Timber Frame Erector Health and Safety Skills Workbook · 2017-05-02 · Competency Award...

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Timber Frame Erector

Health and Safety Skills Workbook

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Silver

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Timber Frame ErectorHealth and Safety SkillsSilver Workbook

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Contents

3Timber Frame Erector Health and Safety Skills Workbook

1 Introduction and Welcome 5 1.1 The Timber Frame Erector Training Programme 6

2 Aims and Objectives of Training 7 2.1 Aims and Objectives of Training 8 2.2 CDM 2007 Responsibility 9

3 Health and Safety at Work 11 3.1 Responsibilities of Employers and Employees 12 3.2 Protection of the Public 14 3.3 Risk Assessment and Communication 15 3.4 Role of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 18

4 Accidents 19 4.1 Reporting Accidents 20 4.2 Prevention 22 4.3 First Aid and Welfare Arrangements 22

5 General Hazards on Site 25 5.1 Introduction 26 5.2 Electricity and Portable Tools 26 5.3 Site Traffic 28 5.4 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 29 5.5 Overhead Dangers 31 5.6 Manual Handling 31 5.7 LOLER Lifting Plan – Appointed Persons 33 5.8 Lift Supervisor, Banksman, Slinger 33 5.9 Vibration and Vibrating Tools 33 5.10 The Noise at Work Regulations 34 5.11 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations

(PUWER) 1998 35

6 Working at Height 37 6.1 Introduction 38 6.2 Scaffold and Towers 39 6.3 Ladders and Trestles 40 6.4 Leading Edges and Openings 40 6.5 Roof Works 40 6.6 Fall Arrest Systems 41

7 Fire Prevention 43 7.1 Introduction 44 7.2 The Fire Plan 44 7.3 Dealing with Fires 46 7.4 Evacuating your Workplace in an Emergency 46 7.5 Three Things Needed to Start a Fire 48 7.6 Fire-Fighting Equipment 48

8 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 51 8.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 52

9 Final Review 55 9.1 Final Review 56 9.2 Learner Feedback Form 58

4 Timber Frame Erector Health and Safety Skills Workbook

Section 1 Introduction and Welcome

1.1 The Timber Frame Erector Training Programme 6



Section 1 | Introduction and Welcome

1.1 The Timber Frame Erector Training Programme

Welcome to your Health and Safety Skills silver

workbook.

The production of these workbooks has been

supported financially by CITB; The Structural Timber

Association (STA) is extremely grateful to them.

The Structural Timber Association (STA), on behalf of

the industry, has developed this training programme

with CITB to provide recognition of the skills and

competences of existing timber frame erectors

together with raising the skill levels of any unskilled or

untrained timber frame erectors to an acceptable level

of competence.

The programme will also provide career paths for

timber frame erectors and assist young entrants to

the timber frame industry. Over time the intention is

to allow only those erectors who are qualified to erect

timber frame buildings.

A structured training programme has been devised

at three levels:

B Bronze

S Silver

G Gold

Each of the three levels is split into three modules

– Health and Safety Skills, Knowledge Skills and

Practical Skills.

This safety training workbook will help you to manage

site safety and also to think, act and work in a

safer way.

As you may be aware there are far too many accidents

reported year on year, some of which are fatal.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) require

all of us in the industry to reduce our accident

rate to as near as possible to zero.

Why?

If everyone, and that includes you, puts their own

safety and that of others as a top priority then we will

achieve this target.

The site is only as dangerous as you let it become.

We hope you enjoy working through this workbook

and that it helps you to manage and work safer. If you

do your job properly then you will also do it safely!

Please add to it in any way you wish and we look

forward to awarding you with your Timber Frame

Competency Award qualifications in the near future.

Andrew Carpenter,

Chief Executive, STA.

Education and training STA/CITB

If you have any queries or require further information

on this or any other education and training matter,

either seek advice within your company, or contact

the CITB directly:

National Specialist Accredited Centre

CITB

Units 1 and 2

674 Melton Road

Thurmaston

Leicester

LE4 8BB

Tel: 0300 456 5561

Fax: 0300 456 5562

Email: [email protected]

Section 2 Aims and Objectives

of Training

2.1 Aims and Objectives of Training 8

2.2 CDM 2007 Responsibility 9



2.1 Aims and Objectives of Training

Health and Safety at Work

The Principal Contractor will have overall responsibility

for health and safety on-site but it also involves you,

whether employed or self-employed.

The aim of this workbook is to give you practical

help in taking care of your health and safety when

at work and to help you to contribute to making your

workplace a safer place for everyone.

What is in this workbook?

The workbook has six main sections:

1. Health and Safety at Work

2. Accidents

3. General Hazards on Site

4. Working at Height

5. Fire Prevention

6. Personal Protection

Each section follows a similar pattern:

you will be given information to read followed by

practical examples to complete

where you see a white ‘Activity’ box (example

below), this will indicate that there is a task for you

to do. If you can’t fit your answers in the space

provided, please use a separate sheet

the activities are designed to help you find out

about different aspects of safety on your site

on completion of this course you will be expected to

take the assessment that employers now expect

you are encouraged to keep this workbook safe.

You will present this together with any records of

other training such as the use of cartridge tools,

Paslode or similar nail guns, portable plant and

small tools, etc. to your assessor

What qualifications can

be obtained?

The workbook will help you to gain the STA/CITB

silver award, and provide evidence towards your

vocational qualification.

Please note that because of the importance of

Health and Safety within the industry everyone

is required to complete the silver level Health

and Safety as a minimum standard.

Hence the bronze level safety training content

is the same standard as the silver.

If you have already completed bronze level

training, and it was in the recent past, then

please use this manual as refresher training.

Activity

Section 2 | Aims and Objectives of Training


Outlining of training programme:

The silver and bronze training programmes’

content sets the minimum standard required by

the industry on Health and Safety.

G

S

B

The training programme consists of

three levels:

Bronze Silver Gold

Each level of programme has three modules as shown below –

each of the levels follow the same structure

Health and Safety Skills

1Practical Skills

2Knowledge Skills

3

1. This workbook is not a safety manual and does not replace your own company’s H&S documents and/

or the main contractor’s site rules.

2. You are strongly recommended to read and use The Absolutely Essential Health & Safety Toolkit for

Timber Frame Construction.

Please note

Aims and Objectives of Training | Section 2

2.2 CDM 2007 Responsibility

Contractors and the self-employed

Vital co-operation duties between contractors and

duty holders.

Contractors and their employees, those actually doing

the construction work, are most at risk of injury and

ill-health. They have a key role to play, in co-operation

with other duty holders planning and managing the

work, to ensure that risks are identified and are

properly controlled.

Contractors may include utilities, specialist

contractors, contractors nominated by the client

and self-employed persons. Contractors are often

sub-contractors to the principal contractor

Contractors may also have duties as designers

if they are involved in designing elements of

their work, such as pre-cast concrete planks or

curtain walling

Anyone who directly employs or engages

construction workers, or manages construction

work, is a contractor for the purposes of these

regulations. This includes companies that use their

own workforce to carry out construction work on

their own premises


Workers

Co-operation duties for workers, managers

and supervisors.

Workers, along with all others involved in the life of

a project, have duties to co-operate and to

co-ordinate with others. The term ‘worker’ includes

managers and supervisors.

