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The whole area of health and safety is complex, and the following Section serves simply to provide an aide-mémoire to the key issues involved, as far as flood damage is concerned. Companies involved in the remediation process also owe a duty of care to the occupants of a building which is as great as their duty of care to individual employees. Guidance should be based on generic risk assessments, which specifically refer to:
Primary legal standards applicable -- Health and Safety at Work It is the employer’s duty to ensure health and safety of employees at work; in particular:
It is the employee’s duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by acts or omissions at work; and to cooperate with the employer on health and safety measures. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations It is the employer's duty:
It is the employee’s duty to work in accordance with training and information provided for health and safety, and to notify the employer of serious and imminent danger, or health and safety shortcomings. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations It is the employer's duty:
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPE) It is the employer’s duty:
Risk assessments also must specifically identify issues relating to confined spaces under the Confined Space Regulations and how appropriate measures should be implemented. General risk assessment processes The intention of this section is to provide general guidance to all parties involved in a flood claim situation. The generic risk assessment identifies typical hazards, risks and preventive actions. Following this guidance will not guarantee full compliance with all health and safety regulations in all claims situations. It will always be necessary to assess general guidance against the unique circumstances at each work site and , where required, to carry out further site-specific risk assessments. Even when generic assessments are deemed to provide satisfactory control of the hazards present, a record that this assessment has been undertaken must be made. Overall management of health and safety has to be achieved by verifying the competency of suppliers on health and safety matters when they are appointed, followed by an effective program of auditing and review of a representative sample of work. The responsibility for the management of health and safety on site has to remain with the individual organizations relative to the nature of their involvement with the claim. It is not possible for the insurance company or the loss adjuster or any other organization to monitor health and safety issues remotely other than via the periodic audit and review arrangements mentioned above. All suppliers must have an effective system for providing training and information for, and supervision of, employees. Supervision is particularly important due to the often small numbers of workers (sometimes lone workers) on site and the transient nature of the work. Regular monitoring of compliance with health and safety by employees on site, by auditing documentation, is an essential element of an effective management system. Implementation of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations is frequently employed as a control measure. It should be recognized, though, that this is the method of last resort if a risk remains after all other options to eliminate or reduce it have been applied. It is not sufficient to simply make PPE available. There has to be adequate training in its use and maintenance, and monitoring to ensure that it's used where necessary and in the correct manner. Asbestos, in particular where found in decorative textured surface coatings, is a problematical area since only licensed contractors are allowed to work on asbestos products. An agreed industry wide approach to handling claims involving asbestos is recommended. The Association of Insurers (AI) are currently investigating what best practice guidance can or should be given to its members. The main objective should be to ensure a consistent, legally compliant, safe method of working for all involved in claims for and the repair of flooded property. The health implications of contaminants in floodwater can often be misunderstood. Care must be taken to ensure workers have appropriate information and support on health related issues. A good example would be the issue of Weil’s Disease information cards for employees who potentially may come into contact with the leptospirosis bacteria. It is widely recognized that the greatest risk to an individual’s safety is drowning in the floodwaters; and , for the general public who are the victims of flooding, illness caused by the stress of being in a flood situation. It is important that public health experts are asked to assist with educating the general public in this area so that these and other fears are brought into perspective. The information provided on this web site is one example of this type of education. This information is part of an initiative supported. Consideration could be given to the inclusion of similar simple health and hygiene advice in documents (or other forms of communication) provided by insurers to their policyholders in connection with flood claims. Providing appropriate welfare facilities for all people living and working on flood sites is also important to ensure that satisfactory standards of hygiene can be maintained. Often for lone workers making short duration visits - such as loss adjusters - the provision of suitable washing facilities can be problematical. Where washing facilities are not available, a supply of disposable protective gloves and other PPE should be provided. Guidance on cleaning or disposing of contaminated PPE and on basic hygiene should be given to employees. In large scale flood situations, coordinated arrangements should be made to provide temporary washing facilities, with hot and cold running water, for shared use at the site. When clean water is not immediately available, anti-bacterial wipes and similar products for cleaning hands should be provided. Guidance to the user of risk assessments is given in the immediately. Draft forms for preparing a health and safety risk assessment are shown. -- Key to risk assessment user guide People at risk (P) - abbreviations Emp Employee; Con Contractor; Pub Public; Vis Visitor Definitions of risk
