Description
Installing First Fixing Components in the Workplace
1.3 State the organisational procedures developed to report and rectify inappropriate information and unsuitable resources and how they are implemented.
If I was given the wrong information or resources workers must contact my boss supervisor as soon as possible. I would stop what I am doing and wait until I am told the correct thing to do or to use the correct materials. I would let other workers know to prevent them making mistakes and wasting time.
1.4 Describe different types of information, their source and how they are interpreted in relation to: – drawings, specifications, schedules, manufacturers’
information and regulations governing buildings.
Drawings show details of the building of the building to a scale, they have the dimensions of the building attached to them showing what size or location each partition section is to be placed, the location of the frames or linings. The drawings are also from many different angles showing you all the elevations of the building. Some may also be detailed enough to show you the different sections of the walls and foundations, so you know how they need to be built. They would also have hatchings indicating each material in the structure. The drawings would also show the sizes of each room, the window and door frames to the building. They are kept in the office and have their date and issue number on them as they can change and have amendments to them.
Specifications,
The specifications are a document that is used alongside the drawings to describe the materials that are required, what fixings must be used, the standard of work and dimensions for many sections of the building. This document can be found in the site office
Manufacturers’ information and regulations
The manufacturers information can be found on the product or is provided in booklet that is kept in the site office. There will be safety legislation and it explains how the resource should be moved when being used or fixed. It will explain how the item should be maintained, stored and disposed of correctly.
Method statements should be in the site office and can be found online in the form of an email. They should be made available to employees before they start a job and agreed. They are to identify risks that the job could entail.
Risk assessments are carried out if any risks can be identified. Sites will have common risk and specified risks to each site. They are to identify risks and put a plan in place to make sure the person carrying out the job Is protected from any risks. Also, they should keep other people on site safe and visitors. They are usually kept in folders on site in the office. Everyone should know how to get hold of the risk assessments.
The current legislation for site mangers should be available in folders on site but it can also be found online on the HSE website and it is in place to keep everybody safe on site. Employees should also be responsible to know where is can be found and know the relevant legislation. Building regulations govern the structure of the building they are incorporated into the specifications and drawings. They state how the building should be built to ensure it is structurally safe and healthy to live and use. The local council building offices can provide you with the building regulations. You can phone the building control office or email to get advice.
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). 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. 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 onsite security for jobs differs, as larger sites have lockers or a safe area to place your tools and equipment but other small don’t have these facilities and so you must lock them in the van to prevent theft. You can also buy steel boxes for your van to lock up and store expensive equipment. If you require tools that you don’t have they may be specialised, the site will issue them but you sign them out from the store and sign back in at the end of the day.
Personal belongings in relation to site, On any job no matter how big or small my personal belongings are my responsibility and I must make sure that they are safe, either by placing them in a locker if the company provides one or by locking them in the van or car so that they don’t get stolen or damaged.
Workplace,
My tools are usually secure at my working area I am able to watch over them as I work. To ensure that the workplace is secure there is barriers placed around the construction sites, this helps to prevent anyone from entering without permission. There will be access points between some of these barriers and they are usually guarded by security. The security on these gate will check that you have your site card showing them who you are and what job role you have within the site, there would also be barriers that lift up to let workers and vehicles past. Workers must also sign in just in case there is an emergency that requires a head count to make sure everyone is okay. The company completing the construction work would also install CCTV cameras to look over the site and record any accidents or any unsuitable behaviour. Some companies have their tools locked up in containers when not in use and you’ll need to book them out, some large sites provide lockers and lock ups for operatives, for smaller jobs operatives keep their tool sand personal belongings locked in the van.
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 types of fire extinguishers available when erecting structural carcassing components and describe how and when they are used.
A water Fire extinguisher should be used when working with timber if catches fire, the pin has to be pulled out and the nozzle pointed at the fire and the handle squeezed until the fire is under control. If you are working with electrics and they catch fire then a CO2 fire extinguisher should be and that is what the official guidance says to do. Also, if it is chemicals them it should be wet chemical which should be used.
