises where work is being undertaken Contractors must abide by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requirements which include: Reduction of the risk of hearing damage to be reduced to the lowest practical level. The provision of noise assessments. The provision of various measures to reduce noise at the employees ears including personal protective equipment (hearing protection). The provision of information and training to employees Contractors must abide by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 which sets a limit value for exposure to vibration and requires an assessment of the risks to staff of both Hand Arm Vibration and Whole Body Vibration to be carried out and appropriate control measures be set in place. Control measures can include: Elimination of the vibration. Substitution (using different (non-vibrating) equipment). Limiting daily exposure. Maintenance procedures to minimise vibration. Information and training of employees. Health surveillance. 23. Personal Protection / Dress Code 23.1 The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) require every employer to provide their employees with suitable PPE to be used at work when they may be exposed to a hazard that cannot be controlled by any other means The contractor will ensure compliance with the dress code as stipulated by site requirements. As a minimum all workers must wear safety footwear with protective toecap and mid sole protection. Depending on the specific work activity being undertaken, other PPE may be required as stipulated within RAMS documentation such as head, eye, ear, respiratory or hand protection and high visibility vest/jackets Selwood Housing Group will retain the right to ask contractors and their staff to dress appropriately whilst on Selwood Housing Group property; this may include the banning of clothing with offensive words or logos and to cover up the upper torso. Contractors and their staff are required to wear or have identification badges incorporating photographs with them at all times. 24. Asbestos 24.1 The Selwood Housing Group Asbestos Management Policy and Procedures are to be followed at all times Selwood Housing Group as far as reasonably practical will provide contractors in advance with asbestos information at a level appropriate to the work being undertaken. Designers and Contractors must be furnished with the most accurate record information available from the Selwood Housing Group authorised person and contractors should actively seek this information if it is not provided For refurbishment or demolition work a refurb/demolition survey must be undertaken with relevant follow up/removal actions prior to the planned construction works. Page: Page 15 of 23

16 24.4 All contractor operatives working on site must have up-to-date Asbestos Awareness training. 25. Good Order - House Keeping 25.1 Areas where contractors are undertaking work will be kept in a reasonable state of cleanliness to prevent tripping and fire hazards Waste, debris and off-cuts of materials are to be cleared off site on a regular basis to ensure other users of the site are not put in danger and that floor areas or structures are not overloaded. 26. Waste Disposal 26.1 The Contractors will dispose of any controlled wastes in a correct manner and that all legal requirements are complied with. It is not permissible for the contractor to use Selwood Housing Group waste receptacles for disposal of any waste. The contractor must provide evidence to confirm that all wastes resulting from works have been disposed of correctly in accordance with relevant Legislation and Selwood Housing Group waste policy The Contractor is responsible for the collection and management of recyclable waste streams, which should be segregated to ensure non-contamination prior to removal from site. It is the Contractor s responsibility to ensure all waste transfer notes are kept for a minimum of two years and made available for inspection at anytime by the Company. 27. Manual Handling 27.1 Contractors are to assess the risk and avoid manual handling where reasonably practicable, e.g. by the use of mechanical aids. Where mechanical aids are not used a detailed assessment of the residual risks is to be carried out and a safe system of work used to ensure the health and safety of the employee. Where appropriate suitable PPE should be issued e.g. gloves. 28. Smoking 28.1 Contractors are not permitted to smoke anywhere on Selwood property either inside buildings or on the grounds. To avoid confusion, e-cigarettes are included within the definition of smoking. 29. Fire Precautions 29.1 Operations involving the use of naked flames, abrasive cutting, electric arc welding, hot soldering or any other similar processes involving the application or production of heat must be carried out under an agreed Permit to Work procedure. Before each such operation begins Contractors and their employees must complete a PTW form and submit it to the authorised person. Permission will only be granted once that authorised person is satisfied that the method(s) to be employed is a) necessary and b) safe. Where both criteria are satisfied the authorised person will issue or approve a Hot Work permit in writing The Contractor must ensure that the practices set down in the Method Statement and the conditions of the hot work permit are adhered to and that their activities do not activate the fire alarm systems. If there is a perceived risk that the fire detection system may be Page: Page 16 of 23

