HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

Transcription

1 HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY Our Target is Zero Injuries Head Office Carter Synergy Ltd Redhill Road Hay Mills Birmingham B25 8EY T: Issue 13 F: April 2012 D.01

2 THE INVOLVEMENT OF EMPLOYEES IN OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY EFFORT IS FUNDAMENTAL. Everyone within Carter Synergy must comply with this policy and help achieve its aims. Together, we must ensure zero tolerance of any practice that could result in injuries and ill health. The requirement to work safely is a condition of employment at Carter Synergy. There is no acceptable reason for working unsafely and we must remember our moral obligation to our families and each other. The safety policy statement is located on the companies intranet site and is accessible to all employees via their PDA s, desk top computers or laptops. The safety policy statement is reviewed annually and any amendments made, are referenced in the table below. The safety policy is displayed prominently on notice boards located throughout the companies buildings. [ 2 ]

3 REVISION RECORD Section Revision Date Issue Reason For Change Authorised 1.2 May Annual Appraisal System B Johnson 2.11 January Safety Monitoring B Johnson 1.2 January Responsibility for Health & Safety (All Employees) B Johnson 2.32 January Nearmiss/Hazard Alert Reporting B Johnson 2.5 April RIDDOR Reporting protocol B Johnson [ 3 ]

4 CONTENTS SECTION 1 - Organisation & Responsibility 1.1 Health, Safety & Environmental Policy 1.2 The organisation of Health & Safety Responsibilities SECTION 2 - General Arrangements 2.1 Risk Management 2.2 Safety Induction for New Employees 2.3 Training and Authorisation 2.4 Fire Control and Fire Precautions 2.5 First Aid Arrangements and Accident Reporting 2.6 Housekeeping 2.7 Hazardous substances 2.8 Use of natural refrigerants CO Noise 2.10 Manual Handling 2.11 Safety Monitoring 2.12 Personal Protective Equipment 2.13 Portable Electrical Equipment 2.14 Welding Sets 2.15 CDM Regulations 2.16 Welfare Facilities 2.17 Working at Height 2.18 Lone Working 2.19 Electricity 2.20 Pressurised Systems 2.21 Asbestos 2.22 Hot Work 2.23 Environmental Policy 2.24 Hygiene 2.25 Use of Sub contractors 2.26 Driving 2.27 Health Care and Monitoring 2.28 Consultation with Employees 2.29 Management meetings and Reports 2.30 Behavioural Safety 2.31 Gas Safe 2.32 Nearmiss/hazard Reporting [ 4 ]

5 1.1 HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT This policy is mandatory for all locations and activities within Carter Synergy. At Carter Synergy, accident prevention, safeguarding employee health and environmental protection are an integral part of our business philosophy. It is Carter Synergy corporate policy that all of our company operations be safe for our personnel, communities and the environment. Carter Synergy are committed to providing and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work, along with information, instruction, training and supervision. In return it is expected that everyone will work together to eliminate injuries and work related ill health. It is essential that each of us take personal responsibility for health and safety, ensuring that we don t accept unsafe acts or conditions and take immediate action where we see unsafe practices. We believe that a sound health and safety culture is founded upon two principles: visible leadership and employee engagement. Managers at all levels must demonstrate visible health and safety leadership, ensuring that health and safety arrangements are clear, implemented and constantly reviewed. The engagement of employees in our health and safety effort is fundamental and we will implement effective means of consultation and communication across the business. Through comprehensive training and development programmes we will ensure that employees have the necessary health and safety competency for the role they undertake within the business. In addition we will maintain close relationships with relevant statutory bodies and trade organisations to keep us at the forefront of industry practice. Together, we must ensure zero tolerance of unsafe work practices. Our aim is to eliminate workplace injuries and ill health and thereby fulfil our moral obligation to our employees, their families and anyone else affected by our operations. R.J. Orbell Managing Director January 2012 [ 5 ]