FSO (fire safety order 2005) says that a responsible person must carry out and keep up to
date a risk assessment and put in place appropriate measures to minimise the risk. So, there
should be relevant fire extinguishers in places where they are most likely to be needed. Also
everyone should know their means of escape.
3.2 Explain why and when health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of protection, should be used, relating to erecting structural carcassing components, and the types, purpose and limitations of each type, the work situation and general work environment, in relation to:
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
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 defender’s 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 wear out and need replacing, using scratched goggles or worn gloves can 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 you 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, limitations are it needs power to work and the hose is normally quite short.
3.3 Describe how the relevant health and safety control equipment should be used in accordance with the given instructions.
All health and safety control equipment come with manufactures use guidelines and instructions on how to use the equipment safely and effectively and these should be followed always. Any instructions should be available to anybody on site who is to use the equipment. But anyone who uses it should also have adequate training for the equipment and should know how to use it correctly. If they are unsure on how to use it or instructions are not available, they should ask someone who can get the instructions or someone who knows how to use it correctly.
3.4. 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.
If there is a fire the first thing that should be done is the alarm should be raised, then the fire should be tackled with the appropriate fire extinguisher if it will make a difference. If you hear the alarm, then you should go to your nearest fire exit and leave all tools and equipment. Everyone should end up at the fire assembly point.
If spillages are found or occur, ensure you are aware of what the substance is and if you can clear it up the appropriate cleaning substance. You should make sure the area is safe and if the floor is wet then ensure the wet floor sign is up. Also find where the spillage if from to prevent the leak continuing. If the spillage is too big or a chemical which you shouldn’t touch, then you should notify the site foreman or boss.
If an accident occurs in the workplace you should inform the sites first aider. If the injury is serious, you should stay with the injured person and have someone else ring the ambulance. Any accidents should be reported in the accident book and ensure the foreman is informed. All hazards should be made safe if possible and reported the to the relevant person or authority.
4.2 – Describe the characteristics, quality, uses, sustainability, limitations and defects associated with the resources in relation to:
– timber, manufactured sheet material, metals, frames, linings, staircases, adhesives, sealants, fixings and associated ancillary items- hand and/or powered tools and equipment.
Timber – timber comes in soft and hard wood, pine (soft) oak, mahogany (hard), they are the most common. Soft wood is not really used outside as it isn’t as long lasting unless its pressure treated. Both woods can be used for doors, skirting, windows.… but hard woods are better for outdoor use as they are longer lasting. Knots in the timber can weaken it and should be treated as they can bleed. When painting them, the knots should be knotted so they don’t discolour the timber in the future. They can also twist and warp if not stored correctly on bearers and covered if outside.
Manufactured sheet material – sheets like this such as MDF can be used internal and ply externally, they come indifferent sizes; 1220x 2440mm as a standard full-size sheet, also they come in different thicknesses 6,9,15,18 mm and more. They are generally used for boxing in services and for boarding over flooring. It is sustainable as it won’t erode quickly because of what they are made from, but it doesn’t have a very nice finish unless it is veneered or covered by tiles or carpet. When cutting MDF a mask must be worn as it is very dangerous.
Metals – metals are used as roof covering, cast iron guttering and many more things. They are long lasting and if painted properly with appropriate paints they won’t rust such as hammarite on cast iron guttering. You can also get aluminium guttering as well. On the downside, the guttering and metal roofs are generally quite expensive as opposed to tiled roofs or plastic guttering. If the roof gets dented, then It will probably have to be replaced which will cost on material and labour.
Frames, Linings, Staircases – they normally come pre-made so the jobs be sped up and they don’t have to be made on site which takes time, some houses are timber frames, so they have to be measured and made off site, so are delivered on site and it is quick and easy to get the walls and roof on. Also, windows, staircases and door linings are generally made up off site so speed the process up but when transferring them from the workshop to site, they could potentially get damaged and it will have to be sent back and that will cost money and time. Also, the timbers can twist or warp if they are not fitted straight away or not stored properly.