Severity ratings
Likelihood ratings
Risk levels
-- Slips, trips, falls and strikes by building materials Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Falls into open manholes, Emp 5 3 15 Existing general risk assessment (5;2)10 Entering floodwater to be (5;1)5 trenches etc hidden by Con process for employees visiting avoided unless the ground or floodwater Pub remote (e.g. previously unseen)route details are known premises with certainty Falls through wooden floors Emp 4 3 12 Existing general risk assessment (4;1)4 Floor areas to be avoided if (4;1)4 made structurally unsound Con process for employees visiting structural integrity not certain by water damage Pub remote premises Being hit by falling building Emp 4 3 12 Existing general risk assessment (4;1)4 Building and building fabric to (4;1)4 materials or components (e.g. Con process for employees visiting be made safe before entering ceilings made structurally Pub remote premises potential collapse zone unsound by water damage Slipping on wet or slippery Emp 3 3 9 Identify as part of general risk (3;1)3 Areas of potential slipperiness (3;1)3 surfaces, whether hidden Con assessment process to be avoided; otherwise boots by floodwater or not Pub with slip resistant soles to be worn Trips over ground or building Emp 3 3 9 Existing general risk assessment (3;2)6 None (3;1)3 features hidden by Con process for employees visiting floodwater Pub remote premises Drowning Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Potential for drowning in Emp 5 3 15 Existing general risk assessment (5;2) 10 Careful consideration of location (5;1)5 floodwater. Factors can Con process for employees visiting with regard to this hazard; include, for example, deep Pub remote premises Entering floodwater where these water; fast flowing or rising potential hazards exist is not water; entrapment; advised unconsciousness; and failure to identify water course location in general floodwater. Risk also applies to driving (e.g. by entering floodwater en route to destination) Electrocution Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Electrocution due to earthing Emp 5 3 15 Existing general risk assessment (5; 2)10 Pre-visit enquiries to establish if (5;1)5 of live electrical apparatus Con process for employees visiting electricity supply is isolated or via floodwater or wet Pub remote premises not. Building containing surfaces floodwater not to be entered nor appliances to be touched until isolation of electricity supply is confirmed. Occupants to be similarly advised. Hazardous substances - chemical Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Potential contamination of Emp 4 3 12 Existing risk assessment (4;3)12 Pre-visit review should be carried (4;1)4 floodwater with wide variety Con procedures may lead to out to establish if flood zone has of unidentified hazardous Pub detecting some chemicals by involved leakage of chemicals chemicals (e.g. fertilizers, smell or by observation of slicks from any industrial, agricultural petroleum and diesel fuel, etc on water surface. However or other sources. For large scale 'DIY ' chemicals found in it may not be possible to detect flooding, Environment Agency, homes, etc) contaminants in all cases. local authority or fire services to Wellington boots, coveralls and be contacted for information; disposable nitrile gloves should their advice to be followed where be worn to protect from minor significant escape of hazardous splashes chemicals is confirmed. In general, floodwater should be prevented from contacting skin directly or by wetting of clothing. Avoidance of contact with chemicals is a primary objective since hazardous nature and concentration or dilution of chemicals is impossible to predict and PPE will provide only basic protection. (Controls described in tables for biological substances, confined spaces, and fire and explosion are also relevant) Other hazardous substances Emp 4 3 12 Same as for controls described (4;3)12 Same as for controls described (4;1)4 made by mixing chemicals Con above with floodwater Pub Hazardous substances - biological Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required General contamination of Emp 4 3 12 The existing risk assessment (4;3)12 It must always be assumed that (4;1)4 floodwater with wide variety Con process may be used to identify floodwater from external sources of unidentified hazardous Pub obvious visible evidence or (i.e. not from building’s clean water biological agents (e.g. viral odors of sewage in floodwater. supply)will be contaminated; and bacterial)typically from Normally it will not be possible to The following, then, should apply; sewage or contamination detect contamination due to * Avoiding direct contact with normally found in water hazardous biological agents floodwater courses (e.g. bacteria that * Wearing PPE (e.g. coveralls, cause Weil’s Disease)gloves and wellington boots) but also floodwater (even * Not smoking (table, localized)in contact with on fire and explosion also applies) contamination from other * Not eating in contaminated sources of waste, material areas or before washing to randomly on the ground prevent ingestion of bacteria etc surfaces (e.g. dog and * Good personal hygiene (e.g. animal fouling etc).Typical washing hands and face as soon diseases and conditions as possible after encountering are listed below contamination, including unclean buildings)
