Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace
1.3. Describe the different types of technical, product and regulatory information, their source and how they are interpreted.
When I am using a machine, I use the manufacturer’s information guidance to maintain store and use the machine correctly. This information is sourced from my employer who would have been told by the company that sold him the machine, it is kept in the van or office. When using this, you should ensure you have the correct PPE on, this being glasses gloves and ear protection. I follow risk and method statements given by the company, so I know how to work safe and what risks are involved in the work. Material have the COSHH advice and instructions on them for example glue will be on side of the tube and they must be followed to remain safe. Cement and plaster will have it on the bag.
1.4. State the organisational procedures developed to report and rectify inappropriate information and unsuitable resources and how they are implemented.
When I am given incorrect information or given the wrong resources for the job I would stop work and inform others that there is a mistake. I am on I would go to the site manager to see if he can resolve the issue and guide me in the right direction via giving me the correct detail information or correct materials suitable for the job. I would not continue working until the problem has been sorted out.
1.5. Describe how to obtain information relating to using and storing lifting aids and equipment.
When using new lifting aids and equipment, there will always be an instruction manual showing you how to operate and store the equipment, however following certain training and guidance will also give you the knowledge you need to be able to understand the equipment. Sometimes this is not the case, if so then another way you could find out information about it is either to contact your employer and/or use the internet to search for the correct lifting aid.
2.1. Describe their responsibilities under current legislation and official guidance whilst working:
– in the workplace, in confined spaces, below ground level, at height, with tools and equipment, with materials and substances, with movement/storage of materials and by manual handling and mechanical lifting.
HASAWA (health and safety at work act)-the health and safety at work act states that everyone in the work environment has a reasonability to look after them self as well as others safety and wellbeing. The health and safety at work act gives guidelines to other legislations and regulations on how to work safe.
CSR (confine spaces regulations)-when working in a confined space you should firstly try to avoid working in confined spaces in the first place (e.g. by working outside).secondly when working in a confined space you should follow a safe system of work from a risk assessment and method statement , furthermore all employees should be competent to work in this type of environment. Finally when working in a confined space you should work in a ventilated area and have appropriate emergency arrangements.
WAHR (working at height regulations)-when working at a height you should firstly again try to avoid working at height in the first place. Secondly if you have to work at a height you should make you have a safe system of work by using a risk assessment and method system to plan your work and use appropriate access equipment and any PPE required. Finally you need to be competent when working at heights.
PUWER-(provision of the use of work equipment regulations)-this regulation makes sure every occupant is trained and competent to use power tools safely
COSHH-(control of substances hazardous to health)- this regulation states that everyone should depose of all waste correctly so people and the environment doesn’t get harmed
MHOR -(manual handling operations regulations)-this regulation give you guidelines on how to safely move resources to prevent injuries.
Controlled measures-to prevent people from injuries, keep them safe and to comply with all regulation all employees should be given: site induction, toolbox talks, appropriate training, risk assessment, method statement to help them work in a safe manner.
2.2 Describe the organisational security procedures for tools, equipment and personal belongings in relation to site, workplace, company and operative.
The site security should be covered by the company and if the risks remain at night, night site operatives should be employed. Lock boxes should be provided by the company, insured for theft and used by employees overnight so the tools are secure, any equipment should be stored in their correct boxes and in the lock box or container. Any personal belonging should be stored safely out of the way to minimise the risk of them being taken. Also, at the end of the day the site should be locked securely with gates and keys kept by one person, such as the foreman or boss.
2.3. Explain what the accident reporting procedures are and who is responsible for making the reports
How you should report an accident:
When an injury occurs, person must report to site foreman and should be noted in accident book. If injuries can be attended to on site, then the first aider should be called to deal with the situation. If the injury is serious then ambulance should be called, A&E may be required. After, measures should be put in place, so the same injury can try to be prevented. You should also report near misses to prevent and accident happening.
2.4. State the appropriate types of fire extinguishers relevant to the work.
On site the available fire extinguishers are foam, water and co2 and dry powder.
