10 Life saving rules
Calon Safety - Safe system of works permits
Permit to work
Here at Calon safety we use a safe system of work (SSoW) that include a nine permit to work systems, inclusive of a general permit to work and eight high hazard work permits, that are use for activities that require an extra level of control to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and visitors on site along with plant and equipment.
Permits allow the issuer to ensure sufficient level of control measures are in place prior to work commencing, the include but not limited to ensuring the following
1, Can the work be done without a permit i.e. engineer out the use of permit requirements ?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover the risks
3, Emergency procedures been evaluated and significant to deal with an emergency situation
4, Are the employees suitably trained and competent ?
5, Are workers medically fit to undertake the tasks
6, Correct task specific PPE
7, Effective communication by Informing of others in the surrounding work area of the work activities
8, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
9, weather conditions suitable to undertake the task
10, Correct containment measures to prevent unauthorised access
11, Correct equipment being used and suitable and sufficient for the take at hand.
12, Correct safety documentation i.e. LOLER etc.
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS for works at height
Work at height permits
Work at height permits are used to ensure safety of employees, where there's a potential to fall from height could cause injury or death. by using a working at height permit this allows control measures to be considered and risk evaluated prior to work commencing, thus ensure there is no risk of falling when conducting work activities at height.
Risks associated with working at height
1, Falls from height is the biggest risk, this can result in serious injuries or fatalities
2, Fallen objects such as tools, materials or equipment from height and cause significant injury to employees below, plant or equipment.
3, Failure of equipment, such as scaffolding collapsing during build, breakdown of MEWPs, faulty ladder etc.
4, Weather conditions when working at height can significantly increase the risk, therefor it is important to be aware of changeable weather conditions when working at height.
5, Exposure to electrical hazards such as over head power lines can pose significant risk due to arcing, therefor it is important to be aware of surroundings especially when using a MEWP
Consideration to take prior to issuing a working at height permit include but not limited to
1, Can the work be done without working at height ?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover the risks of working at height ?
3, Emergency procedures been evaluated and significant to remove persons from height in an emergency ?
4, Are the employees suitably trained to work at height ?
5, Are workers medically fit to work at height
6, Do you have the correct equipment, harness, mewp, crane basket etc tagged and in date
7, Correct PPE (harness, fall restraint, lanyard, chin straps etc.)
8, Correct training records i.e. IPAF trained, harness trained
9, informing of others in surrounding work area of the work activities
10, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
11, Pre-users daily visual checks
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS for hot work activities
Hot work permits
Hot work permits are used to manage fire and explosion risks when conducting work activities that involve flame, welding, or similar operation that is capable of initiating fires or explosions. Hot work also includes other activities with the potential to create a source of ignition such as cutting, brazing, grinding, soldering or hot riveting, work that could generate sparks in areas where explosive atmospheres could occur.
Risks associated with hot-work activities
1 ,Fire and explosions
2, Contact Injuries - Contact burns from hot material and tools, flying sparks, etc
3, Cuts from contact with sharp edges
4, Arc Eye - Eye irritation from over exposure to UV light during welding and gas cutting
5, Inhalation of Fumes - Fume from welding and gas cutting can include: Hazardous gases (eg NO, NO2 , O3 ) – excessive exposure can cause respiratory irritation • Hazardous metals + their oxides (eg zinc, cadmium) – excessive exposure can cause “metal fume fever”, occupational asthma, or increase risk of lung disease and cancer - each case is different - risk depends on welding / cutting technique, metals involved, rod and flux, surface contaminants, and where task is done
Consideration to take prior to issuing a hotwork permit include but not limited to
1, Can the work be done without hot works (Grinding, welding, burning, etc)?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover the risks of hot work activities ?
3, Emergency procedures been evaluated and significant to deal with an emergency ?
4, Are the employees suitably trained ?
6, Do you have the correct safety equipment, Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, LEV (local extraction vent)
7, Correct task specific PPE (Flame retardant clothing, air fed hoods, visors, task specific gloves)
8, Fire prevention -Fire watch in place and specific fire watch duration, Ensures flammable/combustible materials are removed a minimum of 10m or protected with the use of fire blankets before work starts.