Typical viral or bacterial infections and associated symptoms, and precautions, are given below Biological Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required If symptoms occur following contact with contaminated floodwater, a doctor should be consulted and the health and safety officer be notified. Weil’s disease is a serious Emp 4 3 12 The existing risk assessment (4;3)12 Additional controls (as shown (4;1)4 but less common form of Con process may be used to identify earlier in table)should be followed, leptospirosis infections, Pub obvious visible evidence or avoiding contact with water or causing organ damage and odors of sewage in floodwater. wet surfaces. jaundice; it can be fatal. Normally it will not be possible to Features of infection are as Many leptospirosis detect contamination due to follows. Infections don't become hazardous biological agents * Onset of symptoms is rapid so serious though all after the infection event require prompt treatment. (4 - 10 days)) Leptospirosis bacteria are * Initial symptoms are similar to transmitted to fresh water those for cold or influenza (e.g. (salt water kills them) from fever, chills, muscular aches and animal urine, especially of pains, loss of appetite, and nausea rats. They are very common when lying down) in water courses of all * Later and more serious kinds, not just foul drains. Symptoms are anemia, bruising Infection is usually through of skin, nosebleeds, sore eyes cuts, or by direct contact and jaundice. If initial symptoms of nose or mouth with are suspected as being related to infected water contact with the bacteria, treatment should be sought as soon as possible, advising the doctor that leptospirosis infection is suspected Hepatitis .In relation to Emp 3 2 6 As shown above (3;2)6 Additional controls as above.(3;1)3 floodwater risks, this Con Incubation period of infection 2 - appears to be limited to the Pub 6 weeks. Many patients have no Hepatitis A and E viruses symptoms, some feel off-colour (though E is not common in for a few days. Full symptoms the USA/UK)which are spread include tiredness, weakness, by contact and ingestion of muscle pains and headaches water contaminated with followed by loss of appetite, infected feces.(Hepatitis nausea, vomiting and discomfort B,C and D are spread by on the right side of the upper contact with infected blood abdomen (region of the liver) or body fluids only) Gastroenteritis .Caused Emp 3 3 9 As shown above (3;3) 9 Additional controls as above.(3;1)3 by various forms of Con Many patients have no symptoms, bacteria in floodwater Pub some feel off-colour for a few days .Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, muscle pains and headaches followed by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting Tetanus .Caused by a Emp 5 3 15 As shown above (5;2)10 Additional controls generally as (5;1)5 bacterium entering the Con above, focusing on disinfecting body via a wound. Pub and protecting cuts and wounds. Although rare in the UK Anti-tetanus injection may be due to immunization given, even if personal program ,tetanus can of injections is up-to-date. ...be fatal: Symptoms appear 2 - 21 days after infection as stiff muscles near the wound followed by stiffening of jaw until locked in position; frequent and painful fits and muscle spasms. Immunization against the disease is commonly available at GP surgeries and hospitals [[ Key: Emp -Employee P -People at risk RR -Revised risk Con -Contractor S -Severity FR -Final risk Pub -Public L -Likelihood Vis -Visitor R -Risk level ]] Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Moulds are a type of fungus Emp 4 3 12 Existing risk assessment process (4;2)8 Areas of mould should be (4;1)4 that can develop on wet Con should lead to visual identification avoided, particularly ensuring building materials given Pub of mould that spores are not disturbed specific conditions. Spores that would lead to inhalation or from moulds can cause skin contact. If work requires allergic reactions, cleaning and disturbance of respiratory irritation, skin or mold, this must be carried out eye irritation. People with by trained personnel in pre-existing conditions of compliance with a specific risk this type are particularly assessment and guidance note vulnerable. Some toxic so that unprotected individuals strains of mould can cause are not exposed. more significant ill health In most cases mould will not have problems developed at the time of early initial visits, though this will not include locations where wet conditions have been left untreated for some time (usually well in excess of 3 days) Confined spaces and asphyxiation Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required In addition to drowning risks Emp 5 3 15 Existing risk assessment process (5;2)10 Suspect areas should not be (5;1)5 it's also possible that toxic Con to identify potential hazard areas entered unless it's certain that gases or vapors produced Pub atmosphere is free from toxic from floodwater borne gases and vapors. Odor will not chemicals could be present always be present to provide in confined spaces. Typically warning - in particular caution this would