Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Arrangements that need to be considered
➤
Keeping the workplace, including staircases, 
fl oors, ways in and out, washrooms, etc. in a safe 
and clean condition by cleaning, maintenance 
and repair
➤
The requirements of the Work at Height 
Regulations
➤
Any suitable and suffi cient risk assessments.
Plant and substances
➤
Maintenance of equipment such as tools, lad-
ders, etc. Are they in a safe condition?
➤
Maintenance and proper use of safety equipment 
such as helmets, boots, goggles, respirators, etc.
➤
Maintenance and proper use of plant, machinery 
and guards.
➤
Regular testing and maintenance of lifts, hoists, 
cranes, pressure systems, boilers and other dan-
gerous machinery, emergency repair work, and 
safe methods of doing it.
Figure 2.6
Responsibilities.
Figure 2.5
Emergency 
procedures.

---

Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
30
➤
Maintenance of electrical installations and 
equipment.
➤
Safe storage, handling and, where applicable, 
packaging, labelling and transport of dangerous 
substances.
➤
Controls of work involving harmful substances 
such as lead and asbestos.
➤
The introduction of new plant, equipment or sub-
stances into the workplace by examination, test-
ing and consultation with the workforce.
Other hazards
➤
Noise problems – wearing of hearing protection, 
and control of noise at source
➤
Vibration problems – hand-arm and whole-body 
control techniques and personal protection
➤
Preventing unnecessary or unauthorized entry 
into hazardous areas
➤
Lifting of heavy or awkward loads
➤
Protecting the safety of employees against 
assault when handling or transporting the 
employer’s money or valuables
➤
Special hazards to employees when working on 
unfamiliar sites, including discussion with site 
manager where necessary
➤
Control of works transport, e.g. fork lift trucks 
by restricting use to experienced and authorized 
operators or operators under instruction (which 
should deal fully with safety aspects).