Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Owner Name Title Signature Date 03 March 2017 Suleman Ali Director of Safety Strategy & Support Services Authoriser Name Title Signature Peter Vujanic Date 26 June 2017 Head of Safety Health & Environment This document forms part of the UK Power Networks Integrated Management System and compliance with its requirements is mandatory. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the above authoriser. Revision Record Version number 10.0 What has changed? Change of owner. Date published 10/07/2017 a Key items of PPE updated EN Standards, now v3.0. Added additional reference to S11 for disposal of asbestos contaminated Next review date 10/07/2019 PPE, minor typos Prepared by R. MacKinnon Why has it changed? Review required Version number 9.0 What has changed? Added reference to HR 01 012 Dress Code Policy Date published 05/01/2015 S14 wording change to undergarments and change from cotton to natural fibres Next review date 11/04/2017 a Key items of PPE added 2 pairs of gloves Prepared by R. MacKinnon Why has it changed? Observations from an internal audit Version number 8.0 What has changed? Reviewed and removed reference to the PPE SAT Date published 06/05/2014 Why has it changed? Next review date 11/04/2016 Prepared by R. MacKinnon Page 1 of 7
Who needs to know? All UK Power Networks Staff Asset Management Capital Programme Connections Contractors Customer Services Finance Legal G81 External website HR & Communications SHE&TT In Business HSS Safety Reps ICPs (Independent Connection Providers) IDNOs (Independent Distribution Network Operators) Information Systems Meter Operators Network Operations EPN LPN SPN Distribution Capital Delivery Logistics Network Control Network Operations Connections Transport Services Strategy and Regulation UK Power Networks Services Airports Rail Strategic projects HS1, DLR & Commercial buildings MUJV / Allenby Business Development Others (specify) Contents 1.0 Introduction and Purpose... 3 2.0 Scope... 3 3.0 Objective... 3 4.0 References... 3 5.0 Definitions... 3 6.0 Responsibilities... 4 7.0 Records... 4 8.0 Selection and Approval... 5 9.0 Supply... 5 10.0 Instruction and Training... 5 11.0 Use, Storage and Disposal... 5 12.0 Inspection & Maintenance... 6 13.0 Specific Issues... 6 14.0 Appropriate Under and Over Garments for Coveralls (FR/arc protected)... 7 15.0 Seasonal Guidance for Wearing of Coveralls (FR/arc protected)... 7 Page 2 of 7
1.0 Introduction and Purpose This procedure outlines the UK Power Networks requirements for the selection, provision, use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 2.0 Scope This procedure shall apply to all of UK Power Networks and UK Power Networks Services and applies all types of PPE and clothing approved by the Specific Action Teams Contractors must ensure and be able to demonstrate that they have procedures, monitoring and control processes in place to comply with legal requirements. In addition the standards set out in a there are mandatory minimum standards for certain items of PPE when working for UK Power Networks. 3.0 Objective The overall objectives of this procedure are to provide: a consistent approach for the selection, approval, issue and care of PPE; a consistent approach in complying with client specific requirements and standards for work on or near their infrastructure or projects (for example Network Rail and London Underground) state the minimum specification for the Safe 6 and other specialist items of PPE 4.0 References a HSS 01 078 HSS 01 078a HSS 01 076 HSS 01 062 HR 00 012 C01/SS/38/1001 NR/L2/OHS/021 QUENSH Summary of Standards for key items of PPE Management of Work Equipment Assessment of Work Equipment Form Occupational Health Management Undertaking On-Site (Point of Work) Assessment Dress Code Policy NR (CTRL) Level One Standard High Visibility Clothing NR Personal Protective Equipment and Work Wear Procedure LUL Personal Protective Equipment requirements 5.0 Definitions CE marked Safe 6 Trainee Product meets the appropriate European Standards Flame retardant overalls, High Viz and Foot, Head, Hand and Eye Protection An apprentice or adult trainee under continuous supervision Page 3 of 7