Workers need to be involved as soon as possible

and should:

give feedback to their employer via the agreed

consultation method

provide input on risk assessments and developing a

method statement

work to the agreed method statement or approach

their employer to discuss implementing any change

or improvement

use welfare facilities with respect

keep tools and PPE in good condition

be vigilant for hazards and risks and keep

management and supervisors informed

be aware of arrangements and actions to take if a

dangerous situation arises

Section 2 | Aims and Objectives of Training

Section 3 Health and Safety at Work

3.1 Responsibilities of Employers and Employees 12

3.2 Protection of the Public 14

3.3 Risk Assessment and Communication 15

3.4 Role of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 18



3.1 Responsibilities of Employers and Employees

Construction sites and workplaces contain many

health and safety hazards and timber frame erection

is no exception. Everyone working in the timber frame

industry has an important part to play in keeping the

workplace safe for themselves and others.

Employer responsibilities

The law states that:

‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so

far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and

welfare at work of all his/her employees.’

The STA have issued a Health and Safety Code of

Practice, this must be used on all sites.

One of the duties your employer must carry out by law

is to make sure that you are informed about health and

safety. This is one of the reasons for this workbook.

To carry out their employers’ duties concerning

health and safety all must provide:

plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe

and without risk to health

safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage

and transport of articles and substances used

for work

necessary instruction, information, training and

supervision of employees to ensure safety at work

maintenance of the workplace

safe and well maintained entrances and exits

a safe working environment that has adequate

facilities and arrangements for employee welfare

at work

a written Health and Safety policy must be provided

if there are five or more employees

where requested, and in certain circumstances,

the appointment of safety representatives (both

Union and non-Union) and a safety committee

may be provided

Your personal responsibilities

In the same way that your employer has responsibility

for Health and Safety, so do you.

Your employer takes responsibility for providing you

with a safe working environment and relies upon you

to work and act in a safe manner.

This is your own responsibility

by law

Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act

requires every employee while at work to:

‘Take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of

yourself and of other persons who may be affected by

your acts or omissions at work.’

You are also responsible if you cause safety to be

adversely affected.

You are legally responsible for your actions

if they adversely affect the safety of either

yourself or others.

You must also:

co-operate with your employer to enable him to

comply with his legal duties

not recklessly or intentionally misuse anything

provided under the law for health, safety or welfare

It can take courage to stand up to your colleagues and

tell them they are acting in an unsafe way – but you

must, because we all need reminding occasionally on

how to behave safely.

Can you improve Health and Safety

in your workplace?

There is always something everyone can do to

improve Health and Safety. Here are some ways for

you and your team to consider:

always be aware of the hazards on your site before

you start work

always make sure that guards are correctly fitted

to moving machinery and tools

always use personal protective equipment provided

ensure that materials and products are

stacked safely

never obstruct fire exits

Section 3 | Health and Safety at Work


never obstruct walkways

always keep the work areas tidy

always clean up spillages promptly

always follow correct operating procedures

Health and Safety at Work | Section 3

Make a list of the five most important ways by which you can improve safety in your workplace.

1

2

3

4

5

Activity


3.2 Protection of the Public

This must always remain at the forefront of

your mind no matter where the site is located.

Remember, children are particularly at risk.

When you arrive at a site you should be given a

description and certain locations should be pointed

out such as welfare facilities and restricted areas

together with no-go areas for the public.

You should always ensure that the public (and other

persons) are protected from your work area by

suitable barriers/fencing.

When leaving your workplace unattended, or at the

end of the day, check the following are in place:

access gates are secured

all ladders removed or boarded so they cannot

be used

materials are safely stacked and secured

any dangerous or flammable substances are locked

away safely

plant is immobilised (and keys removed

where applicable)

openings or excavations are covered or securely

fenced off

perimeter fencing is effective and undamaged

You may well need to add to the above list so make

sure you always allow sufficient time to secure your

area when it is being left unattended, because the

consequences can be fatal if you don’t.

Make a list of the most important ways by which you can and must secure your

workplace from the public.

Activity



3.3 Risk Assessment and Communication

Seeking out and identifying hazards that could

cause potential harm or injury is an essential first

step in controlling risk.

Furthermore, employers and their employees who

know their business should also know the risks

involved with its activities and should manage these

risks like any other part of the business.

Risk assessment techniques are therefore an integral

part of everyone’s job.

A risk assessment is necessary

in order to:

identify the significant risks

to identify how best to

eliminate or reduce the

effects from them

Successful Health and

Safety Management

Carrying out a risk assessment is not complicated, but

it is an essential part of making the workplace safe for

us all.

The method is based on a simple process.

1. Consider a task you are going to do.

2. Note all the hazards associated with the task

(including other people who might be affected

and any possible damage to equipment or the

environment).

3. Estimate the likelihood of an accident occurring.

4. Judge the level of risk against the severity of

the hazard.

You can remember the following by using:

E R I C

E = Eliminate

R = Reduce the hazard

I = Isolate the hazard

C = Control the hazard

Definitions

Hazard Something with the potential to

cause harm.

Risk The likelihood of the harmful

event occurring.

Extent of risk The number of persons who

might be affected and any

other consequences.

Risk assessment process

The following is a five-step process recommended

by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to

assess risks.

STEP 5Review your assessment and revise

if necessary

STEP 4Record your findings

STEP 3Evaluate the risk and decide whether existing

precautions are adequate or more needs to

be done

STEP 2Decide who might be harmed and how

STEP 1Look for the hazards

DangerMen working

overhead



Having identified the hazards

and their risks

You must now give an estimate of the likelihood of

an accident happening and also to the severity of

the accident.

To give a value to the above the HSE recommend

using the following simple table.

Likelihood rating Severity rating

HIGH (3) MAJOR (3)

MEDIUM (2) SERIOUS (2)

LOW (1) SLIGHT (1)

Using this table you can now compare risks by:

RISK = LIKELIHOOD x SEVERITY

Using the above calculation you will obtain values

between one and nine.

The lower the number the lower the risk.

List the safety procedures that apply to all of your job. You should be able to list them in terms

of highest risk to you.

State what the procedure covers and why it is important. Find out or show how they link

to past accidents on-site.

Activity



Some common hazards are listed below. Walk round your workplace and note at least one

example of each where such a hazard may arise. Then note the action that has been taken

to reduce the risk. If a significant risk to Health and Safety remains, note this and inform

your supervisor.

1. Fire risk

2. Slips/falls

3. Moving machinery

4. Falling objects

5. Mobile equipment

6. Portable tools and equipment

7. Toxic gases

8. Chemicals

9. Electrical wiring/appliances

10. Noise

11. Blocked access ways

12. Suspended loads

13. Others

14. Others

Activity



3.4 Role of Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

How Health and Safety law

is enforced

The law is enforced by inspectors from the HSE.

They have wide powers to enter sites and premises

to inspect the work and equipment

They may issue notices requiring employers to

make improvements when standards do not comply

with legal requirements

They may shut down unsafe sites or premises to

stop unsafe activities

They may prosecute employers and employees

who break the law

We are all responsible, under the common law duty

of care for employees, visitors, members of the public

and anyone whom we can reasonably foresee would

be affected by our activities.

You may not be aware that HSE inspectors are visiting

your site. Local Authority safety officers may also visit

sites and have similar powers as HSE inspectors.

Inspectors can issue two types of notice if they feel

that safety or health is threatened.