6 1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY ALL EMPLOYEES Carter Synergy values the involvement of employees and will encourage participation through consultation. Everyone is expected to take an active role in improving standards by, for example, attendance at health and safety meetings, carrying out risk assessments or undertaking inspections. It is the responsibility of everyone at Carter Synergy to comply with and enforce policies and specific safety procedures applicable to their role. The most significant effect each of us can have on eliminating workplace injuries is by adopting a positive health and safety attitude at all times. It is estimated that up to 90% of accidents arise from unsafe behaviour. Everyone should demonstrate personal leadership in respect of health and safety by ensuring that they don t walk past unsafe work practices and by advising their line manager of any unsafe acts or conditions. The use of the nearmiss/hazard alert reporting system is encouraged at all levels of the business. We should be aware that our acts and omissions can put others at risk and should never take short cuts that compromise safety. Performance appraisals are essential for the effective management and evaluation of staff. Appraisals help develop individuals, improve organizational performance, and feed into business planning. Formal performance appraisals will be conducted annually for all staff in the organization. Each staff member will be appraised by their line manager. The appraisal system will focus on employees performance as well as adherence to the companies health and safety policy. MANAGING DIRECTOR The Managing Director with the support of other Director s, ensures that the Carter Synergy requirements for health and safety and this Health and Safety policy are implemented throughout company. Through his personal leadership, he communicates the importance of health and safety to the business, promoting continuous improvement by setting targets and ensuring the publication and monitoring of an annual Health and Safety Action Plan. He ensures that adequate resources are available to enable compliance with the company policies, including the provision of specialist health and safety personnel to support the business in reviewing performance and continually improving standards. [ 6 ]

7 DIRECTORS Directors are responsible for health and safety within their operations and activities. They ensure that all staff are aware of the health and safety requirements relevant to their role. They are required to appoint competent people so that there is effective supervision of all activities. They ensure sufficient resources are available to enable compliance with Carter Synergy health and safety policies/guides and make certain that equipment, machinery, and vehicles are suitably maintained. With their Management Team they monitor the effectiveness of this policy and compliance throughout their operations, bringing any significant concerns to the attention of the Managing Director and health and safety personnel. SENIOR MANAGERS Senior managers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy working environment for everyone working within their team and ensuring compliance with Carter Synergy policies. They will ensure competence through structured training programmes and monitor the condition of equipment, machinery and vehicles through inspection and defect reporting systems. They will continually promote employee involvement in the health and safety effort and ensure there is good communication regarding health and safety within their areas of responsibility and with other interrelated areas/functions within the organisation. SUPERVISORY STAFF Supervisors, managers are accountable to their appointed Senior Manager and have day to day, first line responsibility for the health and safety of the people under their control. They are required to ensure compliance with Carter Synergy policies/guides in so far as they apply to the activities in their charge. Through risk assessments they must take an active part in the identification hazards, development of control measures and the communication of remaining significant risks to all relevant personnel. They will promote involvement through employee consultation and ensure continual improvement in standards by operating maintenance and inspection schemes with effective close out systems. They must ensure that necessary local procedures are implemented to guarantee the safe operation of plant and equipment and that accident/near miss reporting systems are fully utilised [ 7 ]

8 HEALTH AND SAFETY PERSONNEL Health and Safety personnel must support the business in advancing and promoting the health and safety culture and eliminating work related injuries and ill health. They will assist the Directors and senior management teams in developing a strategic health and safety action plan for the whole company. Through effective monitoring systems, such as inspections, audits and accident analysis, they will promote compliance with company and legislative requirements. In the event of an accident the health and safety personnel will provide support with the investigation, to an extent that is proportionate to the severity. In all RIDDOR Reportable Accidents a root cause analysis investigation by health and safety personnel will be carried out with the appropriate manager. Where appropriate, learning points from incidents will be communicated throughout the business to help prevent a recurrence. Health and safety personnel will seek to establish good working relations with trade organisations and statutory bodies in order that they can be aware of and, where possible, be involved in the development of applicable regulations. [ 8 ]

9 HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORTING STRUCTURE Managing Director R.J. ORBELL Directors and Senior Managers responsible for Health & Safety and Environment HSEQ Manager/Officer Group Human Resources External Safety Consultancy Occupational Health (Company GP) Supervisors Local Safety Committees & Representatives of employee safety Employees Direct reporting Communication route [ 9 ]