9, Air monitoring and testing for explosive atmosphere considerations
10, informing of others in surrounding work area of the work activities
11, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS for confind space
Confined space permit
Confined space permits are used to ensure safe entry and work within spaces that pose potential hazards due to their limited access, enclosed nature, and the presence of risks like oxygen deficiency, toxic environment, flammable/explosive atmospheres or risk of drowning. They act as a formal check that all elements of a safe system of work are in place before entry into confined space, including the isolation , purging, and gas testing.
Risks associated with confined space entry
1, Toxic Atmosphere:
- Toxic gases and fumes:Confined spaces can accumulate toxic gases like carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide, which can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, and death.
- Poisonous fumes:Fumes from welding, painting, or other processes can also build up and become hazardous.
2. Oxygen Deficiency:
- Lack of oxygen: Poor ventilation can lead to oxygen depletion, causing dizziness, unconsciousness, and death.
- Simple asphyxiation: Some gases can displace oxygen in the air, leading to asphyxiation.
3. Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres:
- Flammable materials:Flammable liquids, gases, and dusts can create an explosive environment, especially when mixed with a source of ignition.
- Sources of ignition:Hot work, sparks from electrical equipment, or other ignition sources can trigger fires or explosions.
4. Other Hazards:
- Excessive heat:Confined spaces can become extremely hot, leading to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
- Flooding:Unattended or improperly isolated sewers, pits, or other structures can flood confined spaces, posing a drowning hazard.
- Engulfment:Free-flowing solids or liquids can engulf workers, leading to suffocation or drowning.
- Access restrictions:Limited access can make it difficult to enter or exit a confined space, potentially delaying rescue efforts.
- Structural hazards:Weakened or damaged structures can collapse, endangering workers.
Consideration to take prior to issuing a confined space permit include but not limited to
1, Can the work be done without entering a confined space?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover the risks of entering and working within a confined space?
3, Emergency procedures evaluated and significant to deal with an emergency occurring?
4, Are the employees suitably trained, qualified and competent ?
5, Correct task specific PPE (BA gear, escape set, gas monitor etc)
6, Emergency equipment
7, LOLER certificates for harness and tripod winch etc
8, Pre-user daily visual checks
9, Informing of others working in the area of the work activities involving confined space entry planned to take place
10, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
11, Weather conditions suitable for entering confined space
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS for Critical lifting
Critical lifting permits
Critical lift permits are used for non routine heavy mechanical lifting activities that require the lifting of material or equipment or routine heavy mechanical lifting over one ton. the critical lift permit ensures that all necessary precautions are taken before, during, and after a lift to prevent accidents and injuries, by ensuring a comprehensive lift plan, including drawings, load and equipment calculations, and safety precautions such as collapse zones, exclusions zones, emergency procedures are all in place and well communicated in advance prior to lifting activities taken place.
Risks associated with critical lifting activities
1, Falling Loads:
- Improper rigging and balancing: A poorly rigged or unbalanced load can become unstable and fall, potentially striking workers or damaging plant and equipment.
- Equipment failure: A failure in the lifting equipment, such as a hoist or sling, can cause the load to drop.
- Unsecured loads: Loads that are not properly secured can shift and fall during the lift.
2, Crane Overturning:
- Overloading: Lifting a load heavier than the crane's rated capacity can cause the crane to overturn.
- Unstable ground: Crane stability can be compromised by uneven or soft ground conditions.
- Improper operation: Incorrect crane operation, such as using the crane on a slope or with improper counterweights, can lead to overturning.
3. Equipment Failure:
Mechanical or electrical failure:Lifting equipment, such as hoists, winches, and hydraulic systems, can experience mechanical or electrical failures, leading to loss of control of the load.
4, Overexertion of equipment:
- Overloading or using equipment beyond its designed capacity can cause premature failure.
Consideration to take prior to issuing a critical lift permit include but not limited to
1, Can the work be done without critical lifting activities?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover the risks of critical lifting activities ?
