The policy of G&B Electronic Designs Ltd is to take all practicable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees when they are at work. The Act aims to prevent accidents from occurring and for any safety policy to be successful; there must be full co-operation between employer and employees. All persons at work now have a legal responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work do not forget that this includes our customers.
Overall responsibility for the promotion of health and safety in this company lies with
Managing Director assisted by the Health and Safety Officer.
The information below deals with common ways in which accidents are caused and shows how to avoid them. G&B member will be aquainted with this information so that they do not become a casualty.
A fire needs three things to burn and spread fuel, air and a source of ignition. Remove one of these and the spread of fire will be prevented.
The “FIRE ACTION” to follow “in case of fire” is displayed at all “Alarm Call Points”. Please familiarise yourself with these locations and positions of fire extinguishers.
The appointed Fire Officer, Deputy or Designated Managers of the Fire Team will vacate the building with the Role Call List from each exit door, and Reception Staff will take the Visitor’s Book, and give to the Fire Team Member taking the Roll Call.
Good housekeeping is the foundation of all safe working practices. If your workplace is untidy, it is impossible to carry out any job of work safely.
DO keep gangways, passageways, stairways and regularly used area free from obstructions.
DO put away items of equipment when you have finished using them.
DO remove obstructions when you see them someone else might not, and they could be easily injured.
DO ensure that all spillages, especially liquids, are cleaned up without delay.
DON’T hope or assume that someone else will.
The most common cause of accidents is mostly due to carelessness.
DO be careful when walking on wet surfaces.
DO report damaged floor surface, or greasy stairs and obstructions.
DO wear sensible footwear at work that is secure on the feet.
DON’T run especially when using stairs.
One of the biggest causes of accidents is the failure to lift items correctly. If a few simple rules are followed many such accidents can be avoided.
“Knees Bent, Back Straight”
DO lift with your legs, NOT your back.
DO make sure you can see where you are going.
DON’T try to lift or carry anything which is obviously too heavy for you to handle or which is very bulky. GET HELP FOR THE LIFT.
Safe storage is important for all items, whether large, small, light or heavy.
DO use suitable shelving systems, cupboards, containers etc. wherever possible.
DO store bulky and heavy items at low level.
DO store within hand reach wherever possible.
DO stack securely. “Brick” or “Interlocked” stacking should be used if you have larger amounts of symmetrical containers.
Many accidents are caused by failure to adopt a safe system of working.
Contact the Health and Safety Officer if you require using steps or ladder in the factory.
Trying to store or gain access to goods out of easy reach by standing on chairs, boxes or climbing on shelving is very dangerous. A safety stepladder is provided for such purposes. Make sure you use it and report immediately any defects. Do not attempt to use a stepladder if it will not stand securely.
Electricity is dangerous it can easily kill.
All new Portable Appliances must be checked and recorded
DO report any broken or faulty plugs, sockets outlets, frayed leads, exposed wiring or faulty equipment.
DON’T tamper with electrically operated equipment or try to carry out repairs yourselfunless authorised to do so.
Each manager should do regular safety checks on electrical equipment and all faults should be reported to the Head of Department or senior manager immediately.
Accident and hazard reporting
Remember it is YOUR responsibility to prevent accidents. So, if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident, HOWEVER MINOR, report it so that the appropriate investigation can be made this may prevent a more serious injury happening to someone else. Don’t forget that in the same way, reporting of hazardous situations will help to prevent accidents.
Make sure you know the location of the First Aid Room and who are the “Qualified First Aiders”.
For all accidents, contact one of the two qualified First Aiders. Even if no injuries are sustained, all accidents have to be (by law) entered in to the Accident Book, which is kept in the First Aid Room.
NOTE: A First Aid Kit is kept in the First Aid Room. Any First Aid items used out-of-hours must be recorded on the writing pad with Kit, to inform First Aiders of stock level.