10 SECTION 2 General Arrangements to Ensure a Safe Working Environment 2.1 RISK MANAGEMENT Risk assessments will be undertaken to assess the risks to the health and safety of all employees as required by the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations The results of risk assessments will be used to identify the control measures required to reduce risk. A set of generic risk assessments will be held by all engineers. It will be the responsibility of the employee's supervisor or manager to ensure site specific risks have been obtained from the CDM Co-ordinator on installation projects and that employees and sub contractors have been notified. The need to undertake or review a risk assessment will be triggered by such things as: a) The introduction of new or modified working practices b) The introduction of new or modified plant / equipment c) The introduction of new materials or substances which could be hazardous to health d) If an accident or reported near miss/hazard brings their integrity into question. e) Formal review of risk assessments will be carried out every 12 months. 2.2 SAFETY INDUCTION FOR NEW EMPLOYEES All new employees, temporary staff and agency personnel must undergo a period of induction training to ensure safe methods of working are adopted at all times. Training will commence on day one of employment and consist of a formal programme that takes into account the individual needs of the employee and the specific job role. The duration of the induction-training programme will vary dependent on the individual and the complexity of the tasks. The duration must be sufficient to ensure that the employee and others are not put at risk. Specific requirements will be put in place where young or inexperienced employees are recruited. After a predetermined period the induction must be formally reviewed and signed off by the line manager, with assessment where appropriate, to ensure full understanding of procedures and precautions covered. The Company will ensure those working on construction sites receive site induction which will cover site hazards and rules. [ 10 ]

11 2.3 TRAINING AND AUTHORISATION The Company will ensure all employees and subcontractors are competent to carry out the work assigned to them. A record of all the different tasks that a person is competent to carry out will be developed and maintained at the Company's offices. No person will carry out work unless they have been trained and authorised. Anyone undergoing training will be closely supervised by a competent person. Factors influencing the need for safety training can include the following: a) Accidents and adverse trends b) Dangerous occurrences c) The need to use hazardous equipment / substances d) The introduction of new systems e) New safety legislation f) The removal of complacency In addition to Company arrangements employees and sub contractors will be instructed on the requirements of client safety rules on site and a copy will be issued and signed for. 2.4 FIRE CONTROL AND FIRE PRECAUTIONS All personnel and visitors at the Company's offices will be made aware of the evacuation procedure should the fire alarm sound. On discovering a fire: - Raise the alarm. - Attempt to fight the fire with an appropriate extinguisher if safe to do so. - If the fire is not immediately extinguished, leave the building, closing all doors and windows if safe to do so. Action on Hearing the Alarm: - Switch off all electrical and gas supplies if safe to do so. - Close all windows and doors if safe to do so. - Leave by the nearest safe exit. - Assemble at the designated assembly point. - Do not re-enter the building until advised to do so by the Fire Brigade or senior person present. The Compliance Director or Regional Manager is responsible for ensuring that the fire risk assessments are carried out and reviewed no later than every four years. In addition they will also ensure that weekly fire alarm tests are carried out and a minimum of twice yearly fire evacuation procedures are practised. [ 11 ]

12 Employees will be trained in emergency procedures and all fire fighting equipment will be regularly maintained. The supervisor responsible for those on site will ensure everyone is familiar with the site regulations and that adequate fire fighting equipment and permits to work are obtained when hot work is carried out. Wherever practicable, engineers will not use naked flames for detecting refrigerant leakage. Everyone on the premises will be made aware of the smoking restrictions. 2.5 FIRST AID ARRANGEMENTS & ACCIDENT REPORTING Persons trained in first aid will be appointed to provide adequate cover at the Company offices and for those working on site the manager / supervisor in charge will ensure they have access to first aid facilities. The number of trained first aider s will be maintained at a minimum of two per office premises, which is the assessed number required to maintain suitable cover taking into account holidays, illness and visits. A nominated qualified first aider will ensure that First Aid boxes are checked and replenished on a monthly basis. Their names and photographs are prominently displayed in a number of areas around the building. All accidents will be reported to the employee's immediate supervisor and recorded in both the site and Company accident book. If the accident results in the employee being incapacitated for more than seven consecutive days the Company will notify the enforcing authority as required by the RIDDOR Regulations. Accident and incident statistics will be logged into a central data base which shall be reviewed on a regular basis in order to detect and reverse adverse trends. 2.6 HOUSEKEEPING Managers and supervisors are responsible for keeping all areas of work clean and tidy at all times. All hazardous and special waste materials will be transported by approved carriers Floors will be kept clear of debris and combustible materials and all compressed gas cylinders will be stored in a secure area. [ 12 ]