be a cellar, but should be exercised in areas that also any enclosed space appear to have had no ventilation where there is little or no for some time. Advisable that ventilation. Gases and arrangements should be made vapors may be toxic in there for ventilation before entry own right or may have displaced the air required for normal respiration. Unconsciousness (see also drowning)or asphyxiation could result Asbestos Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Asbestos fibers from Emp 3 3 9 Existing specific asbestos (3;1)3 Damaged asbestos-containing (3;1)3 asbestos-containing Con procedures materials (ACMs)will usually be building products may be Pub wet, minimizing the risk of liberated when these airborne fibers although products are damaged waterborne spread could occur. by floodwater Mechanical drying or ventilation of contaminated areas should not be attempted until damaged ACMs have been identified and removed for disposal by competent operatives Fire and explosion Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required The risks may be similar to Emp 5 3 15 Many flammable vapors will have (5;2)10 Areas of suspected flammability (5;1)5 those described in the table Con an identifiable odor - existing should be avoided unless it's on biological substances Pub risk assessment process can be certain that atmosphere is free)where used to identify potential hazard from flammable gases and flammable vapors or vapors. Areas that appear to gases may be present from have had no ventilation for some floodwater borne chemicals time should be treated particularly (e.g. petrol, solvents etc).carefully. To prevent fire or these may collect in explosion, no smoking, no enclosed spaces in sufficient naked lights and no activation of concentrations to be ignited electrical equipment (including by naked flames or sparks. mobile phones) which may cause sparks should be allowed. Arrangements should be made for safe ventilation and dissipation of vapors as soon as possible If flooding has caused Emp 5 2 10 During existing risk assessment (5;2)10 Areas suspected of damage 5;1)5 structural damage, it's Con process, detection of gas must should be kept well clear of. To possible that gas supply Pub be exercised with vigilance prevent fire or explosion, no pipes may have been smoking, no naked lights and no damaged causing gas naked lights and no activation of leakage with the risk of electrical equipment (including explosion mobile phones)which may cause sparks should be allowed. Gas supply company should be contacted urgently Short circuiting electrical Emp 4 2 8 Same as for controls described (4;1)4 Same as for controls described (4;1)4 apparatus may also cause Con in table on electrocution in table on electrocution fires Pub Additional hazards introduced by working processes Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required Chemical substances used Emp 3 3 9 Individual COSHH assessments (3;1)3 None (3;1)3 for cleaning, disinfecting etc Con and guidance notes or work Pub instructions for each chemical. Vis Only trained personnel should use hazardous materials Electric shock from Emp 4 2 8 All electrical equipment must be (4;1)4 None (4;1)4 appliances for drying and Con PAT tested on site immediately dehumidifying, including Pub prior to installation extension leads Vis Risk of tripping over trailing Emp 3 4 12 Cables to be run at high level or (3;1)3 None (3;1)3 cables and extension leads Con taped to floors for complete lengths. Leads to be kept to minimum lengths, and not run Pub across access points and Visroutes Manual handling (e.g. of Con 4 4 16 All work to be carried out in (4;1)4 None (4;1)4 waste materials, pumping Pub compliance with manual handling equipment etc) Vis risk assessment and guidance note. All operatives employed on restoration work to be trained in safe practices Hazard identified P S L R; Existing controls RR; Any additional controls FR required When confined spaces (e.g. Con 5 3 15 Existing general risk assessment (5;2)10 Areas suspected of having toxic (5;1)5 underfloor voids)are process to be used to identify gases and vapors in the air decontaminated following potential hazardous areas should not be entered. Odors will flooding, toxic gases and not always be present to provide vapors may be produced warnings and particular caution from floodwater borne should be taken where areas chemicals or for chemicals appear to have had no ventilation used for decontamination to for some time. Arrangements present a hazard. Typically should be made for ventilation this might happen in a cellar, before entry. Work should comply but also any enclosed space with specific risk assessment and where there is little or no guidance for the activity and space ventilation. Gases and available. Only personnel trained in vapors may be toxic in confined space working should their own right or may have carry out decontamination and displaced the air required repair work for normal respiration Stripping out and Emp 3 4 12 People not involved with the (3;2)6 Risk assessments and guidance (3;1)3 reinstatement of affected Con specific work activities should be notes for the specific work materials. Reinstatement Pub excluded from the work area activities should be complied with; work, by its nature, can Vis while operations are underway. All personnel carrying out work be hazardous, possibly Work areas must be made safe at the site should be trained to requiring elements of the against unauthorized access relevant safety standards building fabric to be when no one is working on site removed and replaced (e.g. floorboards or plaster from walls) Disposal of flood affected Con 3 4 12 All waste must be disposed of in Site cleanliness is vital.