These are:

an improvement notice

This type of notice requires matters to be put right

within a specified period. The notice will refer to a

specific breach of law

a prohibition notice

This type of notice requires that a particular

activity is stopped until matters have been put

right. The notice need not refer to law, only that,

in the opinion of the inspector, there is a risk of

serious personal injury

After a serious accident, the police turn up first, then

an inspector will visit the site and a full investigation

will be conducted. The outcome could lead to

prosecution.


Section 4

Accidents

4.1 Reporting Accidents 20

4.2 Prevention 22

4.3 First Aid and Welfare Arrangements 22



4.1 Reporting Accidents

All accidents and ‘near misses’ at

work must be reported.

An accident is any unplanned event leading to injury

or damage. A near miss is anything that had the

‘potential’ to cause an accident, i.e. ‘it nearly did, but

we got away with it this time’ – a ‘free lesson’!

How does this affect you?

Accidents cause pain and suffering but also have

other effects. If you had an accident:

You could suffer:

temporary or permanent disability

inability to carry out your normal work

loss of earnings

inability to take part in recreational activities

a serious accident could result in death

This would also have an effect on your family and

others who may depend on your fitness and wages.

Your employer could suffer:

loss of output and loss of time

cost of repairing damage

wastage of materials or product

effect on the workforce, e.g. low morale

possible prosecution leading to fines

and/or imprisonment

in an extreme case the HSE could shut down

a dangerous site

Bear in mind that you could also be prosecuted

if you knowingly work in an unsafe way that

endangers yourself or others.

So you, your workmates and your employer will

all suffer as a result of an accident.

You, your workmates and your employer all need to

work together to prevent accidents before they occur.

All accidents can be prevented

You should report all accidents, near misses and

dangerous occurrences to your supervisor (or

other person required by your employer).

By doing this you will ensure a proper investigation is

carried out and help to prevent a recurrence.

Your employer must report all serious

accidents and accidents causing more than

three days’ absence to the HSE. You must

tell your employer all you know about the

accident so that this report may be made

fully and correctly.

Accident, near miss and dangerous occurrence

reporting will vary from site to site. Certainly you must

give a verbal report about any incident that caused

injury or had the potential to cause injury. You may

also have to give a verbal or written statement in the

course of an accident investigation.

When making notes of the important facts of an

accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence then

include the following:

Who?

who was injured and to what extent

who else was present

who were the other witnesses

When?

the date and exact time the accident occurred

How?

what happened before, at the point of and after the

accident, etc.

the machinery, equipment, tools, etc. involved

what caused the accident, etc. (if known)

Remember

Today’s near miss could be tomorrow’s

fatality. So report it!

By promptly and accurately reporting every

accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence

(however minor), you help to create a safe

workplace for everyone.

Section 4 | Accidents


Accidents | Section 4

To help check your understanding you should answer these questions before going on

to the next section.

1 Why do you think it is necessary to report all accidents?

2 List two ways in which your employer can be affected if you have an accident.

a)

b)

3 Write down your own responsibility to Health and Safety as covered by the law.

4 If you were responsible for Health and Safety in your company, what would you do to

improve it (no more than three suggestions)?

Activity


4.2 Prevention

Working procedures

and safety rules

There is generally a best way to do a job. This has

usually been developed from experience. The best

way will also be the safest way.

There are advantages to companies and individuals

if everyone works consistently using similar work

methods and procedures, e.g. Safe Systems of

Work. This is especially important in team working

where one team has to hand over to another.

Accidents can easily occur when there is confusion

in the workplace.

There are a number of ways for recording best

practice and preventing accidents:

risk assessments (with risk control measures)

method statements

training manuals often include

operating procedures

safe systems of work are provided for

hazardous jobs

safety rules will usually be written for activities that

have more general applications

quality manuals sometimes include

operating procedures

permits to work apply to some

hazardous procedures

Your company may have all or some of these and

others not mentioned.

You must make yourself aware of all the procedures

that apply to your work. They have been written for

your protection and you must follow them. They will

also have been written to ensure that what you do

complies with legal requirements.

Don’t be tempted to think that you can do better by

taking short cuts. Short cuts lead to accidents and you

may be breaking the law.

If you find a better way of doing something, tell

your supervisor, they may be able to have the work

procedure changed. Then everyone will benefit from

the improvement and safety will be the winner.

4.3 First Aid and Welfare Arrangements

Welfare facilities on site are just as important

as safety laws and regulations for the

protection of your health.

You should have access to the following and

remember your workmates will also use them so

keep everything clean and tidy.

Suitable, clean toilets

Clean washbasins, warm water, soap and towels

Suitable clothing if you have to work in wet, dirty or

other poor conditions

Changing facilities for changing, drying and

storing clothes

Drinking water

A site hut to prepare food and drinks

The above should be easily accessible to all who

need them

Your health is important and just because you are

working outside on a building site, do not let your

standards drop to that of roughing it. If you do then

you will be affecting others and increase the health

risk to them.

A clean and tidy appearance and good

personal hygiene is more often than not an

indicator of a positive attitude to safety and

a strong safety culture.

However, there are some aspects of personal hygiene

that you should bear in mind:

if you wear protective clothing make sure that you

remove it as soon as it is no longer needed. Don’t

visit food vending machines or the canteen in

protective clothing or you may pass contamination

on to others. This applies to dirty overalls as well

if you use earplugs in noisy areas, use only clean

plugs. Inserting dirty plugs in your ears can lead to

infection and damaged hearing

keep personal protective equipment clean to avoid

contamination. This particularly applies to face

masks and the inside of gloves

wash your hands thoroughly before eating or

smoking



wash your hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet

using compressed air to clean dusty clothing is

dangerous, because air bubbles can get into your

bloodstream. You can also damage your eyes and

possibly injure others, so always keep a tight grip

First aid

Unfortunately accidents do happen and all too

frequently on construction sites.

When they do you need to act quickly and effectively.

An emergency, such as an accident or sudden illness,

can occur at any time. Prompt and effective action

is essential to help the injured and limit further injury

or damage.

Prompt first aid treatment is essential and can

be the most important factor in the recovery of

a casualty.

There are trained first aiders in your company and

on site. You should be told who they are, where

they work and how they are contacted. If you don’t

know – ask.

In case of accident or illness, summon the first aider

immediately.

Caring for the casualty

Only take first aid action for which you are qualified.

However, there are some basic actions that you can

take while waiting for qualified help.

When taking immediate or first aid actions, act calmly

and carefully and ensure that you don’t become a

casualty yourself.

Limiting further injury or damage

When an accident occurs your immediate actions

should be to help the casualty while ensuring your

own safety and the safety of others. However, in some

cases the first person to arrive should do nothing

e.g. a crane caught in high voltage lines or an

excavation grumbling.

The hazard that caused the accident may still be

present with the potential to cause:

further injury to the casualty

injury to you and other persons in the area

damage to plant and equipment or the environment

Only take action for which you have been trained.

You may need to deal with hazards before first aid

treatment is applied.

The steps you take will depend on the

circumstances, but there are some actions that

have general application:

call for further assistance, e.g. first aider

remove the hazard if possible and it is safe to do so

remove the casualty from the danger area if

medically safe to do so and if you know how to

do it safely

shut down any plant and equipment involved using

emergency shutdown procedures if necessary

isolate the source of power if appropriate

isolate the source of spillage, leakage or

contamination if appropriate

erect safety barriers and warning signs to prevent

entry of unauthorised persons to the area

clean up spillages and leakages when instructed

to do so by an authorised person

ensure plant and equipment have been checked

by an authorised person prior to restarting if it has

been involved in the incident

Remember

What you observed and what actions you have

taken. It will be important evidence for the

accident investigation. Keep a written record

of events if possible and take photographs if

appropriate.