17 triggered unnecessarily, whether this is expected to be by the production of heat, smoke or dust, arrangements must be made for the isolation of the local detectors or in the case of short duration tasks to protect the detector with a heat/dust/smoke proof cover. Note: A Contractor s record of causing unwanted fire alarms may be taken into account before placing further work with that contractor Where demolition or reconstruction work is taking place within an occupied building the Contractor should be aware of any Fire Strategy document put in place by the Selwood Housing Group Authorised Person. Those escape routes which serve the remaining occupants of the building shall be maintained available at all times and kept free from obstruction. Flammable materials should be removed from any area which cannot be regulated by the Contractor as soon as practicable and certainly never left longer than absolutely necessary in area to which the public have access Where acetylene, oxygen, propane or other gas cylinders are stored on site, they must be kept in a ventilated security compound and with appropriate warning signage. Cylinders in use must be securely fixed to their carrying trolley or similar, fitted with flashback arrestors as appropriate and hoses regularly checked No flammable liquids or compressed gases shall be kept within buildings, except in such quantities as may reasonably be required for the days work Suitable means of giving warning within the site shall be provided. Suitable firefighting equipment shall be supplied by the Contractor and key site operatives should be trained in its use All Contractors shall familiarize their agents, employees, sub-contractors and visitors to the site, with the following safety matters: How to identify the sound of the fire alarm and the correct procedures to be followed. The means of escape in case of fire, a) from the site and b) from the building. The location of the nearest fire point within the site. The location of the nearest building fire assembly point to the area of the site in which they are engaged. The location, type and method of operation of the nearest fire fighting equipment. The nominated fire assembly point for the building or site Contractors must obey all fire alarms whilst on Selwood Housing Group premises and coordinate their own fire alarm/ drill Accidental damage to Selwood Housing Group fire safety equipment or services must be reported immediately to the Selwood Housing Group authorised person for overseeing the works Where dust caps or smoke proof seals have been fitted temporarily to detectors they must be removed once the operation posing the risk of false alarm has passed. They must not be left on overnight or for long periods when the site is unattended No burning of waste material or debris will be allowed on site Contractors shall comply with the Joint Code of Practice Fire Prevention on construction Sites 9 th Edition. Page: Page 17 of 23

18 30. Work at Height 30.1 Work at height should be eliminated or reduced as far as is reasonably practicable Work at height that cannot be eliminated should be carried out from a stable working platform wherever possible, eg podium, mobile tower scaffold, scaffolding, in preference to ladder use The use of ladders as a working platform is allowed for low risk short duration work where there is no suitable alternative and a risk assessment justifies their use. Ladders must be secured. 31. Accident Reporting 31.1 All accidents, incidents, near misses, injuries, dangerous occurrences and fires, however trivial, must be reported to the Principal Designer and to the Selwood Housing Group authorised person immediately who will report all incidents to the Selwood Housing Group s Health & Safety department The Contractor must inform the Health & Safety Executive and submit a report to the HSE in the event of a reportable incident as defined in RIDDOR A report on the incident must be forwarded to the Selwood Housing Group authorised person The Contractor must record details of all injuries to their employees in their Accident Book. Selwood Housing Group reserves the right to request a copy of each entry in the Contractor s Accident Book relating to that project Contractors are also required to keep the Selwood Housing Group authorised person informed of the subsequent developments of the long term injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences 32. Security 32.1 All contractors must carry identification badges incorporating photographs with them at all times on site. The contractor s employees may be subject to challenge. The Contractor shall keep a register of badges issued and ensure that the badges of work people who leave the Contractor's employ are surrendered. ID badges are applicable to all sub-contractor s and visitors If a contractor sees anyone acting suspiciously they are requested to telephone the Selwood Housing Group authorised person immediately All the contractor s tools and equipment left on site are left at the contractor s own risk Contractors must arrange for any necessary out of hours access /working through the Selwood Housing Group person authorised to oversee the works. Any Contractor working out of hours shall make contact with an agreed Selwood Housing Group contact point at the start and finish of their work Overall site security must be maintained at all times to prevent unauthorised access and reduce the risk of injury. Typical measures include: Erect an adequate perimeter fence Additional security measures such as CCTV or patrols as appropriate Page: Page 18 of 23