(3;1)3 property and general waste. Pub compliance with the relevant (3;2)6 Waste must not be allowed to Waste materials and Vis regulations. accumulate and must be contents can represent a removed from site at the end of significant hazard each working day. Skips, if left on site overnight, must have lockable lids and must be secured when not being used. Open skips must be removed by end of each working day. Saturated home contents (e.g. carpets and soft furnishings)must not be stored in gardens overnight. Materials can be carried away from site in vehicles or placed in skips delivered to site. Whatever method is used, waste must only be transported by companies holding valid certificate issued by the local enforcing authority == PRE-CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN for FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIR TO A DOMESTIC PROPERTY at for and PREPARED BY (NAME and TITLE) REFERENCE:DATE: (POLICYHOLDER) (INSURANCE COMPANY) == PROJECT OVERVIEW OBJECTIVES FOR THIS REINSTATEMENT PROJECT The project comprises various works to individual properties to achieve a like-for-like reinstatement following flooding. Generally the work comprises replacing timber flooring, skirtings, kitchen units etc; wall plasters and finishes; electrical, gas and oil installations; boiler servicing and repairs etc; and redecoration. The project manager’s schedule outlines the scope of these works. Health and safety It is the employer’s policy to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, no accidents or incidents occur to any person employed on or visiting the site. Pre-construction health and safety plan The pre-construction health and safety plan is provided to give the contractor accurate information and instruction for all people engaged on the project, to enable them to adequately control any known hazards or specific requirements, and to reduce accidents during contract, occupation, cleaning and maintenance operations. Construction phase health and safety plan The construction phase health and safety plan developed by the appointed contractor must adequately address all the hazards and specific requirements for safety concerned with this project. This is to ensure - as far as is reasonably practicable - the health, safety and welfare of all those involved in damage remedial work or visiting the site, and of the general public and building occupants. == EXISTING ENVIRONMENT Traffic systems and restrictions The property is located in a residential road. There are no specific parking restrictions immediately outside the house. However, limited set down will apply to the public highway. City Council permission will be required for any skips that are to be positioned on the highway. The contractor should ensure that these permissions are obtained. The positioning must not cause hazard by obstruction to vehicles or pedestrians. Surrounding land uses and related restrictions The house is situated in a quiet residential area with no known restrictions. Access is by a concrete drive to the front of the property. The property does not have listed status, nor lie within any conservation area. There is adequate space for material set down and storage. These areas to be agreed with the property owner. Hazards in structures There are no known hazardous materials in the existing construction. It must be assumed that the floodwater contained contaminants and that they will be present in the property. Ground conditions A ground condition survey is not considered necessary for these works. However the structures, as a result, must be considered contaminated by absorption, or have infiltrated the cavities and under floors. The contractor should ensure adequate and appropriate PPE is available and used against any contamination hazard. Services and utilities The position of any underground services is not known and the contractor should make the necessary enquiries to determine service runs. The contractor must note the location of any overhead lines - if necessary helped by individual service providers - before commencing works. All those working on the site, and all other people who need to know and are likely to be affected by the works must be notified. Isolation of any service will be advised by the service provider to all appropriate people and those who need to know. However, the contractor, with the help of the service provider, must verify the condition of every service before starting work to ensure it has not been interfered with and is not in a dangerous condition. The contractor should exercise extreme caution with the testing and subsequent reinstatement of all forms of power, especially the electrical supply, since, in the case of faulty installation, fault paths could be found via any metallic conductor or water-saturated surface. The human body is a good conductor. Anyone who could come into contact with electrical currents should wear rubber soled footwear and , if possible, insulating gloves. == DESIGN OF THE REPAIR WORK Significant hazards (including health hazards) identified by the designer The designer must also apply the hierarchy of risk control and avoid all foreseeable risks. The property has suffered heavy flood damage, possibly involving sewage. Hepatitis A, leptospirosis (Weil's Disease is an acute form) and salmonella poisoning are all implicated with floodwater. The contractor must take appropriate precautions against the risks of contracting these diseases including making arrangements for good personal hygiene, and providing appropriate PPE, welfare facilities and information to occupiers, site