The Accident Book is kept in the first Aid Room. Recorded Accidents out-of-hours to be entered and left in the Accident book on the table.
First Aiders will be responsible for maintaining the First Aid Kits. Qualified First Aiders Notices are display throughout the factory.
All leads and cables from equipment must not be allowed to impose a risk of employees tripping over them i.e. leads and cables must be tied up off the floor and not be allowed to obstruct passageways.
They can be put in a Tunnel Protection Strip with hazard tape.
The Health and Safety aspects of all equipment are coved by a Risk Assessment. Do not use equipment unless you have been trained to do and you are aware of the Health and Safety recommendations. Maintenance of equipment must be undertaken by qualified personnel and be aware of the health and Safety recommendation stated in the risk assessment.
All process such as Hand Soldering, Wave Soldering, conformal coating etc are covered by Health and Safety Risk Assessments. These Risk Assessments are available on the shop floor and are referenced in the shop floor paper work issued with the works orders. Before undertaking any of these processes ensure that you are aware of the requirements specified in the Risk Assessment. If in any doubt ask your Supervisor.
DON’T operate the Air Compressor or any air operated appliances unless specifically trained to do so.
DON’T direct high pressure air, grease, paint or oil delivery nozzles at any part of the body.
DO check the equipment you are using e.g. hoses, nozzles for any sign of damage and report any problems to your Supervisor. Store Air Gun connecting pipe away from walking areas in Production and Process Room.
All members of staff must be aware that Fork Lift truck may be operating in the loading bay areas. In such circumstances you must observe the “Warning Signs” when Forklift Trucks are in operation, because of the dangers that exists in using this equipment.
Only trained certified Forklift Truck Drivers are allowed to operate Fork Lift trucks. Before use its essential drivers check that the “Operators Lift Truck Pre-Use Check Sheet” is up to date.
Routine inspection of the Fork Lift truck must be carried out by suitably qualified staff only.
If you operate a VDU consideration of the following points may help to minimise potential bad posture and eye strain:
Adjust your chair so that you are in the most comfortable position to work
without the need to stretch unduly.
Sit with you feet firmly on the floor. If you cannot reach the floor use a foot rest.
Remember that the best position for the keyboard work is for the forearm forming a
right angle with the body and the wrist straight and level with the keyboard.
Adjust the brightness of the screen if required.
Where possible work should be organised so that breaks from the screen can be
made at regular intervals.
Occasionally look away from the screen and focus on a distant object.
Keep VDU screens clean.
Position screens so as to reduce glare, adjust the brightness and contrast to suit you.
Report screen faults promptly.
If you have a problem reading from the screen or you have glasses and it is causing you a problem, you should consult HR, Health and Safety or your Supervisor in the first instance.
Musculoskeletal Problems (Repetition Strain Injury) could be caused by a badly designed workstation, so if you are suffering soreness to tendons, muscles and joints, especially in the lower back of hands and arms, please notify your Health & Safety Officer.
Poor posture means back strain so sit up straight.
The COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations are designed to safeguard all employees who may come into contact with dangerous substances. All employees involved in tasks using dangerous substances must:
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Symbols Posters is displayed in the Production areas. Symbols shown: Toxic / Very Toxic, Corrosive, Harmful, Irritant.
Also important but not shown, the sign on containers of Highly Flammable chemicals, which must be placed in Metal Cabinets at end of each working day, to reduce the risk of Fire!
Solder paste will give off toxic fume and some will explode in fire store in yellow cabinets.
When using chemicals where the Health and Safety Data Sheet, Material Risk Assessment or Process Risk Assessment recommends the use of extraction, please use the local workstation extraction or the Spray Booth for your protection, and that of others.
The Managing Director recognises the legal duty he has under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and Approved Codes of Practice, has with all other Health and Safety regulations.
The company will undertake written Risk Assessment of the Risks to the health & safety of its employees and visitors, whilst they are on the premises, as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992.
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