Each fire extinguisher on site are designed to put out a type of fire.
Water-solid materials (e.g. wood, paper and textiles)
Foam-cooking oils, flammable liquids and solid materials
Co2-flammable liquids, electrical, cooking oils
Dry powder-solid materials, flammable liquids, flammable gasses, electrical
2.5. Describe how and when the different types of fire extinguishers, relevant to the given occupation, are used in accordance with legislation and official guidance.
If a fire was discovered on site then I would sound the alarm, then evacuate the site through the nearest exit and head over to the nearest fire assembly point. Finally if there was a fire on site I would only try to put it out if it was blocking my exit. Fire extinguisher suitable uses:
Water- For wood, cloth, coal, plastics, paper, textile, and other solid materials.
Powder- For solid material, liquid, gas and electrical fires.
Foam- For solid and liquid fires.
Carbon dioxide- for liquid and electrical fires.
Fire extinguisher unsuitable uses:
Water- Not suitable for all other types.
Powder- Not suitable for metal fires.
Foam- Not suitable for gas, metal or electrical fires.
Carbon dioxide- Not suitable for gas or metal fires
3.4. Explain why and when health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of protection, should be used relating to types, purpose and limitations of each type, the work situation, occupational use and the general work environment, in relation to: – a. collective protective measures – b. personal protective equipment (PPE) – c. respiratory protective equipment (RPE) – d. local exhaust ventilation (LEV).
Collective protective measures:
Collective protective measures are put in place to protect everyone on site from hazards, examples of these measures are barriers around an area of work to prevent damage to work and to warn of any possible danger, another is the use of appropriate PPE whilst working, also all working platforms should be checked before use to ensure that they are stable and suitable to work on such as checking the boards of a scaffold to see if there are any trap ends to be aware of and corrected for use. as a collective these risks and many more should be written down into a risk assessment so that measures can be put in place. Other such collective measures are Risk assessments
COSHH assessments
Site induction
Tool box talks
Method statements
Poster boards
Signs mandatory prohibition and hazard warning.
Designated walk ways no go areas
Hand rails
Hoarding and fencing Extraction systems.
Fall protection nets and inflatable systems
Limitations of collective measure are people do not listen in tool box talks or read signs or remove them. do not follow risk assessments or method statements.
Personal protective equipment:
Personal protective equipment will assist in preventing injury to your body. It will have its limitations in protecting you. There is only so much pressure safety boots and helmets can take when protecting you. Personal protective equipment should always be used when needed and when required too, for example a hi-vis must always be worn on site because your more visible within the surrounding area and therefore less likely to be hit by work machinery / vehicles etc, safety helmets are also a requirement when working on site to protect from any possible accidents damaging your head. Steel toe caps must always be worn too as they protect you from damage to your feet if accidents where heavy / sharp items manage to connect with them, other personal protective equipment like ear defenders barrier cream, sun cream, goggles, gloves, overalls, knee pads and dusts masks are to be used when needed to suit your working environment. All will ware out and need replacing, using scratched goggles or worn gloves can in itself be hazardous.
Respiratory protective equipment:
Respiratory protective equipment such as dust masks should be worn either when mixing, hacking off walls or in dusty environments to protect you from the inhalation of harmful dust. Or using grinder with no dust suspension system. Beards or stubble limit the effectiveness of the mask.
Local exhaust ventilation:
If dust cannot be removed or controlled in any other way your may require you to use a local exhaust ventilation (LEV). This is a ventilation system that removes air born contaminants out of the air making it easier to breath. It needs maintenance and may fail. You will still need masks if working in a dusty environment.
3.5. Describe how the health and safety control equipment relevant to the work should be used in accordance with the given instructions.
PPE( personal protective equipment)
A hard hat will protect your head from damage. Goggles will protect your eyes from splinters and flying projectiles. Dust mask will protect your lungs from dust. Hi-vis-makes you more visible to others on site.
Steel toe boots will protect your toes from being broken or fractured.
Gloves will protect you hands from cuts and abrasion. Ear defenders will protect you hearing from damage.