workers and visitors. General requirements for consideration of health and safety are contained within the Preliminaries and Specification documents. Special precautions must be specified by the designer when dealing with significant hazards including: deep, stagnant or contaminated water temporary support (e.g. propping) asbestos or hazardous substances making safe and repairing gas installations flammable products making safe and repairing electrical installations low light levels any other designed works that create a scaffolding access to external elevations significant hazard. The principles of the structural design and required work sequences The contractor should follow an agreed method statement for replacing the electrical, gas and plumbing installations, with work sequences using safe working practices. Specific problems and issues Breaking out, saw cutting, demolition and drilling will create high levels of building dust and debris. Appropriate precautions should be taken by providing equipment and training for using PPE, and by damping down airborne dust. Heavy flood damage has occurred and precautions are to be taken in the event of contamination. The electrical, gas and plumbing systems have been damaged. These systems will need to be made safe. These works should not restrict access to the property. == CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND PLANT In respect of the proposed works, the contractor’s attention is drawn to the possible hazards in using the following materials, products and waste products: plaster cement/concrete paint dust when disc cutting (or processing)masonry, stone and concrete electrical cabling and equipment sparks from steel cutting equipment gas pipework and appliances. Precautions are to be taken by providing appropriate PPE and training employees in its use. All materials and products should be handled, stored, prepared, fixed and used in accordance with their manufacturers ' instructions and recommendations. In respect of the proposed works, the contractor's attention is drawn to the possible hazards in operations with the following plant and equipment: electrical equipment compressed air equipment petrol and diesel generators mixers vibration and noise from plant and hand held tools. == SITE-WIDE ELEMENTS Positioning of site access and exit points Access and exit points to and from the site should be via the front garden or driveway unless, for example, safety issues determine another arrangement. These routes are to be kept free of obstructions by vehicles, materials, skips etc. Site accommodation The site/property will be not be occupied and the security of the building will be vested in the contractor during the works. However, the contractor will need to make arrangements for the availability of water, electric and toilet facilities. Any use of domestic facilities will need to be agreed with the homeowner. Unloading, layout and storage areas Setting down of materials and skips should be on the front road with subsequent storage on site to be agreed with the project administrator. Set down and storage must not impinge on the access unless agreed with the respective parties. Vehicle and pedestrian routes Existing vehicle and pedestrian access routes are to be maintained. Any restriction in these routes is to be agreed with the project administrator, homeowner and local authority. Their approval should be obtained in advance. == RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK AREA The property will not be occupied by the homeowner/policyholder. Repair work will be the responsibility of the contractor. == SITE RULES General rules The Preliminaries and Specification document gives general requirements for the conduct of the contractors while on site. People working on the site All persons working on site are deemed to have adequate skills and training to undertake their work task in a correct and safe manner. Safety equipment Appropriate safety equipment should be provided, and its use stipulated, by the contractor in accordance with current legislation. Accidents and first aid The contractor must ensure that a qualified first aider is on site during work and that a suitable first aid kit is always maintained at the site. An accidents book should be kept on site and all accidents and incidents, however minor, recorded in the book. Serious injuries must be recorded on site, and reported as required by your local jurisdiction. CONTINUING LIAISON Liaison with a planning supervisor or other authority Any proposed change that affects the design or works, or increases hazard levels as a result of unforeseen circumstances, should be immediately notified (with advice on health and safety implications) to the Planning Supervisor or other authority for coordination and recording in the health and safety file. Information required for the health and safety file The contractor should provide information to the Planning Supervisor or other authority for the health and safety file in accordance with guidance given in construction code of your county/state. On completion of the remedial works, the contractor will provide the supervisor with: product information on the materials used, various certificates, Copies of equipment manufacturers, literature, including information on operation and maintenance. Project goals The health and safety plan is provided to help prevent injury and damage to people and property. The contractor is required to adopt measures for preventing accidents and to monitor the effectiveness of, and compliance with, the measures through the health and safety plan. |
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