19 Immobilise and make safe all plant and vehicles Guard edges of excavations Stack materials in safe manner Prevent access to elevated areas Prevent access to electricity supplies and other sources of energy Prevent access to and safely store hazardous materials/substances 32.6 The use of guard dogs will not be permitted. 33. Traffic Flow and Parking of Vehicles 33.1 Where planned works will affect traffic flow or parking arrangements on an occupied site then agreement is to be sought through Selwood Housing Group s Authorised Person and suitable and sufficient signs should be used to indicate divisions and restrictions Contractors are to abide by Selwood Housing Group speed limits and traffic signs as indicated. Except for loading or unloading contractors must not park vehicles in restricted areas which are marked by double yellow or red lines, hatched markings or reserved resident parking. Selwood Housing Group reserves the right to remove any illegally parked vehicles Parking at some sites may be restricted or subject to a permit arrangement. Where specific issues or requirements exist, Selwood Housing Group will as far as reasonably practical provide contractors in advance with relevant information/permits. Contractors should actively check and seek this information if it is not provided. Action may be taken against any vehicles parked without a suitable permit or in the wrong location. Selwood Housing Group will not accept any claims for additional costs incurred due to the inability of the Contractor to park in a suitable location If planned works are due to take place on the public highway including public pavements the Contractor is responsible for arranging and funding any necessary licencing/permit from the relevant local authority The contractor will be allowed to park within the constraints of the Contractors compound area if applicable. The Contractor should note that this will be limited to one/two vehicles and any abuse of this privilege will result in the Contractor having to find alternative parking arrangements at no extra cost to the contract The Contractor shall take all precautions so far as is reasonably practicable to reduce risk to the occupier(s) or the public arising from the access and egress of vehicles to and from the site. The Contractor shall also clear away mud or debris including that deposited by vehicles on roads and paved areas outside the site area and reinstate paving or otherwise damaged by vehicles to the satisfaction of the relevant highway authority. 34. Vulnerable Persons 34.1 There may be occasions where Selwood Housing Group has information relating to residents which may affect resident or contractor safety during construction works within occupied residential properties or simply be beneficial to know for better customer service. Selwood will provide relevant information in advance to the Contractor. Examples include: Page: Page 19 of 23

20 Residents who have previously demonstrated aggressive behaviour where it may be appropriate for no lone-working to be done within a property by a Contractor; Residents who have notified a disability e.g. blindness where extra precautions may be required during construction works to prevent injury. 35. Children and Young Persons 35.1 No young persons (under 18) e.g. apprentices shall be allowed on site in connection with the undertakings of the Contractor without prior and comprehensive risk assessments being conducted and documented by the Contractor and the approval of the Client. 36. Welfare 36.1 The Principal Contractor must ensure that facilities that comply with the requirements of Schedule 2 of the CDM Regulations are provided throughout the construction phase. The Selwood Housing Group authorised person or Principal Designer will liaise with the Contractor before construction work commences to ensure that suitable arrangements are agreed During the construction of new buildings the contractor is to make his own arrangements for providing toilet facilities. When working within existing buildings the Contractor may be allowed to use existing toilet facilities or facilities within other Selwood Housing Group properties nearby Where contractors are allowed to use existing facilities the contractor must ensure that these are kept in a clean and tidy condition. On completion these toilets should be thoroughly cleaned to the satisfaction of Selwood Housing Group. 37. Health Surveillance 37.1 The contractor will be expected to maintain a programme of health surveillance in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, where a risk assessment has shown it is needed: Following identification of health hazards, which are known to damage health in some way, Following identification of those who might be at risk, Where detection of the disease or condition is possible, Where the employee is likely to benefit. 38. Disciplinary Procedure 38.1 Selwood Housing Group may seek to invoke a Company s disciplinary procedures if evidence suggests that a member of contractors staff has contravened these procedures. Repeat infringements or serious offences may result in individuals being removed from site. Page: Page 20 of 23

21 39. Summary All contractors working on Selwood Housing Group sites must comply with this code of practice. Failure to do so may result in removal from Selwood Housing Group s preferred list of suppliers. Repair, maintenance, installation or minor work contractors are required to read this cop when first selected to carry out works and ensure their staff working on site are fully aware of and abide by the requirements. Principal contractors are required to have a copy of the cop available on site at all times. All principal contractors working on Selwood Housing Group sites are required to sign a copy of the declaration at the back of this CoP (signed by the company director responsible for health and safety) and returned to: Selwood Housing Group Bryer Ash Business Park Bradford Road Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 8RT Principal contractors are required to obtain signed copies of the declaration for each project by the respective sub-contractors working on their site. The principal contractor shall keep a specific file containing these declarations for the duration of the project. Selwood Housing Group authorised persons may inspect the file at the site meetings then record the progress in respect of completing the declarations. Failure to keep a copy of the CoP on site and/or include reference within the contractors induction will result in an automatic failure of a site inspection. It is essential that all staff are made aware of this CoP and its content during the site induction. Page: Page 21 of 23

22 APPENDIX A LIST OF KEY H&S AND RELATED LEGISLATION Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Acetylene Safety (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014 Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995 Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 Gas Safety (Rights of Entry) Regulations 1996 Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 Health and Safety (First- Aid) Regulations 1981 Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989 Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 Work at Height Regulations 2005 Work in Compressed Air Regulations 1996 Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Environmental Protection Act 1990 The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Please note that the above list is intended to show the more common applicable legislation, it is not exhaustive. Page: Page 22 of 23