All employees/staff should be given site inductions, risk assessments, method statements, and toolbox talks and the manufactures information on on how to use PPE and work safely within the work environment.
3.6. State how emergencies should be responded to in accordance with organisational authorisation and personal skills when involved with fires, spillages, injuries and other task-related hazards.
Fires- if a fire is discovered on site then you sound the alarm and evacuate to the fire assembly point through you nearest fire exit. Once at the fire assembly point you should be registered and notify the emergency services. If a fire is discovered on site then you should only fight it if it blocking a fire exit, you should also not enter the building until the fire marshal says it’s safe.
Spillages- If you spill a small amount of chemicals/ substance that could be harmful you should read the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right ppe to dispose of it. However if there is a big spillage you should notify the fire department to clean up the chemicals or substances so they don’t contaminate the water supply or become a hazard to people or the local environment
Injuries- When an accident occurs on site both the first aider and site Forman should be informed. Firstly first aider will give first aid treatment as well as advice to the injured personnel for any further treatment.
Secondly the site Forman will fill in the accident book which will contain basic information on the accident: name, date, time, what happened and the location it happened. If it is a serious injury then you call the emergency services.
Asbestos- if you find asbestos on site you should stop work and notify your supervisor so he can organise a specialist company to remove and dispose of it in a safe manner.
4.2. Describe the characteristics, quality, uses, sustainability, limitations and defects associated with the occupational resources in relation to: Lifting and handling aids, Container(s), Fixing, holding and securing systems.
Lifting and handling aids
Wheel barrow is used for transporting materials about site. It is metal has two handles and a front wheel. I will get damaged and worn out over time and needs replacement. Buckets again, these are used to carry materials and liquids around usually plastic and these get damaged and need replacing. If the barrow and bucket leaks there is a waste of material. They need to be of a quality that can take the rigours of the building site. Board lifter is metal and goes at the bottom of the board with handle and makes it easy to handle plasterboard or any sheet material to transport it manually. Will last a long time if looked after.
Container(s)
These are large shipment container and made of metal. They are used for storing materials, tools or small vehicles to prevent them from being stolen They eventually get damaged door buckling or locks worn and get rust and can leak. Some are converted into site offices by the supplier. They require truck/crane to move shipment contain as they are to heavy and big to lift, so limited to larger sites. The are small ones that can be hired.
Fixing, holding and securing systems.
Ratchet strap made of metal and nylon. Used to restrain materials so they cannot move during transport. On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be secured to keep it from shifting or falling off. In closed vans, holding systems can also be important to prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of the vehicle. Tiedowns must be of the proper type and proper strength. They are made of as both nylon and metal ratchet. The ratchet and the straps can wear and break over time so will need replacing.
4.3. Describe how the resources should be handled and how any problems associated with the resources are reported.
To handle materials, you need to handle them in a safe manner for example you should handle them with bent knees, straight back. This is known as the kinetic lifting technique.
There are many ways on site to find out how to store handle and use resources, firstly on a Site induction you will be informed on what materials you are allowed to use and how to report any issues when using them. Risk assessments are made by the employer to highlight any potential hazards that could occur when handling, storing or using materials. The employer will then give a written or verbal method statement on how to use materials and will also provide the employee with the appropriate PPE and lifting aids to do the task safely. Manufactures information will tell you how to use, store maintain and dispose of their product.
If there are any problems when moving, handling or storing resources then you should notify the supervisor or Forman who will then come up with a safe solution or method to resolve the issue.
4.4. Explain why the organisational procedures have been developed and how they are used for the selection of required resources.
Organisational procedures are in place to ensure material is selected and controlled to prevent theft. Also, when ordering, you should over order by about 10% if possible so if there are things cut wrong and to maintain productivity. Also, there will be enough materials for the job. If you under order or get it exact the chances are it won’t save money because if you need more materials you will spend more on time and fuel to get the materials. On some sites you must get a requisition order and sign the materials out of the secure compound.