13 2.7 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES All substances (solvents, oils, chemicals, cleaning agents, dust and fume etc.) will be assessed for possible risk to health prior to being used as required by the COSHH Regulations. All engineers will have access to Safety Data Sheets and COSHH information. Engineers who handle refrigerants will undertake the City & Guilds or other approved course on the safe handling of refrigerants. 2.8 USE OF NATURAL REFRIGERANTS Political and industry demands are a requirement to move to greener refrigerants, and to meet this Natural Refrigerants such as CO 2 and Hydrocarbons (HC) are becoming the growing choice of many clients. Besides having alternative technological requirements when compared with conventional synthetic refrigerant systems, they also bring differing Health and Safety considerations CO 2 is working with high system pressures of between 40 and 70 bar, and Hydrocarbons the risk is predominantly flammability/explosion. When designing and working with these refrigerants it is imperative that all statutory regulations and industry best practice are fully understood and complied with. For each of these refrigerants, working practices must be fully defined and risk assessed prior to the starting and completion of any work. This is for all areas of work we may be involved with i.e. covering installation, commissioning, service and maintenance work. It is the company policy that all engineers are trained to understand the technology, practical and H&S requirements, attending industry recognised courses that deliver awareness and knowledge in all these areas. Under no circumstances should a non-competent (someone who has not completed the appropriate CO 2 or HC course) engineer be allowed to work on Natural Refrigerant systems unless closely supervised by a trained, competent, qualified and experienced engineer who has completed the necessary training and gained the required qualification. [ 13 ]

14 2.9 NOISE As required under the Noise at Work Regulations the following will apply. All noise levels will be controlled at source where ever possible but where noise levels exceed 80 db(a) hearing protection will be provided and employees warned of the dangers of exposure to excessive noise. Where levels of noise exceed 85 db(a) supervisors and managers will enforce the use of hearing protection. Notices will be posted around working areas where precautions should be taken against noise. Engineers will warned of the noise hazards that can exist on client premises e.g. when working in plant rooms and reminded of the precautions to be taken MANUAL HANDLING The Company will conduct a survey of its activities to assess if there are risks to health and safety as a result of manual handling operations as required by the Manual Handling Regulations. Where it is not possible to avoid manual handling then those risks will be reduced to the lowest practicable level. The Company will take all steps necessary to ensure that employees are trained, instructed and informed of their own responsibility to make full use of any mechanical equipment provided to reduce or eliminate handling operations SAFETY MONITORING A full audit of the safety management system is undertaken on an annual basis and site inspections are carried out at regular intervals by supervisors and Company safety personnel. Accident details are recorded, investigated and corrective actions implemented. Safety issues resulting from the above are discussed at safety committee meetings where engineers have representation. Details of accidents, incidents and unsafe practices will be reviewed by the safety Committee on a regular basis, actions are taken to address any adverse trends. [ 14 ]

15 2.12 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT As required by the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations the Company will provide protective equipment which has been assessed for its suitability to provide adequate protection whilst at the same time causing minimum discomfort to the wearer. Regular inspections of equipment will be undertaken by employees and 6 monthly checks made by supervisors. Employees will be required to take good care of safety equipment and ensure correct use, cleaning and storage. Client site regulations on the wearing of PPE will be complied with at all times PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT As required by the Electricity at Work Regulations all electrically powered tools, extension leads, inspection lamps etc. will be subject to periodic examination by a competent person WELDING SETS Gauges and hoses on gas welding sets will be checked by the engineer on site prior to use. Faulty equipment will be reported immediately to the Supervisor / Manager on site and either be repaired before use or taken out of service. In addition to this, monthly inspections of welding equipment will be undertaken by a competent person, a record of these inspections will be maintained. Flash back arrestors will be fitted on all welding sets CONSTRUCTION DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS Where these regulations apply it is the Company policy to fully comply with its duties and responsibilities under these regulations and to liaise with clients, Principal Contractor, designers and main contractor as necessary. In particular the Company will: a) Give full consideration to the management of health and safety and to systematically plan and control the work it undertakes stage by stage. b) Involve all personnel, organisations and advising bodies that can contribute to health and safety of the project to be undertaken and to communicate and share information with all parties involved. c) Maintain records and information for future use d) Give full consideration to the avoidance, reduction and control of risks forced by the Company's activities, including, maintenance, repair, renovation, demolition or any other construction work within the regulations. [ 15 ]