Adhesives, Sealants- adhesives and sealants bonding agents come in tubes or bottles and are used around sinks, or shower screens and when laying OSB flooring they are glued together with waterproof glues. Also, around door frames and window frames fungal retardants and waterproof sealants. They can wear and shrink overtime and if they are opened they have to be used within a time limit before they dry out.
Fixing, associated ancillary items- Fixing, associated ancillary items come in all different shapes and sizes, screws, bolts, nails… some materials come with specific fixings and that’s what the manufacturer recommends. Some of these are not interchangeable so only have one use but some have multiple uses. Before you use them, you should check for defects such as they can be bent and shouldn’t be used.
Hand or power tools and Equipment – drills, planers, sanders, circular saws… they come in different makes and quantities. Tools for skilled tradesmen need to be a better quality for sustained use, such as when first fixing tasks such as stud walls or roofs a Paslode is suitable and need to be a good make so it lasts and Is reliable to make the job quicker and more productive. Hand tools are not used as much nowadays as the technology for power tools is so advances where battery tools are nearly as good as mains and they are more assessable. But batteries don’t last forever, and they are expensive to buy. They must be maintained and kept to a good standard, so the blades in saws and routers need to be changed when they get blunt. When using tools, you should check there are not splits in the leads and ensure there are no defects with the tool and make sure they are dry, and any guards must be present.
4.3. Describe how the resources should be used correctly and how problems associated with the resources are reported.
Resources should be used in accordance with manufactures instructions, so they are assembly correctly and safely and if there are problems with resources then the foreman or boss should have informed so they can sort the problems out.
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.
4.5. Describe any potential hazards associated with the resources and method 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.
4.6. Describe how to calculate quantity, length, area and wastage associated with the method/procedure to install first fixing components and resources.
You can work out the quantity from the given information to work out the amount of timbers required for a partition wall. You can work out distances and length by measuring them with a tape. To find the area of a wall multiply the length by the height = area in meters squared. Allow 5% for waste.
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
All materials should be stored correctly to avoid damage. Harsh weather to untreated timber will damage it. If you have oak flooring timbers for floor joists, they will have to be covered or brought inside and placed on bearers to avoid defect occurring. If you are removing doors and windows of properties where the client Is still living there, this must be planned around the weather to avoid damage to property. If you can’t avoid the bad weather, tarpaulin could be used to protect the property. Place barriers around the work area to stop other trades walking or working near the work area. Use foam on the linings and frames, use carboard on the floors or doors.
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: – types of progress charts, timetables and estimated times – organisational procedures for reporting circumstances which will affect the work programme.
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 must do and how long they should 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.
7.6. Describe how to apply safe work practices, follow procedures, report problems and establish the authority needed to rectify them, to:
7.6. – prepare and fix standard door and window frames, window boards, linings, flooring/decking, partitions full or partial height (straight), plasterboard, staircases (straight)
When fixing door and window frames and linings, they should never be left alone unfixed, so they don’t fall and potentially hurt someone who doesn’t know it’s there. When they are being fitted they should be square and plumb both ways, then fixed back properly and packed. If there any problems such as if they are damaged, then the foreman should be informed.
When fitting flooring and decking, you should let people around you know that you are doing it so they don’t walk on them and damaged or move them from where you positioned them, also, if they are not safe to walk on, people may get injured by falling through. They should normally be glued to avoid movement in them and fixed down into the joists or grounds. If there are any problems with the timbers or boards then you should tell the foreman, so they can sort the problem.
This is also the case with staircases. Anyone who is doing these jobs, they should be qualified in these areas with correct qualifications otherwise they might not do the job correctly and it may be dangerous. The top of the stairs and the newel should be notched over the double trimmer and fixed. At the bottom, it should can be fixed on a baton on the floor or with the steel pin in the bottom of the newel post. If there are any problems with the staircase or equipment, then the foreman or boss should be informed, and they will have to rectify it.