4.5. Describe any potential hazards associated with the resources and methods of work.
Some potential hazards in the workplace with resources and methods of work include injury from tools, falls, trips and slips from risk on site, lifting injuries from incorrect lifting technique. Exposure to hazardous substance is another one associated to asbestos and materials and resources can collect mould and bacteria if not stored correctly.
5.4. Describe how to protect work from damage and the purpose of protection in relation to general workplace activities, other occupations and adverse weather conditions
Other occupations –to protect work from other trades you can cover it by using a wood carcase or by using hardboard. Another way to prevent work from being damaged is by putting up notices so other trades will try not to work in that area and take more care not to damage your work.
Workplace activities-to protect work from work place activities you should do the same as protecting work from other trades, as well as protecting your own work you should also try to protect client’s possessions to help create a better working relationship and out of respect.
Weather conditions-to protect work from weather conditions you should firstly try to keep it away from the weather in the first place.
If you cannot keep work away from adverse weather conditions then you should cover them up by using a sheet/water proof material such as tarpaulin to help keep work dry. Another way to protect work is by keeping it of the ground by using pallets or pilling sticks to stop work from twisting or getting water damage. Fresh brickwork need protection from frost by covering with hessian or sheeting from rain.
5.5. Explain why the disposal of waste should be carried out safely in accordance with environmental responsibilities, organisational procedures, manufacturers’ information, statutory regulations and official guidance.
Environmental responsibilities-it’s a company’s responsibility to dispose of materials in the correct manner so they can recycle materials and don’t harm the environment.
Organisation procedures-
As a company employee dispose of all waste in accordance with HSE regulations and company policies. When employee disposes of waste on site you put any waste material in a skip which is then sent to a recycling centre to be sorted. The company also use receipts when a skip has been changed to check the way materials are disposed in the correct manner and will not harm the environment.
Manufactures information-
If you are not sure how to depose of a material/substance then you read the manufactures information to find out how. If you are still unsure there will be contact information on how to find out more information.
Statutory regulations-
Coshh-(control of substances hazardous to health)-the regulation states that you should depose of any harmful materials appropriately so they do not harm the environment or people.
Official guidance- Environmental Protection Act 1990 will give guidance and set legislations/regulations for all employers to follow. This guidance is to protect the environment from pollution.
6.2. State the purpose of the work programme and explain why deadlines should be kept in relation to: – Progress charts, timetables and estimated times
The programme of work is a piece of documentation made by the architect and employer and is a graph that shows each trade when they are needed on site, what work they have to do and how long they have to do it. Trades need to follow the programme of work to avoid problems such as holding up other trades and not meeting deadlines.
Estimated times are a rough guess on how long a job will take to achieve the deadline target. a quantity surveyor will price the job and make estimated times, they do this by doing calculations and through their previous experiences.
– Organisational procedures for reporting circumstances which will affect the work programme
If there is a problem that occurs on site that either stops or slows you down from completing the work, you should report it to your supervisor / site foreman by either written or verbal communication. Problems need to be recorded as the programme of work can be adjusted to make a new deadline and targets for all trades to follow.
7.3. Describe how to apply safe work practices, follow procedures, report problems and establish the authority needed to rectify them when moving, handling and/or storing occupational resources.
Before you move any materials in the work place you should firstly check with other trades or site foreman where you need to move them or how they need to be disposed of, also your employer should carry out a risk assessment to show you the safe working practices and highlight any potential dangers or hazards which could occur. The supervisor should give you the option of using a lifting aid. After reading the risk assessment you should use a lifting aid and start moving the materials through the planned route, while carrying the materials you should also continue to assess the area for any hazards and should make the area safe, so you and others will be safe while working.
7.4. Describe the needs of other occupations when moving, handling and/or storing resources.
When moving handling or storing resources you need to take into account the needs of other occupations. Check work schedules to make sure that your actions are not inferring with other occupants. Secondly you should check that it is safe to move the resources as you could be stopping others from their work or creating hazards for yourself as well as others. Communicating with others will prevent accidents and avoid any misunderstanding keeping a coordinated effort to get the work done.
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