Accidents | Section 4



Section 5 General Hazards on Site

5.1 Introduction 26

5.2 Electricity and Portable Tools 26

5.3 Site Traffic 28

5.4 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 29

5.5 Overhead Dangers 31

5.6 Manual Handling 31

5.7 LOLER Lifting Plan – Appointed Persons 33

5.8 Lift Supervisor, Banksman, Slinger 33

5.9 Vibration and Vibrating Tools 33

5.10 The Noise at Work Regulations 34

5.11 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations

(PUWER) 1998 35



5.1 Introduction

There are many hazards on site and this section

aims to cover the main ones you will face every

working day.

Do you know your signs?

Red signs

These are prohibition signs

and include prohibitions on

smoking (as illustrated).

Other common prohibition

signs are those showing

that there is no access for

pedestrians or no access

for vehicles. Red signs are

also used for fire fighting

equipment.

Blue signs

These are referred to as

mandatory signs and they

indicate that a specific

action is required, for

example, wear a hard

hat (as illustrated). Other

common mandatory signs

are hearing protection must

be worn and face protection

must be worn.

Yellow or amber signs

These are warning signs

and are used to warn

against such things as

electricity (as illustrated),

radioactive material and

biological risks.

Green signs

These signs are for

emergency escape routes

(as illustrated) and first aid

provisions, for example, first

aid posts and emergency

showers.

The most important factor before starting any job

is to:

SEE THE METHOD STATEMENT!

If it is not available then do not start work.

When you do get to see it look at the risk

assessments it contains but also do your own!

Remember

Every time you cross a road you do a risk

assessment. You do risk assessments many

times a day without thinking but do not write

them down. If you do it mentally you may not

always have to write it down. The important

thing is that you have identified the risks.

Let us now look at some of the main hazards.

5.2 Electricity and Portable Tools

This is a significant hazard on site and you should

avoid all risks when working with electricity or when an

electrical supply is close to your work area.

The main dangers are electric shock,

burns and fire.

Electric shock is likely only when you use damaged

electrical equipment or use the equipment with faulty

cables and/or connections.

Any noticeable problems should be reported and

the faulty equipment put aside with the supply

disconnected until repaired.

The following will help keep you safe:

only use 110v or battery operated equipment,

e.g. 12v

if you have to use 230v equipment, ensure it is

fitted with RCD protection and test before use

keep cables clear of walkways, heat sources

and sharp objects

always switch off and disconnect electrical

equipment when making adjustments, cleaning, etc.

do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands

all portable equipment should be tested regularly

Section 5 | General Hazards on Site


do not overload power points and sockets

know where the isolation points and emergency

stops are located

check equipment is safe before you use it

never distract anyone using equipment

wear proper clothing as appropriate

do not tamper with guards

disconnect when not in use

only use equipment for what it is intended

check the fuse rating protecting the equipment

battery operated tools reduce voltage

system issues

General Hazards on Site | Section 5

What sorts of surfaces could become live in your workplace?

Remember that a live surface is not restricted to just metal, e.g. a wet surface may

become live.

Equipment or object

Live surface

Activity


5.3 Site Traffic

Site plant can be very dangerous and should only

be operated by those who are qualified.

Accidents involving plant are usually serious!

If you are working on site or working with or

operating plant make sure you are familiar with

the site traffic plan.

Plant access and driveways should be clearly

marked and free of obstruction.

Separate people from vehicles

Unfortunately, too many accidents involving vehicles

happen in our industry. The vehicles involved include

cranes, forklift trucks and lorries and/or the loads they

are carrying.

It is important to keep people and vehicles

separated where possible (the general term for this

is segregation) as well as considering the correct

driving techniques, etc.

Pedestrian and vehicle areas

These should be clearly marked on the ground, and

segregation will normally be achieved with the use

of barriers.

It is very important that drivers and pedestrians

recognise and use these areas properly – even if this

means going a ‘longer way round’.

Don’t take short cuts and walk across vehicle areas

or drive in pedestrian only areas. Observe and use

the walkways – you wouldn’t drive your car down the

pavement and nor should you drive industrial vehicles

over ground reserved for people.

It is also important to make sure that if the markings

become covered by dirt or anything else, they are kept

clear.

Key workplace precautions:

do not walk or stand in roadway

do not remove barriers without permission

use pedestrian routes when available

treat on-site roads as public highway

always wear your hi-visibility clothing

Loading/unloading in public areas

Make sure you use the Safe System of Work when

loading or unloading vehicles and members of the

public are not in your working area. If they are, then

stop what you are doing until it is safe.

If you are a driver and are having your truck loaded

or unloaded by someone else, remember your safe

system of work – stay in the cab or keep a safe

distance from the activity.

Accidents from delivery vehicles

A banksman should always guide the driver. When

unloading, do not climb on the back of the lorry or its

load. Ladders should always be used for access when

placing slings under the loads. There is a serious risk

of injury if you fall from a lorry!

Fork lift trucks

You must only drive/operate a forklift truck if you

are qualified and authorised to do so. Far too many

accidents happen with forklift trucks, many of them

resulting in very serious accidents with people

getting killed.

A common mistake made by forklift truck drivers is

driving forward with a load that is too big and blocks

their view. You should be driving backwards in

these circumstances.

Another major cause of accidents involving forklift

trucks is unsecured loads. Example – something

laid loose on top of a clamped load that becomes

dislodged under braking or hitting a pothole. It could

fall and hit someone else. You should not be driving

a forklift with unstable or unsafe loads.

Refuelling vehicles

Refuelling vehicles or equipment is a hazardous task

and you need to be sure you have been trained to

do this. You should always follow the Safe System

of Work. There are different kinds of fuels, such as

petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The

topping up and recharging of batteries should also be

considered as refuelling.



They all have fire or explosion risks

Key workplace precautions:

ensure good ventilation

no sources of heat, flame or spark

ensure that vehicles/appliances are ‘earthed’ as

necessary (to prevent sparks from static electricity)

use personal protective equipment (PPE) where

necessary (e.g. suitable gloves when

handling diesel)

ensure that other people are kept well out of the

way and at a safe distance

5.4 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

These regulations are designed to protect persons

from hazardous substances at work.

They include any dangerous materials you use on-

site such as corrosive chemicals, but also potentially

hazardous substances such as dust and biological

agents e.g. rats urine leading to leptospirosis (Weil’s

Disease). You must follow the risk assessment control

steps we have already covered.

General risk assessment

and control stepsWhat this means for COSHH

1. Identify the presence of

a potential hazard.

Identify substances used on the site and how they are used.

2. Assess the risk to Health

and Safety.

Evaluate any risks to health, who could be affected and in

what circumstances.

3. Eliminate the hazard,

if practicable.

Consider:

changing to non-hazardous substance

enclosing the process

damping down dusty work

4. If not practicable, reduce the

risk by separating people

from it.

Control exposure to as low a level as possible and at least

below any limits laid down. Monitor and make sure that control

measures and protective equipment are effective.

Consider:

providing extraction for fumes and dust

using the minimum possible quantity of the substance

limiting the exposure time

5. If this is not possible,

reduce the risk by protecting

the person.

If there is no other means of control, provide suitable secondary

protection masks, gloves, overalls etc as well as washing,

eating, clothing and accommodation which avoids the risk of

contamination.