6.0 Responsibilities 6.1 Directors are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are made available for the selection, approval, provision of and instructing employees in the use and care of approved PPE. 6.2 Managers and supervisors are responsible for: all PPE in use is approved and purchased from the approved supplier; replacing, arranging repair,servicing and cleaning ensuring any PPE requiring formal inspection and tagging e.g. harness is managed in accordance with HSS 01 078; monitoring its proper use by both employees and contractors (including subcontractors) via the Behavioural Exchange process (HSS 01 050); ensuring adequate information, instruction and training on the use of any particular PPE that is required to carry out the task safely has been provided; and taking appropriate action where any failing in the provision and/or use of PPE is found. 6.3 Employees shall: use PPE when specified as a control measure for the task being undertaken; visually inspect all PPE before use and ensure the PPE is used in accordance with the information, instruction and training given; keep the PPE in good condition, store it properly, and report any loss or defect immediately to their Manager/Supervisor; ensure that the PPE is within use by date if appropriate; not wilfully interfere or misuse the PPE provided or use PPE not approved for use by UK Power Networks; and justify on the Point of Work Assessment any of the Safe 6 that is not being used identify any rest areas or arrangements where PPE can be removed or replaced. 6.4 Contractors, Sub-Contractors and Self Employed shall ensure that the PPE supplied to their workers when working for UK Power Networks meets the minimum standards set out in a. 6.5 All SATs are responsible for the assessment, evaluation and approval of PPE in accordance with HSS 01 078 Management of Work Equipment. 6.6 PPE Co-ordinators are responsible for ordering PPE and clothing from the approved supplier and keeping a record of who, what and the size that is required for each individual and returning items that are not required to the supplier. 6.7 Logistics are responsible for ensuring that stock is available. 6.8 In-business HSS Advisors are responsible for providing on-going advice and support in the implementation of this procedure. 7.0 Records All PPE assessment sheets shall be recorded in Alfresco on the Equipment Assessment database. PPE conformance and formal inspection records shall be held on the approved equipment inspection databases. Formal training for specialist PPE shall be recorded on LMS. Page 4 of 7
8.0 Selection and Approval All PPE is required to be assessed and approved before trial or purchase takes place in accordance with HSS 01 078 Management of Work Equipment. The Specific Action Teams undertake the valuation using form HSS 01 078a. For PPE the following specific issues are taken into consideration before approval: Adequate and appropriate: Fit for purpose for the risks and the conditions involved. Certified: CE-marked to indicate design and manufacture to current legal requirements. Compatible: With any other PPE required to be worn simultaneously and with no reduction in the levels of protection presently offered. Acceptable: Ergonomically sound; as comfortable as possible; appropriate for maximum duration of use. Of a proper fit and suitable quality: If necessary available in different sizes or adjustable. To be manufactured to a suitable quality. Previous incidents: - Through risk assessment it has been established that inappropriate clothing (manmade fibres) worn under FR coveralls increases the risk of burns through heat transfer. The list of Approved PPE is available on the PPE and Tools section in the HSS Manual and displayed as pictures in the PPE posters. Non Approved suppliers or items shall not be used without prior approval of the Operational Safety Team. A summary of the standards for key items of PPE required by UK Power Networks is listed in a. 9.0 Supply PPE shall normally be ordered through nominated local PPE/Clothing Co-ordinators within each Directorate or location. Disposable PPE, which includes hard hats, gloves, respiratory protection, are available from Logistics. Non-disposable PPE including coveralls, footwear and corporate wear shall be ordered using the relevant PPE order forms on Logistics intranet site Specialist PPE including harnesses are available from the Approved Supplier. 10.0 Instruction and Training The nature and extent of the instruction, training, and any required refresher training, will depend on the risk and on the type of PPE concerned. All PPE users shall be instructed in what to look for by way of indications of deterioration and unfitness for use. This instruction will normally be part of task or equipment training with periodic reminders via bulletins and Team Brief. Those persons issued with specialist PPE e.g. Safety harnesses, respiratory protection will require formal training, which will be recorded on LMS. 11.0 Use, Storage and Disposal PPE shall only be used in accordance with manufacturer s instructions and shall not be modified in any way. For most activities, PPE will be readily available from Logistics and will be issued on a personal basis. Page 5 of 7