16 2.16 WELFARE FACILITIES The requirements of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations will be taken into account when assessing the need for welfare facilities on site as will the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations for assessing facilities at the Company premises. Suitable accommodation, conveniences, eating and drinking arrangements and washing facilities will be provided WORKING AT HEIGHT & ACCESS EQUIPMENT See Working at Height Company Policy Where practicable, precautions will be taken to prevent people falling from height. suitable guardrails will be provided and should this not be practicable then harnesses or other means of fall prevention will be used. Where there is no suitable structure to stand on that would prevent a fall then a scissor lift, tower or scaffolding will be hired. Persons responsible for erecting and inspecting scaffolding / towers will be trained and qualified as will those who are required to use powered access equipment All powered equipment used for lifting and access will be hired and certificates of inspection obtained from the hirer A register of ladders and steps will be maintained and the engineer using them is responsible for ensuring they are in a safe and sound condition and will submit a monthly checklist as to their condition. Only industrial grade ladders and steps will be used LONE WORKING Engineers working alone in isolated areas such as plant rooms and on roofs will ensure that they have reported to the site representative who knows of their location and expected time of departure. For longer periods of lone working then someone will be requested to call them at regular intervals. The method of communication will be determined at the outset i.e. mobile phones if safe to use or two way radios etc. In addition the use of external out of hours bureau Comm Link, can be used. [ 16 ]

17 2.19 ELECTRICITY Only competent and authorised personnel will be allowed to undertake maintenance or repair work involving electrical circuits. Prior to working on plant, equipment, installations and distribution boards they will be switched off at the power source and isolated. Equipment will be tested prior to starting work to ensure no current is being drawn. Work is never carried on live conductors unless it is proven there is no other way of undertaking the work PRESSURISED SYSTEMS Refrigerant systems will be pressure tested using only dry, oxygen free nitrogen from a cylinder that is fitted with a nitrogen pressure regulator to control the test. The engineer will make sure that no one is working in the vicinity of the system under test and warning notices will be displayed. When an engineer has to break into a pressurised system then he will pump the system down to ensure that on disconnection of a joint or valve there will not be a sudden release of pressure. Engineers will wear suitable gloves, overalls and eye protection to prevent against refrigerant burns ASBESTOS If work requires the removal or cutting of asbestos then the Company will ensure it is only carried out by an approved HSE licensed sub contractor. If during work the presence of asbestos is suspected, then the work will be suspended immediately until a survey is carried out by a competent person to assess the risk HOT WORK No hot work (cutting/welding, brazing, soldering, use of blowlamps etc) will be undertaken without obtaining a 'HOT WORK PERMIT' from the location manager. Before undertaking this work the area will be cleared of all combustible materials and there will be a suitable fire extinguisher at hand. The area will be checked for signs of combustion after the work has been completed. [ 17 ]

18 2.23 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY See Environmental Policy The Company is aware of its duties under the Environmental Protection Act and has a prepared policy which recognises the important role that installation, service and maintenance engineers have in reducing emissions of refrigerant gases. All engineers who handle refrigerants will undertake an approved course of training which will include the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency. The Company is committed to return recovered / reclaimed refrigerant to the manufacturers for recycling. The Company is a registered waste carrier and will ensure that waste refrigerant and other controlled waste is removed from site and disposed of in accordance with all current environmental legislation HYGIENE The Company recognises the importance of maintaining good hygiene standards at all times whilst employees are working in areas where food is prepared or stored. Employees working in food retail outlets will undertake a food hygiene course that will highlight the causes of food contamination and food poisoning and the precautions they must take to prevent contamination USE OF SUB CONTRACTORS Sub contractors will not only be selected on their technical ability but also on their ability to undertake work safely. Prior to initial use of a sub contractor they will be required to complete and return a safety questionnaire together with documentation to support their ability to manage safety effectively. This information will be examined as to its suitability for the task employed by the HSQE Manager/Officer. Any non-conformance of technical ability or poor safety practises will result in the removal from our approved contractor database and will no longer be eligible for contract work. A sub contractor engaged by Carter Synergy will not be allowed to further sub contract the work without permission and that will not be given unless Carter Synergy are satisfied that the works will be undertaken safely. [ 18 ]

