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Buying Guides

Introduction to Safety in Electrical Testing at Work

Introduction to Safety in Electrical Testing at Work This guidance, based on the leaflet INDG354(rev1), is designed for those managing or conducting electrical testing. It focuses on controlling risks and preventing or reducing danger arising from these activities, supplementing the information in HSG85 on safe working practices around electrical equipment. Legal Framework for Electrical Testing The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 govern electrical testing activities, emphasizing the need to conduct work near electrical systems in a way that minimizes danger. It includes conducting suitable risk assessments as per the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Risk Assessment in Electrical Testing Risk assessments are essential before testing begins, considering factors like voltage levels, environmental conditions, and the competence...


Introduction to Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

Introduction to Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 Excessive exposure to lead in the workplace poses significant health risks. The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW 2002), supported by the Approved Code of Practice, provide critical guidelines for managing these risks. This document is essential for managers, supervisory staff, and safety representatives responsible for controlling lead exposure at work. Understanding the Risks of Lead Lead and its compounds are known to be hazardous to health, with excessive exposure leading to lead poisoning. The CLAW 2002 aims to safeguard the health of people at work by preventing or controlling exposure to lead. Risk Assessment Employers are required to assess the risks to health from work involving lead. This...


Cleaning and Disinfecting using Low-Pressure Washers

Introduction This article provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Cleaning and disinfection using a low-pressure washer". The original document is aimed at helping employers, including the self-employed and franchisees, to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). It outlines good practices for using personal protective equipment (PPE) and controlling exposure to hazardous substances. The document code is SR1. Main Points Avoid or minimise skin contact with chemicals. Ensure all controls are being used properly. Consider substituting with safer products. Some chemicals can be flammable, so your controls must suit those hazards too. Control Approach S The document outlines a control approach named "S" which focuses on avoiding harm...


Electrical Safety at Work: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article is a quick guide to understanding the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Electrical Safety and You: A Brief Guide" (leaflet INDG231, rev1). This guide is aimed at simplifying the information provided in the original document, making it easily understandable for interested readers. The original document provides vital information about the risks associated with electricity and how to mitigate them. The Hazards of Electricity Electricity, while essential, can pose severe risks such as electric shocks, burns, and fire, especially in the workplace. The major hazards include: Contact with live parts causing shock and burns – normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill. Faults which could cause fire. Fire or explosion where electricity could be the...


Preventing Falls from Vehicles at Work: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article is a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) document on preventing falls from vehicles, coded as INDG413(rev1). The document provides advice for workers on how to avoid injuries from falling off vehicles, a common incident that results in over 2000 serious injuries reported to HSE each year. The goal of this guide is to make this vital information more accessible to everyone. Getting on and off the vehicle The document provides a list of dos and don'ts when getting on and off a vehicle. Here are the main points: Don't jump down from the vehicle as it's bad for your knees and increases the likelihood of falling. Always use steps and handholds if provided....


Introduction to Working at Height Regulations 2005

Introduction to Working at Height Regulations 2005 The Health and Safety Executive's guide on the Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) aims to protect employees from falls, a major cause of workplace fatalities and injuries. This guide is essential for employers, employees, and their representatives to understand and comply with WAHR. Understanding what constitutes 'work at height' and dispelling misconceptions about the use of ladders and stepladders is crucial for safety. Key Steps Before Working at Height Employers must take specific steps to ensure safety when working at height, including avoiding work at height where possible, using safe places or right equipment to prevent falls, and minimizing the distance and consequences of a fall if it occurs. Regulations Applicability and...


Introduction to Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations

Introduction to Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations The Health and Safety Executive's guide on the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended by the 2022 amendment, offers practical advice for complying with the requirements of these regulations. The document, divided into two parts, details each regulation and provides guidance on the selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE). Understanding the Regulations The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 are designed to ensure the health and safety of workers through the proper use and provision of PPE. This includes equipment intended to be worn or held by a worker, providing protection against health and safety risks. Provision of Personal Protective Equipment Employers must ensure suitable...


Working Safely with Display Screen Equipment: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article provides a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled Working with Display Screen Equipment (DSE). The document outlines the regulations and recommendations for employers and employees who work with DSE such as computers and laptops. It is particularly relevant to those who use DSE as a significant part of their normal work. Who Does This Apply To? The regulations apply to employers whose workers regularly use DSE as a significant part of their normal work. These workers are known as DSE users. The regulations do not apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or for short periods of time. However, the controls described in the document may still be useful for these workers....


Working Safely in Confined Spaces: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Confined Spaces: A Brief Guide to Working Safely" (leaflet INDG258(rev1)). The original document, published by the HSE, provides information about the safety precautions that employers need to take to protect their employees when working in confined spaces. This guide will simplify the key points and provide easy-to-understand information. What is a Confined Space? A confined space is any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions, such as a lack of oxygen. Some examples include storage tanks, silos, sewers, open-topped chambers, vats, and poorly ventilated rooms. It's important to note that...


Warehousing and Storage Safety Tips: A Quick Guide

Introduction This is a quick guide based on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Warehousing and storage: Keep it safe'. The document, coded as INDG412, provides important safety guidelines for warehousing and storage facilities. This blog article simplifies the key points from the document for easy understanding and application. Main Causes of Accidents in Warehousing and Storage The HSE report identifies the following as the primary causes of accidents in warehousing and storage facilities: Slips and trips Manual handling Work at height Vehicles in and around the warehouse Moving or falling objects These risks should be considered alongside any other site-specific hazards. Preventing Slips and Trips Slips usually happen due to wet or contaminated floors. To avoid this:...