6. Provide employees with

information about health

risks and training in the

use of control measures

and equipment.

Provide:

COSHH data sheets for substances used in the workplace

provide training in use of substances

provide training in use of control measures and PPE



You have legal duties under COSHH

You must:

use control measures properly

take part in any training arranged

use and look after PPE

report any defects in control measures

What sorts of substances do you work with that will come under COSHH?

Substance

Risk and control

Activity



5.5 Overhead Dangers

Whenever overhead services are close to your

work area or you need to gain access then you

must take appropriate action and protect against

them.

The most likely are overhead lines and cables.

For instance, if scaffolders, roofers, cranes or other

plant are working near overhead power lines then

find out if the electricity supply has been turned off

or that other precautions such as goal posts or taped

markers are in place to prevent any contact with them.

Consider using a banksman.

Don’t leave it to others to check, make sure you do.

5.6 Manual Handling

When on-site make sure that hoists, telehandlers,

wheelbarrows and other plant or equipment are

available so that manual handling and lifting are

kept to a minimum.

Always check to see if handling heavy items can be

done in other ways! If not then you must handle or

lift correctly and to do this you must be trained in the

correct lifting and handling techniques.

Manual Handling Operations

Regulations

More than a third of accidents reported each

year are associated with manual handling.

Manual handling operations – means any moving

or supporting of a load (including the lifting, placing,

pushing, pulling, or carrying) by hand or by bodily

force.

You must follow the risk assessments and take steps

to reduce the risk of personal injury.

Let us see how these apply to the Manual

Handling Regulations.

General risk assessment What this means for Manual Handling Operations Regulations

1. Identify the presence of

a potential hazard.

Identify the manual handling operations that take place.

2. Assess the risk to Health

and Safety.

Identify the manual handling operations that involve risk of injury.

Keep assessment under review.

3. Eliminate the hazard,

if reasonably practicable.

As far as is reasonably practicable, avoid the need for manual

handling which involves the risk of injury.

Consider:

alternative methods that avoid handling

alternative transport methods, e.g. pallet truck

powered handling equipment

4. If not reasonably practicable,

reduce the risk by separating

people from it.

Not relevant, but appropriate steps must be taken to reduce the

level of risk to the lowest that is reasonably practicable.

5. If this is not practicable,

reduce the risk by protecting

the person.

Not relevant, but appropriate steps must be taken to reduce the

level of risk to the lowest that is reasonably practicable.

6. Provide employees with

information about health

risks and training in the

use of control measures

and equipment.

Provide information to assist safe lifting, e.g. the weight of a load

and the location of the centre of gravity.



You have duties under the Manual Handling

Regulations.

You must

Make full and proper use of any Safe System

of Work provided under these regulations.

Hoists

(Gin Wheels/Beam Hoists/Lifts)

When working with hoists or other manually operated

lifting gear make sure that the hoist itself is protected

by a suitable enclosure to prevent any contact with the

hoist or any moving parts. Also make sure there is no

chance of falling down the hoist-way.

Gates need to be in place at all landings and

closed except when at the landing.

The hoist must only be operated from one position

The Safe Working Load should be clearly marked

and never exceeded under any circumstances

Under no circumstances should you ride in a hoist

unless it is specifically designed to carry people;

commonly known as ‘man riding’

Using correct lifting and handling techniques will go a long way to reducing the risk of injury.

Ask your manager about attending a manual handling course.

Identify one manual handling operation in your work area that could be improved to reduce the

risk of injury. Describe how you would modify it.

Either describe or demonstrate to your team the correct manual handling tasks they are required

to do as part of their job, e.g. how to lift objects correctly.

Activity



5.7 LOLER Lifting Plan – Appointed Persons

Control of lifting operations

An appointed person who is competent to plan,

organise and manage the lift, will plan all lifting

operations.

If you are asked to take this role, ‘walk away’ unless

you have the necessary training and experience, as

you will need to be able to:

assess the proposed lift to provide for selection of

equipment, position of the crane and draw up a

plan for instruction and supervision to enable the

work to be carried out safely

ensure that all tests, inspections, examinations and

maintenance have been carried out, and that there

is a procedure for reporting defects and completing

necessary works

have the confidence to stop lifting operations if you

think there is a danger and to carry out additional

assessment to ensure that the lifting operation can

be completed safely

The appointed person does not need to be on site

during the lift but the lift supervisor must strictly follow

the lifting plan.

5.8 Lift Supervisor, Banksman, Slinger

These are all specialist roles you will come across

on site where lifting operations take place.

Each one will be qualified to carry out these

duties. Those who are not qualified should

not be involved. If you are not trained as a

lift supervisor, banksman or slinger do not

undertake these roles.

Cranes and other lifting devices

When these are in use on site and operating, the

following qualified personnel will be required.

Driver – responsible for operating the crane

Lift supervisor – responsible for the lifting

operations

Banksman – responsible for communicating with

the driver to ensure safe movement of the load

Slinger – responsible for securing the load to the

crane correctly and safely

Cranes and lifting devices are becoming more and

more common on our sites. Be observant and always

check to see if hazards exist and ‘competent’ people

are in place.

When wind speeds reach 9m/s (40mph) this will affect

both the crane and/or the erecting process and will

stop work. Monitoring of wind speed and conditions

will be an ongoing site requirement.

Before using a crane you should first check

the following:

is there a crane lifting plan in place?

is the crane as specified within the crane

lifting plan?

has the crane standing been correctly prepared and

is it in accordance with the crane plan?

does the crane have a current test certificate?

are the banksman/slinger trained and can they give

proper signals and attach loads correctly?

have the crane driver and banksman found out

the weight and centre of gravity of the load before

it is lifted?

do safe weather conditions prevail?

should monitoring of wind speeds and conditions

be an ongoing site requirement?

do wind speeds reaching 9m/s (40mph) affect

both the crane and erecting process, and will it

stop work?

5.9 Vibration and Vibrating Tools

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is caused

by vibration transmitted from work equipment into

workers’ hands and arms. It might typically be caused

by operating handheld power tools such as portable

disc cutters and nail guns.

Regular and frequent exposure to high levels of

vibration can lead to permanent injury. This is most

likely when contact with a vibrating tool or process is

a regular part of a person’s job.



Occasional exposure is unlikely to cause immediate

ill health, although any exposure should be avoided

by people with medical conditions such as Raynaud’s

Disease.

Exposure to long-term vibration can lead to chronic

ill health effects, including HAVS and other vibration

induced ailments.

A vibration management system should be in place,

that will identify potential vibration from tools and

equipment, and will allow individuals to have their

daily dose of vibration monitored, to ensure that

over-exposure does not occur.

Those employees who are subjected to significant

levels of vibration will need to be subject to ‘health

surveillance’.

Key issues

Know what vibration levels are emitted from

your tools and equipment

Know what level of exposure your employees

are at risk from

Reduce exposure to tolerable levels i.e.

maximum daily exposure for an 8 hour day

should not normally exceed 2.5m/s²

Consider reducing exposure by selection of

better equipment and job rotation

Users of vibrating tools should keep hands

warm

Don’t waste your money on ‘anti-vibration’

gloves

Give employees information on vibration

Provide health surveillance if significant

vibration levels are present

5.10 The Noise at Work Regulations

Noise at work can damage your hearing, leading to

short- or even long-term hearing loss. The Noise

at Work Regulations impose duties on employers,

employees and manufacturers. The noise created by

drilling, cutting, pneumatic and percussion tools etc.

may be excessive and can cause a health hazard,

which will require assessment and control.