Safe 6 PPE should be used as a minimum at all times when on site. Where appropriate, following risk assessment items may be removed, but this must be justified on the on the Point of Work Assessment. Proper storage will ensure that PPE remains un-contaminated and in good condition. To prevent contamination, loss, damage by harmful substances, by damp, by sunlight, etc., PPE shall be stored in bags/containers/ lockers. The majority of items standard items e.g. coveralls, hats, can be accommodated in a PPE kit bag. Where ever practicable redundant PPE should be disposed of in the appropriate waste skip with the logo removed. Items with significant oil contamination shall be correctly bagged, and placed in the oil waste container. Asbestos contaminated PPE shall be bagged as detailed in HSS 01 63 Management of Asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM). 12.0 Inspection & Maintenance All PPE must be visually inspected by the user prior to use. The majority of personalissue PPE will be of a disposable type and will therefore not be subject to statutory maintenance requirements but will require cleaning. All non-disposable and specialist PPE shall be inspected and maintained at the intervals specified in the Approved Equipment list for the items concerned and managed in accordance with HSS 01 078 Management of Work Equipment.. All items of PPE issued to staff shall be regularly inspected as part of the Behavioural Exchange process. 13.0 Specific Issues 13.1 Medical Exceptions Any medical issues around the use of PPE must be assessed by Occupational Health in accordance with HSS 01 076. The Manager shall with the advice of the Occupational Health Advisor determine whether the individual may safely continue to undertake the task. Account shall be taken of the availability of alternative or bespoke PPE and the reasonable practicability of implementing alternative controls. 13.2 Prescription Lenses These shall normally be ordered through nominated local PPE/Clothing Co-ordinators within each Directorate or location, and authorised by the line manager. Employee chooses frames from Prescription Lenses Poster. Standard is for clear lenses and a specific risk assessment justification will be required for photo chromatic lenses. The employee should book an appointment at Boots Optician, which will include an eye test if they have not had one for 12 months. The Optician will contact the employee when the glasses are ready for collection and fitting. The invoice will be sent to the clothing coordinator. 13.3 Amount of PPE The amount of PPE and clothing required will vary on the task of the individual with consideration for washing and rotation. 13.4 Special Measurements PPE and clothing can be made to measure in special circumstances when the normal range does not fit properly. This service is not for one off visits. Page 6 of 7
13.5 Trainee All apprentice/adult trainee staff will be provided with a high-visibility jacket with trainee on the back which must be worn at all times when on site. 14.0 Appropriate Under and Over Garments for Coveralls (FR/arc protected) The coverall must be worn with under garments at all times; this could be a polo shirt and trousers or t-shirt and underwear. All undergarments must be at least 78% natural fibres and where possible 100% cotton. It is not permissible to wear high content manmade fibre items such as polyester or nylon. It is essential this guidance is followed as these types of fabric raise the temperature of the heat transfer through the coveralls if a flashover were to occur. Hi-visibility coveralls (Orange) may be worn as an alternative but must be manufactured to the same standard as the FR/arc protected coverall. When undertaking any work on or near the electricity distribution network, garments used over coveralls need to have the equivalent FR/arc protection this includes such items as high-viz waistcoats and wet weather clothing and also would apply to any corporate clothing. 15.0 Seasonal Guidance for Wearing of Coveralls (FR/arc protected) 15.1 Hot weather In hot conditions where heat exhaustion is possible the coveralls may be removed or loosened when in an identified rest area or when NOT in the vicinity of the electrical network and where site rules permit. Rest areas on operational sites should be identified on the Point of Work Assessment. Individuals should be provided with containers to carry fresh water, insect repellent, sun screen, burns gel and where appropriate umbrellas for shade. Work should also be planned to allow regular rest breaks. 15.2 Cold Weather In cold weather conditions it is advisable to layer the garments to keep warm such as polo shirt, sweat shirt coveralls, fleece and a Bennie (hat). It is not permissible to wear hoodies, snoods and other items that have not been approved to be worn at work. Where appropriate individuals should be provided with the facilities to make warm drinks, encouraged to wear a hat and work should be planned to ensure regular breaks and movement to help keep them warm. Page 7 of 7