19 2.26 DRIVING All employees who drive on company business are required to comply with the measures contained within the Drivers Handbook. Employees who drive vehicles on company business must: a) Comply with traffic regulations and the Highway Code at all times. b) Never consume substances that could place themselves and others at risk whilst driving c) Only use a telephone or other communication devices from a vehicle in a manner which is legal and never affects the ability to drive safely. d) Never drive a vehicle if tiredness affects the ability to drive safely. e) Always ensure the vehicle being driven is legal, roadworthy and routinely maintained in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. f) Always report traffic accidents to their immediate manager HEALTH CARE AND MONITORING The Company operates a health care programme, which primarily consists of pre-employment health checks, periodic health screening and sickness absence monitoring. The purpose of the programme is to ensure that the work that employees are required to do so does not expose them to unnecessary health risks; and that any employee s general state of health does not put their safety or that of others at risk. As a condition of employment, all new employees will complete a Health Questionnaire and receive appropriate health screening. The extent of the screening will be determined by virtue of the hazards of which they are exposed and or relevant legislation. Whilst the results of individual screening are not revealed to the company, reports on trends are made available by the occupational health care provider. All staff will be made aware of the Drugs & Alcohol Policy. The Policy is designed to promote a culture in which drug and alcohol abuse is not tolerated and to ensure that employees use of either drugs or alcohol does not impair the safe and efficient running of the organisation, or result in risk to the health & safety of themselves, other employees, or third parties. [ 19 ]

20 2.28 CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES It is important that the health and safety interests of all employees are represented. As such all-regional offices will establish a structure of health and safety committee meetings that encompass every employee group. Employees will be encouraged to participate in a constructive manner via their representative, who will be consulted over health, safety and welfare matters. The committees will meet at least twice a year in each Region and chaired by the HSQE manager or appropriate manager. Items considered at the meetings should include any recent incidents, risk assessment reviews and health and safety objectives MANAGEMENT MEETINGS AND REPORTS Health and Safety shall be included on all agenda items in all management meetings. This will provide an opportunity for managers to discuss health and safety alongside other business matters, ensuring that policy decisions are made that best suits the business needs. Management reports will include the relevant health and safety information to ensure that matters are communicated throughout the Company. This information will include, where relevant details of accidents and where required subsequent root cause analysis findings and development of policies BEHAVIOURAL SAFETY It is estimated that up to 90% of workplace injuries are caused by unsafe behaviour. At Carter Synergy we operate a number of initiatives to support a reduction in this type of incident. Visible health and safety leadership is invaluable and, as such managers are trained in behavioural safety techniques and expected to participate in the Injury Prevention Tour (IPT) site visit programme. In addition to the general workplace risk assessments, managers/supervisors are required to identify those sites and activities where pre job risk assessments, in the form of Worksafe, must be used and implemented. The Worksafe assessments are intended to take account of any change in the site conditions that may have not been considered by the general assessments and also to ensure that people STOP AND THINK about the activity they are about to commence, the potential risks and the necessary precautions GAS SAFETY No person may work on gas fittings or appliances unless they are competent to do so. The requirements apply to both natural and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Gas work includes: [ 20 ]

21 (a) (b) (c) The installation, repair or service of a gas boiler. Installation or repair of a gas fire, gas cooker, hob or water heater. Any other work on heat producing appliances involving the gas supply pipework, flues, or combustion chambers if connected to either a natural gas or LPG supply. Gas Safe registered engineers undergo stringent training and are examined to ensure they are competent and qualified to work safely with gas. Although registration is deemed a basic indication of competence, it must be noted that not all engineers are qualified for all gas work. Registered engineers are issued with a unique licence number and a photo identification card. The card will list specifically the types of work that the engineer is qualified to undertake. Managers must ensure that any engineer engaged to work on gas fittings is Gas Safe registered, and appropriately qualified for the work to be done NEARMISS/HAZARD ALERT REPORTING It is proven that the more Near Miss/Hazard alert reports are identified, reported and actioned accordingly, the fewer accidents and incidents occur. The intention of the NMHA reporting system is to provide a genuine incentive with financial benefit to those that contribute to the scheme. On a monthly basis the best NMHA report received will be selected by the HSQE Manager, a 50 voucher reward will then awarded to that employee and a H&S NMHA bulletin issued on the Company Intranet. [ 21 ]