Health and Safety Rules

INTRODUCTION

The nature of our working environment does not permit us to write extensive rules governing every detail of health and safety at work. However, if you read, understand and follow these rules you will help to comply with your legal duty and contribute to the safe running of our workplace.

If you do not understand what is expected of you, or if you are unsure about our safety rules, speak to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible.

GENERAL

• It is the duty of all staff to co-operate with management in fulfilling our legal obligations in relation to health and safety.
• Staff must not intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
• It is the duty of all staff to report to management any dangerous work situation and any shortcomings in our safety arrangements so that we can take the necessary remedial action.
• Staff must become familiar with the contents of our Health and Safety Policy.

WORKPLACE

• Keep the access to and from your place of work free from obstruction and slipping and tripping hazards at all times.
• Never leave cables trailing across floors unless absolutely necessary and then only if the appropriate warning sign is used.
• Keep your work area clean and tidy, regularly remove rubbish and waste materials.
• Clean up any spillage immediately or, if you are unable to do so, segregate the area with barriers or barrier tape. In the case of hazardous substances, refer to the health and safety data sheet and the specific risk assessment.
• Only use equipment that you have received training/instruction for and which you are authorised to use.

FIRE SAFETY

• Read the fire notices displayed around the premises, make sure you know how to raise the alarm if you discover a fire and that you understand the evacuation procedure for your workplace.
• Do not prop open fire doors or tamper with fire fighting equipment such as extinguishers. Report any accidental use of fire fighting equipment and damage to fire and exit doors.
• Maintain safe walkways on all exit routes. Ensure that fire exit doors can be readily opened and are free from obstruction both inside and out.
• Know the positions of the nearest fire extinguishers, how to use them, and the type of fire they can used on.
• Smokers must only smoke in designated areas and dispose of smoking materials in a safe manner.

ACCIDENTS AND HEALTH

• All injuries, accidents and cases of ill health, including minor injuries, caused by or affecting your work must be reported to your manager or supervisor.
• Ensure the details of your accident and injury are recorded in the Accident Book.
• Report all dangerous occurrences and 'near miss' incidents.
• Report any medical condition or medication you are taking which could affect your ability to carry out your work safely.
• You must not work if you have taken any substance that could affect your ability to work safely.
• Report immediately any damage caused to property.
• If you see a situation which has the potential to cause an accident or injury, you must report it immediately.
• Co-operate with any incident or accident investigation.

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

• Only operate machinery or use equipment if you are trained and authorised to do so.
• Do not leave machinery or equipment unattended whilst in operation unless you are given permission, or the machine is designed for unattended operation.
• Do not clean moving machinery. Do not carry out repairs and maintenance unless a risk assessment has been carried out and a safe method of work is implemented.
• Do not use machinery without effective guards and safety devices in place. You must ensure that you make proper use of them.
• Report any faults or defects in machinery, equipment, guards or safety devices immediately.
• Do not interfere with, defeat or wilfully damage any guard or safety device.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

• You must use all protective clothing and equipment provided for your personal protection as instructed.
• Keep your protective clothing and equipment in good working order to maintain its effectiveness. Report any unsuitable, defective or lost items immediately to your supervisor or manager.

COMPANY VEHICLES

• Never drive or operate a vehicle if you are not authorised to do so.
• Never drive a vehicle for which you do not hold the appropriate licence or permit.
• Always check the vehicle prior to use according to your vehicle checklist.
• Do not tamper with the vehicle.
• Report any damage caused to the vehicle and to property.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

• Before you use any substance marked as hazardous, make sure that you have received training and information on its safe use and handling.
• Ensure that you always read and follow the instructions marked on containers prior to use.
• Check the levels marked on containers and do not transfer hazardous substances from one container to another if it does not have the correct labelling and information on it.
• Return hazardous substances to any designated storage areas after use.
• Only dispose of waste hazardous substances as instructed. If you are unsure of what to do - ask.
• Immediately notify your supervisor or manager of any spillage.
• If you have any concerns regarding the use of hazardous substances, speak to your supervisor or manager.