Stud walls should be assembled correctly because some of them could be structural and it could affect the building which could be dangerous. Appropriate PPE should be worn for the task, such as safety boots, gloves for handling the timber and anything you would use for power tools. If there are problems with the timbers or the fixings them the foreman should be told.
When putting plasterboard up on the ceiling or anywhere off the floor you should try to use a genie to lift the board, so you don’t have to and maybe injure yourself. If you can’t use a genie then you could use props and two people should be used as they are heavy to hold and screw. If the board is damaged and can’t be used or there are not enough then the foreman should be informed, and they can sort the problem.
7.6. –form joints associated with first fixing
Joints associated with first fixing are butt joints and which will be used on stud walling as its quick and easy to do, traditionally they would be housed in, but it is too time consuming, so it is rarely done nowadays.
With staircases, they should be notched over the double trimmer and fixed on the newel post at the bottom. Also, if they are not fixed, it should be made clear that they shouldn’t be walked on.
If the door linings are not pre-made, they will have to be jointed with a housing joint and screws down then fixed to the wall. If they are expensive hardwood frames or linings, they should be stored properly on bearers and inside.
When joining two widths of a window board together, they can be routed out or use a biscuit cutter for a groove and then biscuits are placed inside and them glued and clamped before they can be fitted.
To do these jobs, correct PPE should be worn, especially when using power tools. If there are any problems with the timber or equipment, then the foreman should be informed so they could sort the problem.
7.6. – use hand tools, power tools and equipment
When using tools accessories and equipment you should have been trained correctly for the job and aware or any changes to the rules and when using them the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed to complete the job in a safe and effective manner. Any problems with them, they should be reported to the foreman and they should rectify it correctly, which would be send it back to the manufacture to be fixed or a new part should be purchased to make it safe to used.
7.6. – work at height
Working at height increases the risk of injury because you are off the ground, you should use a harness and hard hats a required, especially for people working below you. Also, you should inform other employees in the area that you are working at height and they shouldn’t walk under you and if they have too then they should wear a hard hat.
7.6. – use access equipment.
When using access equipment, you should make sure the equipment you are using is the correct height to avoid you over stretching and potentially causing an accident. Ladder and scaffolding should be set correctly so it is as safe as possible. Any problems with the equipment should be reported to the site foreman and written in the safety book. Damaged equipment should be removed and labelled as not working.
7.7. Describe the needs of other occupations and how to effectively communicate within a team when installing first fixing components.
When performing first fix jobs other employees should know how to effectively communicate with the team and this can be achieved by ensuring everyone is aware of site managements requirements, plans of completion and deadlines for each job. Training sessions should be available for employees and toolbox talks should be held regularly, the employees should be encouraged to attend. When you use power tools, they should be PAT tested and make sure the date doesn’t run out. If it does, then you shouldn’t use it and the foreman should be informed. Every job has its own hazards, requirements, risks and timescales and everyone on site should be aware of them and if they are updated, they should be aware of them too as the situation changed. For instance,
if you are making a stud wall and using a nail gun, others should be aware of the danger and should stay away or wear PPE when near. When you talk to others, it should be done so in a clear and polite manner.
7.8. Describe the methods of sharpening the hand tools used when installing first fixing components.
To sharpen the tools, you should follow manufacturers instruction. For instance, when you are first fixing, chisels for chopping out mortises for floor joists which must be mortice and tenons should be sharpened on a tormak as they are faster and get a better result. They should have a grinding angle of 25 degrees and a honed angle of 30 degrees on a diamond stone and should be cleaned after to get the dirty water off them to prevent them from rusting.
7.9. Describe how to maintain the tools and equipment used when installing first fixing components.
Before starting first fixing jobs, any power tools should be checked over completely to ensure they are in good working order and comply with site regulations. All safety guards should be in place and available and all wires should be should be checked for splits and should be used if there are any. The tools should also be checked to ensure they are dry and they haven’t got wet in the storage. It Is important to keep the tools maintained so they stay in good working order and some of the tools require spraying and silicone to make sure they run freely with ease. Any timbers or material should be checked for defects and any problems with them should be reported to the foreman for them to sort it out.