3, Emergency procedures evaluated and significant to deal with an emergency ?
4, Are the employees suitably trained, qualified and competent ?
7, Correct task specific PPE
8, LOLER certification for the equipment within date
9, Pre-user daily visual checks
10, Informing of others working in the area of the work activities involving critical lifting planned to take place
11, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
12, Ground conditions suitable for standing lifting equipment
13, Structures suitable for suspended lifting equipment to deal with the added stress
14, Detailed lifting plan in place
15, Weather conditions suitable for lifting activities
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS for ROMP
Restoration of motive power
The restoration of motive power (ROMP) is issued to maintenance workers or contractors who need to run machinery in "local" to visually observe moving parts of equipment that may require altering whilst in motion for example tracking of a conveyor belt, in order to achieve this the gauging needs to be removed whilst the conveyor is running thus inuring a high hazard risk to the maintenance workers being exposed to moving parts.
Risk associated with restoration of motive power
. Errors in Re-Isolation:
- Forgetting to re-isolate:If the system is not properly re-isolated after work is complete, workers could be exposed to electrical hazards when power is restored.
- Improper re-isolation:Ensuring the correct isolation devices are re-engaged (e.g., re-energising breakers, closing switches) is crucial. Failure to do so can lead to unexpected power surges or malfunctions, especially if the work involved modifying or repairing these devices.
- Incorrect use of warning signs:Ensure all warning signs related to the work are removed and the work area is cleared before restoring power.
2. Communication Failures:
- Miscommunication between workers and those authorised to restore power:Ensure clear and concise communication between all parties involved to avoid confusion or missed steps in the re-isolation process.
- Ignoring or overlooking permit conditions:Failure to adhere to the specific conditions outlined in the permit (e.g., specific re-isolation procedures, safety checks) can lead to accidents.
3. Potential Hazards with Re-Energising:
- Equipment failure:If the equipment was damaged or modified during the work, re-energising it without proper testing could lead to equipment failure and injury.
- Unforeseen interactions:When multiple activities are happening simultaneously (SIMOPS), the re-Energising of one system could affect another, potentially creating unexpected hazards.
4. Importance of Competence:
- Lack of competency in those involved in re-isolation:Ensure the personnel authorised to re-energise the system are competent and trained in the proper procedures.
- Ignoring or overlooking competency issues:If the person authorising the re-energise is not properly qualified or trained, they may not be able to assess all the risks and could make errors that could lead to accidents.
Consideration to take prior to issuing a ROMP permit include but not limited to
1, Can the work be done without the restoration of motive power or with the guards fully in place?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover the risks restoration of motive power?
3, Emergency procedures evaluated and significant deal with an emergency occurring?
4, Are the employees suitably trained, qualified and competent ?
5, Correct task specific PPE (no loose sleeves or hair)
6, Correct safe distance from moving parts
7, de-isolation procedure in place
8, local control measures available
9, Effective communication with control room and Informing of others working in the area of the work activities involving restoration of motive power planned to take place
10, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS for demolition
Demolition Permit
Demolition permits are used when there is a potential for material to fall, or walls and buildings to collapse, ensuring that demolition projects adhere to legal regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines. They provide official authorisation to help control and prevent potential risks in the workplace and by extension the public
Risks associated with demolition works.
- Environmental Risks:Hazardous materials like asbestos can be released during demolition if proper precautions and permits are not followed, leading to environmental contamination and legal liability.
- Worker Safety:Demolition sites can be hazardous, with risks like falls from height, falling debris, and exposure to hazardous materials. Permits and associated regulations help minimise these risks by requiring safety protocols and worker training.
- Insurance Coverage Voided:Working without the necessary permits may void insurance coverage for any accidents or damages that occur during the demolition project.
- Uncontrolled Collapses:Demolition projects can involve the risk of uncontrolled structural collapses, especially in older or poorly maintained buildings. Permits and regulations can help ensure that demolition is carried out in a safe and controlled manner to prevent such collapses.