The Noise at Work Regulations, effective from

April 2006, define the following action levels to

enable effective control.

The new action levels are:

Lower exposure action values:

daily or weekly exposure of 80 dB

peak sound pressure of 135 dB

Upper exposure action values:



Exposure limit values:



These exposure values take account of any reduction

in exposure provided by hearing protection.

The new regulations require an employer to:

carry out a noise risk assessment

(must be a competent assessor)

take action to reduce noise exposure

provide appropriate hearing protection if unable

to reduce noise exposure by other methods

make sure legal noise exposure limits are

not exceeded

provide employees with information, instruction

and training

provide health surveillance where employees

are at risk

Key issues

Try to reduce noise at source by using

quieter equipment

Provide hearing protection and enforce its use

Provide information, instruction and training

Provide health surveillance

Employees are required by law to follow the

employer’s health and safety arrangements



5.11 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires users of work

equipment to carry out risk assessment and provide

work equipment that is suitable for its intended task

and can be used without putting persons at risk.

The regulations cover any machinery, appliance,

apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether

exclusively or not) – effectively it is anything used

at work.

The 1998 regulations (updating the original 1992

regulations) introduce requirements to ensure

that, for reasons of Health and Safety, inspections

are carried out:

after installation and before being put into service

for the first time; or after assembly at a new site or

in a new location to ensure that it has been installed

correctly and is safe to operate

after work equipment has been exposed to any

conditions causing deterioration, which is liable

to cause a dangerous situation

at suitable intervals

each time that exceptional circumstances have

occurred that are liable to jeopardise the safety

of work equipment

The results of these inspections have to be

documented and kept until the next subsequent

inspection is recorded. So, in other words, you should

have a current inspection report at all times.

The regulations now make it an offence to allow work

equipment to leave employers’ undertaking, or if

obtained from another undertaking, be used, unless it

is accompanied by physical evidence that inspection

has been carried out.




Section 6 Working at Height

6.1 Introduction 38

6.2 Scaffold and Towers 39

6.3 Ladders and Trestles 40

6.4 Leading Edges and Openings 40

6.5 Roof Works 40

6.6 Fall Arrest Systems 41



6.1 Introduction

Falls from height

Work at height is taken to include all work activities

where there is a need to control a risk of falling a

distance that is liable to cause personal injury. This

will apply to many aspects of timber frame erection.

First, you should always try to avoid the need to work

at height (but this is often not possible).

Second, you should try to prevent falls of people and

objects by selecting the right equipment and method

of work, e.g. provision of guard-rails, etc.

Third, you may have to ‘mitigate’ the consequences of

a fall, e.g. by the use of a soft landing system, etc.

It is very important you check the method

statements before starting any work at height.

Working at heights is a ‘high risk’ activity and

you will need to be especially careful.

When you are working above ground ensure

that you have appropriate risk control

measures in place as indicated by the risk

assessment and method statement.

Typical Risk Control Measures (RCMs):

soft landing systems

fall arrest systems

fall restraint systems

safety mats and crash decks

fall arrest systems may also be used when laying

floor decks eliminating the need for beanbags or

other soft landing systems

when erecting roof trusses – safety mats and fall

restraint systems will be used

scaffold hop-ups should be set so that the panels

provide a minimum of 950 mm high guard rail and

a minimum gap between the wall and the hop up

edge; this gap should always be less than 300 mm

Section 6 | Working at Height


Note

Collective fall protection measures, i.e.

those that protect everyone at risk, should

be adopted in preference to those that only

protect the individual (e.g. a safety harness).

6.2 Scaffold and Towers

You will all at some point have to work on either

scaffolding or towers, (or both) and you must be

satisfied in your own mind that they are safe and have

been erected, altered or dismantled by competent

persons.

It is your life and that of your team, so

make sure you are happy with the structure

beneath you.

You should know that in the vast majority of cases

when a scaffold has been erected it will be signed off

by the scaffold company and a scaffold tag issued and

given to the principal contractor.

This ‘scaff-tag’ should be displayed on the scaffold in

a prominent position.

No scaff-tag – do not work on it!

It may be you work on three-sided scaffold when

erecting a small panel and close off infill once kit

is erected. This may not have a scaff-tag so make

doubly sure the scaffolding is safe to work on.

Other important points to look for on

scaffolding are:

safe access to the platform you are working on

all uprights should have base-plates to stop

them slipping or sinking

the scaffolding must be secured to the building

in enough places to stop it collapsing

at no point should the scaffolding be more than

300 mm away from the building and make sure

you can never fall down the gap

if working at a height where injury could be

sustained there should be guard rails (950 mm

above work area) and toe boards (150 mm

high) at every edge from which you could fall

also, intermediate guard rails or brick guards

may be needed to ensure no gaps are greater

than 470 mm between the toe board and upper

guard rail

the work platform should be fully boarded and

the boards secured so that no tipping or tripping

is possible

never go on or attempt to work on unfinished

scaffolding that is not fully boarded

make sure any loads or materials on the

scaffolding are distributed evenly

the scaffolding will be inspected by a competent

person at least once a week and the results

recorded, so make sure your scaffolding is

displaying a scaff-tag

weather conditions play a big part in safe

scaffolding so be careful in adverse conditions

such as a hard frost and wind

whenever you return to the scaffolding always

check to see if any alterations have been

made and you are happy to access it. You

should report any doubts or concerns to your

supervisor or manager immediately

When working with towers then all of the above

points may also apply. However, weight distribution

and any chance of the tower toppling over are key

areas to watch for.

Do not exceed the safe height limit and ensure

that any stabilisers are properly fitted and secure.

Working at Height | Section 6


6.3 Ladders and Trestles

You will have either known someone or heard of

someone falling off a ladder with serious results.

You don’t need to be at the top either to suffer

serious injury.

It is essential that you observe the following when

using ladders:

only use approved, ‘industrial duty’ grade ladders

only use for short duration work if no other method

is ‘reasonably practicable’

ensure the ladder is tied off or footed

try to pitch the ladder with a 1:4 ratio

always be able to maintain three points of contact

is a ladder the right means of access for the job

you want to do or would stairs be a safer option?

is the ladder in good condition?

make sure the ladder is secure and cannot slip

sideways or outwards

make sure you have at least one metre of the

ladder above the working height, or if not, that

other handholds are available

select the best position for the ladder so that you

don’t have to stretch or climb over obstacles

the angle of lean should be correct and most

ladders will have a red vertical arrow that needs

to be perpendicular no matter what the height or

ladder extension being used

extension ladders should only be used for access

step ladders should only be used when no other

method of access is available

6.4 Leading Edges and Openings

Working at a leading edge

Whenever you are working at height and near a

leading edge or opening then extra care is required.

You must always refer to the method statement and

risk assessment.

You must eliminate as much of the risk as possible

with guard-rails or use a suitable soft landing system

or other means of controlling the risk. You may need

to wear suitable harnesses that are securely fastened

but in all conditions always make sure you have

sufficient lighting available.

With regard to the safe erection of panels then you

will need to ‘employ temporary bracing’ in accordance

with the Timber Research and Development

Assocation (TRADA) recommendations to prevent

accidents from falling panels.

6.5 Roof Works

Working at roof height

When erecting roof trusses soft landing systems,

safety mats and fall restraint systems may be used.

Individual circumstances may require a combination

of these.