Using Forklift Trucks Safely at Work: A Quick Guide for Operators

Introduction This article serves as a quick guide to understanding the key safety measures outlined in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document on using lift trucks safely (INDG457). Lift trucks, if not used properly, can pose a significant risk to operators and others in the vicinity. This guide simplifies the HSE's advice for lift truck operators, providing an easy-to-understand overview of the do's and don'ts of lift truck operation. Operating Lift Trucks When operating lift trucks, it is crucial to: Carry out a pre-shift check of the lift truck Wear operator restraints, where fitted Look all around before moving off and in the direction of travel Travel at a speed suitable for the location and the load you are...


Working Safely with Agricultural Machinery: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Working safely with agricultural machinery" (INDG241(rev1)). This document provides crucial advice on how to operate mobile and stationary agricultural machinery safely, particularly when performing maintenance or dealing with blockages. Causes of Machinery Accidents Accidents with machinery can occur due to various factors, including: Using a machine unsuitable for the task Failure to follow a safe system of work Unsafe methods for clearing blockages or making adjustments Failure to follow safe operating or 'Safe Stop' procedures Missing or defective guards and other safety devices Lack of operator training Poor maintenance Hazardous Areas on Agricultural Machines Many agricultural machines have potentially dangerous moving parts, which can...


Ergonomics and Human Factors at Work: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article is a quick guide based on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Ergonomics and human factors at work: A brief guide" (INDG90 rev3). It is aimed at employers, managers and anyone interested in understanding the importance of ergonomics and human factors in the workplace. The original document provides examples of ergonomics problems and offers simple, effective advice on how to solve them. Understanding Ergonomics and Human Factors Ergonomics, also known as human factors in certain industries, is a science that ensures a good fit between people and their work. It takes into account people's capabilities and limitations, aiming to ensure that tasks, equipment, information, and the environment fit each worker. Factors such as the job/task...


The Dangers of Explosives in Metal Recycling: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article provides a quick guide to handling explosives in the context of metal recycling, based on the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) document INDG335 C200 02/02. This document covers the legal requirements and best practices for acquiring, keeping, and transporting explosives, especially as they pertain to the metal recycling industry. The original document can be found on the HSE website or ordered via HSE Books. Legal Requirements It is important to be aware that there are specific legal requirements for handling explosives. These requirements must be complied with if explosives come into your possession. For further guidance, you should seek advice from your local HSE office or call the HSE InfoLine. Disposal of Explosives Waste Explosives waste must...


Forklift Truck Training Advice for Employers: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article provides a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) leaflet INDG462, which provides advice for employers on lift-truck training. Lift trucks are widely used in various industries, but they are involved in about a quarter of all workplace transport accidents. Proper training can significantly reduce these accidents. This guide will break down the key points of the document for easy understanding. The Law Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), employers are required to ensure all lift-truck operators have received adequate training. This includes correct use of the equipment, understanding any risks, and taking necessary precautions. The same standards apply to self-employed individuals. Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Lift-Truck Operator...


A Quick Guide to Working Safely with Solder Fumes

Introduction This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document INDG248(rev2) 'Solder fume and you: An employee’s guide'. The guide provides crucial information for individuals who work with rosin, specifically colophony-based solder flux, which can cause serious health issues like asthma and dermatitis. What You Need to Know Working with rosin-based solder fluxes requires you to take specific actions to prevent, control or reduce exposure to fumes, as they can cause serious health problems. It's important to know what type of solder fume you are using, so ask your manager if you're unsure. Health Risks Health problems can occur when soldering, and symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, runny eyes or nose, and a tight chest....


Gas Welding and Cutting Safety at Work: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article is a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) document on safety in gas welding, cutting, and similar processes. The original document, leaflet INDG297(rev1), published in 05/12, provides comprehensive information on the hazards associated with the use of compressed gases for welding, hot cutting, and similar processes and the precautions necessary to avoid injury and property damage. Main Hazards The main hazards associated with gas welding and cutting include: Fire caused by heat, sparks, molten metal or direct contact with the flame Explosions when cutting up or repairing tanks or drums containing flammable materials Fire/explosion caused by gas leaks, backfires, and flashbacks Fumes created during flame cutting Fire/burns resulting from misuse of oxygen Burns from...


Occupational Asthma: A Quick Guide for Workers

Introduction This article provides a simple guide to understanding the contents of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) leaflet INDG172(rev1) on occupational asthma. The leaflet, titled "Breathe freely: A workers’ information card on occupational asthma", is aimed at helping workers understand the risks and preventive measures associated with occupational asthma. Understanding Occupational Asthma Occupational asthma is a respiratory condition caused by inhaling certain substances at work, known as respiratory sensitisers. These substances can cause allergies and permanent damage to the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms may not appear immediately after exposure but often within the first two years, sometimes even after decades. Symptoms include: Runny and itchy eyes and nose Wheezing Tightness of chest Shortness of breath Coughing These symptoms...


Gas Appliances at Work Safety Tips: A Quick Guide

Introduction This article serves as a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Gas appliances: Get them checked. Keep them safe" coded as INDG238(rev3). It aims to provide a user-friendly summary of the key points from the original report, which is focused on the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas appliances and the necessary safety precautions. The Problem with Gas Appliances Every year, approximately 14 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be confused with common ailments such as flu or simple tiredness. If you or your family experience symptoms such as tiredness,...


Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions for Checkout Workers: Quick Guide

Understanding Musculoskeletal Disorders in Checkout Work This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Managing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Checkout Work: A Brief Guide" (INDG269(rev1)). The original document aims to help employers manage checkout work at point of sale and reduce the risk of their workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). What are MSDs? MSDs cover any injury, damage or disorder of the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or other soft tissues in the upper/lower limbs or the back. Symptoms can include pain, discomfort, tingling, numbness, stiffness or swelling. Most MSD symptoms will clear up without any need for medical attention. Who Should Read This Guide? This guide is mainly aimed at managers and...