- Hazardous Material Exposure:Buildings can contain various hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, and other pollutants. Permits and regulations help ensure that these materials are properly identified, handled, and disposed of to prevent worker and environmental exposure.
- Noise and Vibration:Demolition activities can generate significant noise and vibration, which can disrupt nearby residents and businesses. Permits and regulations can help ensure that these impacts are minimised through noise control measures and by regulating the use of equipment.
Consideration to take prior to issuing a demolition permit include but not limited to
1, Is the demolition works necessary or can it be avoided ?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover demolition work?
3, Emergency procedures evaluated and significant to deal with an emergency occurring (including environment)?
4, Are the employees suitably trained, qualified and competent ?
5, Correct task specific PPE
6, Correct safe distance be achieved (the use of a remote controlled brokk) no one above or below demolition works
7 Suitable containment measures in place
8, Required planning permission in place
9, Effective communication Informing of others working in the area of the work activities involving demolition planned to take place
10, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKs for ground disturbance
Ground disturbance permit
Ground Disturbance Permit is used to authorise and regulate digging, excavation, and trenching activities, ensuring proper planning and design to protect workers and the environment. It helps prevent accidents caused by soil collapse, striking underground utilities, and exposure to hazards. a ground disturbance permit is a formal process to assess and mitigate risks associated with ground disturbance work.
Risks associated with ground disturbance works.
- Utility Strikes:Striking underground utilities (electrical, gas, water, etc.) can cause explosions, fires, electrocution, and environmental spills.
- Collapses and Cave-ins:Excavations can collapse, burying workers or causing damage to nearby structures.
- Falling Objects:Equipment, materials, and debris can fall into excavations, causing serious injuries.
- Flooding:Water accumulation in excavations can destabilise the ground, leading to cave-ins or drowning hazards.
- Hazardous Atmospheres:Excavations can trap hazardous gases or vapours, posing a risk of suffocation or poisoning.
- Stray Electrical Currents:Ground disturbances can create pathways for stray electrical currents, leading to electrocution.
- Exposure to Contaminants:Excavations can expose workers to asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials.
- Unstable Ground:Loose soil, rocks, or other unstable ground can cause cave-ins or landslides.
- Undermining Structures:Excavations near buildings or structures can weaken foundations, leading to collapses.
- Confined Spaces:Excavations can create confined spaces, posing risks of oxygen deficiency, confined space entry hazards, and falling objects.
Consideration to take prior to issuing a demolition permit include but not limited to
1, Is the ground disturbance work necessary or can the work be avoided ?
2, Does the risk assessment and method statement cover ground disturbance work?
3, Emergency procedures evaluated and significant to deal with an emergency occurring (including environment)?
4, Are the employees suitably trained, qualified and competent ?
5, Correct task specific PPE
6, Correct shoring identified, and entry systems
7 Suitable containment measures in place to prevent ingress of water etc
8, Site plans of utilities, cat scanning, soil sample evaluation done
9, Effective communication Informing of others working in the area of the work activities involving ground disturbance planned to take place
10, Supervision and monitoring of work place to ensure compliance throughout the work activities
11, Suitable containment measures to prevent unauthorised access
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS FOR Safe working procedu
Safe working procedure / Method statement
Method statements are recorded information on how the task is to be conducted, and the safety precautions required, a method statement is a written document that lists all the steps that must be taken to complete a given task that is to be conducted. A method statement is meant to guarantee that the task is done safely and under control, as well as to give a clear understanding of how it will be done.
Here at nestle the method statement must include the following as standard.
- Check that the method statement has been signed by the company representative that is accepting the responsibilities for the documents that’s produced I.e., approved by.
- Dates – Start to finish
- Location – what Factory and area inside or outside of the factory
- Description of work- brief outline
- Supervisors name and number
- Emergency contact name and number
- Scope of works – key points of the work
- Permits that may be require – Hot work, height, ground disturbance, demolition etc.
- Key plant required.
- Additional equipment and tools
- Hazardous material
- Hazardous substance
- Identified hazards.