When working on the roof of buildings, other

safety measures are required as follows:

ensure there are enough barriers, edge protection

and nets to stop you and others from falling

make sure all materials are also prevented

from falling

are the roof battens safe for use as hand

and foot holds? If not, use crawling ladders

or boards

when working at leading edges where the risk of

falling is at its greatest, take extra precautions

if working on or from fragile surfaces/materials,

such as glass or cement sheets you must ensure

that adequate edge protection and/or platforms

have been put in place and that warning signs are

displayed to alert people to the danger

if you are working with fragile material then use

crawling boards or other suitable means of support

you must also take steps to ensure that no

equipment or other objects fall and injure those

working below roof level



6.6 Fall Arrest Systems

Preventing the risk of falls

When working at heights where barriers, guards or

other protective devices are not feasible you must

wear suitable fall arrest equipment which will always

be based on a risk assessment.

Make sure you know how to use the equipment

and that you have received the correct training and

instruction in its use. It is also essential that the

arrest equipment is in good condition with no signs

of damage.

Always thoroughly inspect it before use.

You must not use fall arrest equipment where there

is any risk of the securing line becoming cut or where

there is any risk of a ‘pendulum effect’ developing

should you fall.

Always find suitable and secure ‘approved’ anchor

points that will take the load without any chance of

slipping or coming free.

Also make sure that no one is working close to where

you have fixed the anchor.

If it is not possible to wear fall arrest equipment then

safety nets or other suitable protective devices must

be used.

You don’t get paid any extra for not having fall

protection!

Working at Height | Section 6



Section 7 Fire Prevention

7.1 Introduction 44

7.2 The Fire Plan 44

7.3 Dealing with Fires 46

7.4 Evacuating your Workplace in an Emergency 46

7.5 Three Things Needed to Start a Fire 48

7.6 Fire-Fighting Equipment 48



7.1 Introduction

An emergency, such as an accident, sudden

illness or fire, can occur at any time. Prompt and

effective action is essential to help the injured and

limit further injury or damage.

Calling the emergency services

Emergency services normally refers to the Police,

Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade.

There will be established procedures for calling the

emergency services on your site. Make sure you

know them.

There may be different procedures for calling an

ambulance or summoning the fire service. For

example, on some sites only authorised personnel

(e.g. first aiders) are allowed to call an ambulance.

In case of fire everyone must be able to raise the

alarm. This may involve operating a fire alarm and can

also involve telephoning a special number to report

the details of the fire.

Whatever the procedures are on your site you should

know them and be able to follow them promptly.

Make sure that you know the location of every fire

alarm in your workplace and what they sound like and

know how each is operated.

7.2 The Fire Plan

Make sure you see the site fire plan from the

principal contractor and know what it contains

and what you should do in the event of a fire.

You should be instructed on the following during site

induction. If not, you should make sure you find out

when first arriving at a site.

How to raise the alarm and what action to take

Know what the alarm sounds like

Be told where the fire extinguishers are situated

Be told where the assembly points are

The STA Site Safe

Site Safe is an initiative to minimise the risk of fire on

timber frame construction sites.

What is Site Safe?

Site Safe goes above and beyond current legislative

procedures and relies on collaborative working of the

entire construction supply chain to reduce the risk of

fire on timber frame construction sites. The initiative

is a mandatory requirement of membership so you

should be aware of the scheme and ensure that

the project you are working on has been registered

within the scheme which also requires the supplier to

register the project with the local fire service.

How does Site Safe work?

Site Safe ensures STA manufacturing member

companies, that are working on large projects (four

storeys or more and/or with an aggregate floor area

of more than 2,500 m2) give clear concise information

and assistance to the principal contractor regarding

fire safety on construction sites.

Site Safe is implemented through a three stage

process which starts from pre-construction planning

through to erection of the timber frame on site and

then finally the hand-over of the structure.

Site Safe ensures all contractors involved in timber

frame sites are fully briefed on identifying fire risks

during the construction phase. While the responsibility

for addressing the fire risk lies with the principal

contractor, Site Safe provides a framework through

which any risk can be consistently communicated so

that appropriate action can be taken.

Site Safe has been approved by the relevant

fire authorities.

Site Safe is approved by the Chief Fire Officers

Association.

A timber frame construction site that has adopted

and applied Site Safe is really doing as much as it

can to minimise the risk of fire on site. The STA has

developed a set of working practices that embrace

requirements of HSG168. So if the guidance

provided there is followed, and if all the usual health

and safety rules are being followed, there is no

greater risk of fire for timber frame than for any other

method of construction.

Section 7 | Fire Prevention


Fire Prevention | Section 7

Make a list of the location of every fire alarm in your workplace (alternatively obtain a plan of your

workplace from your supervisor and mark the location of every fire alarm on it).

Write down exactly how to raise the alarm.

Write down the procedure to be followed on your site on discovering a fire and who should

call the Fire Brigade.

Activity


7.3 Dealing with Fires

Dealing with a fire once it has started can be

dangerous and dealing with the aftermath of fire

can also be costly. It is better to follow good

safety practice to prevent fires from starting in

the first place.

Too many fires are caused by carelessness or poor

safety practices.

Common causes include:

sparks from welding or grinding equipment, etc. can

fly a long way

smoking in unauthorised areas

temporary or faulty electrical cables

friction in moving machinery caused by poor

lubrication or parts rubbing together can also

generate enough heat to start a fire, particularly

if dust and/or oil are present

arson (or ‘wilful fire raising’ in Scotland) is a

potentially major cause of fires, particularly during

school holidays

This is not an exhaustive list; you will be able to think

of many more.

The following suggestions will help prevent fires:

keep the minimum amounts of flammable

material on site

properly controlled storage areas should be used

for flammable liquids and gases, e.g. LPG

and acetylene

you should return all containers to these stores at

the end of the day

if you pour flammable liquid into another container

make sure it is suitable and safe, e.g. most plastic

containers are not suitable for petrol

smoking should be banned in and around

storage areas

close gas cylinder valves when they are not in use

and keep all LPG cylinders upright

use the bins or skips for all waste material; these

should be removed frequently

have a suitable fire extinguisher to hand when

carrying out ‘hot work’

Note

‘Hot work’ will normally be controlled by a

Permit to Work.

7.4 Evacuating your Workplace in an Emergency

You should know the emergency evacuation/fire

alarm system in use and the safest route to your

assembly area.

When the alarm sounds move in an orderly fashion

to your assembly area, or up-wind of the smoke if a

fire; you should warn others to do the same as you

proceed.

You should make sure you always have a means of

escape from your work-area, preferably in more than

just one direction. Never put yourself in a position

where you can be trapped by fire.



Write down the evacuation procedure for your workplace.

Write down the location of your assembly area.

List the locations of all fire exits in your workplace.

(Alternatively enter them on the plan you used for fire alarms and extinguishers)

Site evacuation should be practised at frequent intervals.

Tick the box if you have been involved. Site Evacuation Completed

Activity



7.5 Three Things Needed to Start a Fire

Fuel

Something that can burn. This may be a solid

such as paper, wood or plastic, or a flammable

liquid such as oil, or a gas.

Heat

To raise the temperature of the fuel. A quite

small source of heat such as a spark or

cigarette end can provide enough heat

particularly if the fuel is easily ignited,

e.g. petrol, a gas or a finely divided solid such

as loosely packed fibrous materials or dust.

Oxygen

To keep the fire burning. Oxygen in the air is

sufficient to do this.