- Addition risk
- Operator training requirements
- Personal protective equipment
- SEQUENCE OF OPERATION / TASK
- Environmental consideration
- Emergency procedures – fire, first aid, environmental.
- Addition information
- Notes.
- Sign on sheet for the employees to accept they have read and understood the method statement.
CALON SAFETY - SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKS FOR risk analysis
Risk analysis and risk assessment
Risk analysis involves the application of various principles and methods to identify, assess, and manage potential risks. Here are some key principles and methods commonly used in risk analysis:
Principles:
Systematic Approach - To ensure a thorough and consistent analysis, evaluate risks by adhering to a structured procedure and utilising standardised frameworks and techniques (e.g., ISO 31000).
Proactive rather than Reactive: rather than waiting for a near miss, incident or accident to occur before reacting to address the failure in the breakdown of the health and safety management, proactive is actively continuous improvement of the risk management by regularly conducting reviews of the safe system of work, reviewing the risk assessments and method statements, identifying improvements and ensuring to regularly review new health and safety Acts and guidelines.
Transparency and Communication: Encourage candid dialogue about risks among interested parties. To ensure transparency, share risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and updates with stakeholders on a regular basis. To ensure a balanced approach to risk management, weigh the possible costs and benefits of risk reduction techniques.
Occupational health and safety practices must include risk control strategies and safe work practices. They are intended to recognise, evaluate, and control workplace hazards to protect workers' health and safety. The following are the main principal ideas. Hierarchies of control is used to establish a structured hierarchy of measures to control and reduce potential risks, to preventing accidents occurring, this is done by following ERIC-PD
- Eliminate – Eliminating the hazard altogether is the safest course of action when it comes to control measures. It is also the most effective level of control. Simple questions like "Does this work/activity need to be done?" can help achieve this, because if the answer is no then you can re-frame form exposing personnel to hazards.
- Reduce - If removal is not practical, substitution by changing a hazardous chemical for a less dangerous one. For instance, changing out a hazardous substance for a less dangerous one, or reducing the amount stored on site at any one time or reducing the exposure of the task to employees.
- Inform – we then must inform employees and others of the risks involved, this is achieved via the use of risk assessments and method statements, the use of COSHH assessments, rescue plans and signage, so that all personnel are aware of the hazards.
- Control – Controlling the hazards through the engineering controls or via the company’s safe systems of work. Engineering controls like physical barriers like handrails or guards, safety switches, safety valves etc this will stop the physical interacting with the process or chemicals or achieved via the safe system of work for instance the permit to work system, safe operating procedures, lock out tag out, training records and supervision, this paperwork is detrimental in establishing control over the employees to prevent unwanted interference and ensure that only competent persons undertake the tasks
- PPE – PPE acts as a last line of defence when risks cannot be completely removed, engineering or administrative controls are insufficient, or when more permanent solutions are being implemented. This covers things like safety glasses, masks, gloves, and helmets.
- Discipline – Ensure that all controls are monitored reviewed and enforced and anyone found to be breaking the site safety rules will be disciplined to ensure that we create a positive health and safety culture on site, that breaking the health and safety rules will not be tolerated.
- The safe system of work covers the method statement, risk assessments, and permit systems
- Risk assessments are mandated for employers to pinpoint any safety risks in the workplace. To ensure that staff are aware of the risks, it is crucial to communicate the results of these evaluations to them in an effective manner. This is done by identification of Hazards by Recognising potential sources of harm in the workplace, such as machinery, substances, work processes, or the working environment and evaluating the risk by assessing the likelihood and severity of the hazard identified to give you a risk rating, you can use the risk rating to chart on the matrix the level of exposure. Here at nestle the risk assessment must include the following as standard.
- Check that the risk assessment has been signed by the company representative that is accepting the responsibilities for the documents that’s produced.
- Dates – Start to finish.
- Location – what Factory and area inside or outside of the factory
- Description of work- brief outline
- Matrix's diagram showing the how the risk rating is calculated.
- using the numbering system
- The risk assessment showing all the associated risk involved with the task
- Sign on sheet for employees to accept the risk assessment and to show they have read and understood.