Good fire prevention ensures that heat and fuel are

kept apart.

Flammable and inflammable both mean the same

thing.

7.6 Fire-Fighting Equipment

Manually operated

hose reels (water)

fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers work either by cooling

the fire to remove heat or by smothering the

flames to deprive them of oxygen.

Extinguishing

mediumColour of panel

Water Red

Foam Cream

Powder

(all types)

Blue

Carbon dioxide Black

Five types of extinguishing equipment are in

common use and they can be identified by

their colour-coded label.



Extinguisher contents Colour Use on

Water

Do not use on electrical fires or fires

involving flammable liquids

RedSolid fuel fires such as wood, paper

or textiles etc.

Carbon dioxide

Do not use on solid fuel firesRed with black Small liquid fires, electrical fires

Foam

Do not use on electrical firesRed with cream Flammable liquid fires, e.g. petrol

Powder Red with blue Safe on all types of fire

Fire blanket Red containerSmall fires, e.g. chip pan fires and

when someone’s clothes are on fire

Note

Care is required when holding the extinguisher

because of the extremely low temperature of

the expellant.

Walk round your workplace and note the location of all the fire extinguishers. Make a list of

their location, their type and colour, and how many extinguishers of each type there are at

each location. Also note the location for used extinguishers. Alternatively you may enter this

information on the plan you used for noting the location of fire alarms.

Activity

Location Extinguishers

Type Colour How many



When not to tackle a fire

Certain circumstances may occur when you

should not tackle a fire. These are:

when you may be trapped by the fire

when you may be exposed to smoke or

toxic fumes

when there is a risk of explosion,

e.g. from gas bottles

if you are not trained to use the appropriate

extinguishers

never use water or foam on electrical fires if

the power is turned on, and never use water on

flammable liquid fires

never use carbon dioxide in a confined space

Do not put yourself at risk when fighting a fire.


Section 8 Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE)

8.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 52



8.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In most cases you will need to wear personal

protective equipment (PPE) to protect you against

a hazard that cannot be eliminated by other

means.

It may be provided or you may have to buy it yourself,

depending on the circumstances. You will not be

allowed on site unless you have the appropriate PPE.

Three essential items are:

hard hats – to protect against bumps

or falling objects

safety footwear – to protect against moisture,

chemicals, and heavy articles

high-visibility clothing – e.g. vest

Others are:

gloves – to protect against cuts, abrasions

or chemicals

overalls/jackets/trousers – to protect against dust,

dirt, moisture, weather or chemicals

ear defenders – to protect against noise

goggles – to protect against flying particles

and chemical sprays

welding helmet – to protect against particles

and welding flash

specialist PPE – e.g. harnesses etc.

face mask – to protect against dust and fumes

PPE aims to protect you against a particular hazard.

For example, gloves issued to protect against cuts

and abrasions may not be suitable for protection

against chemicals.

It is important that you wear the correct PPE for the

job. Incorrect PPE will not protect you, e.g. always

wear a hard hat the correct way round as it doesn’t

work when worn backwards.

Eye protection should always be worn when using

nail guns.

Manufacturers’ safety leaflets all state that eye

protection should be worn at all times when using

nail guns.

Under certain circumstances the use of safety

helmets with integral retractable visors, which do not

restrict peripheral vision, will be acceptable.

When wearing more than one type of PPE, make sure

that they are compatible, e.g. hearing defenders and

goggles allow the other to work effectively etc.

Check that PPE is undamaged before use. Also check

if damaged during use – for instance, always replace

a hard hat when subject to impact. If you are not sure,

have your PPE checked by an approved person.

Always store PPE correctly and in the correct

location so that it is always ready for use when

required. Do not put it away dirty, and know how

to clean it properly.

Section 8 | Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


It’s better to be safe than sorry. There is nothing

macho in not wearing PPE … you know it

makes sense!

Failure to wear PPE is like driving a car without

fastening your seat belt – it is dangerous and is

breaking the law.

If a risk assessment has identified that you

must wear PPE to protect you from a hazard

you are obliged to do so.

This is a legal requirement placed on you.

You might want to check to find out what accidents on

timber frame sites could have been prevented, or how

the effects could have been lessened had the correct

PPE been used at the time.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Section 8


Section 8 | Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Section 9 Final Review

9.1 Final Review 56

9.2 Learner Feedback Form 58



9.1 Final Review

On behalf of the STA and CITB we hope you

have enjoyed this workbook on Health and

Safety Skills.

This is now the benchmark for everyone at silver level

in the industry.

As a reminder we have included below a simple

checklist for you in this final review. When arriving

on site you should now know what key points to

consider before you start work.

Here are a few we hope you will remember:

the principal contractor will have overall

responsibility for Health and Safety on site

you must comply with all Health and Safety

rules and procedures, etc.

remember to report all accidents and

near misses

you should receive (or ask for) a site induction and

information around the stage at which the site/

work has reached. Also certain locations should be

pointed out, such as restricted areas and welfare

facilities, etc.

emergency procedures should be explained to you,

e.g. fire and accidents

do you know where your emergency assembly

points are? If not, find out

the method statements for your job or tasks should

be explained and you should read them and go

through the risk assessments, including the ones

on COSHH, manual handling and noise

have you the right PPE for the job? If not, get it

are you trained/competent to use a particular piece

of equipment? If not, don’t use it

You have a vital role to play in keeping the site

safe for yourself and your colleagues. Do your

bit by being aware of the workplace hazards and

the risks that may come from them. You will not

always be able to eliminate the risk, but you can

certainly help control it.

Remember that any work at height is particularly

dangerous and will require great care.

All accidents can be prevented with careful

planning and a little forethought.

Work safe and go home safe.

Most importantly, once you have been assessed on

these Health and Safety Skills in combination with

the silver level Knowledge Skills and Practical Skills

training, you will have reached a level of competence

the industry wishes all timber frame erectors to

achieve over the next few years.

Congratulations!

In addition, from a combination of this training and the

knowledge and experience you have already acquired,

you are well on your way to reaching gold level, which

is the highest level of qualification available to timber

frame erectors in the UK.

We also hope that you will feel sufficiently pleased

with your training experience to encourage other

colleagues to use this training and to continue their

own personal development to become as similarly

qualified as yourself.

For most of us, our home is our largest expense and

we expect it to be built to the highest standards by

well-trained and suitably qualified people. By using

these workbooks, we, as an industry, can now provide

you with the opportunity to achieve this goal. Also, by

having a qualified workforce we can compete with the

rest in quality and workmanship.

Thank you for taking part in this training experience

and we hope you will enjoy a successful and satisfying

career in our timber frame industry.

Timber frame erector

training workbooks

These workbooks have been prepared by the

Structural Timber Association, in conjunction with

CITB, on behalf of the industry.

STA and CITB operates a continuous improvement

policy and would therefore be very grateful to receive

any review comments for further editions – you will

find a learner feedback form on the next page.

Thank you.

Section 9 | Final Review


Structural Timber Association

Head Office

The e-Centre

Cooperage Way Business Village

Alloa

Clacks

FK10 3LP

Tel: 01259 272140

Fax: 01259 272141

Website: www.structuraltimber.co.uk

Or


CITB

Unit 1 and 2

674 Melton Road

Thurmaston

Leicester

LE4 8BB

Tel: 0300 456 5561

Fax: 0300 456 5562


The production of these workbooks has been

supported financially by CITB and, without their

help, would not have been possible. The industry

acknowledges this fact and is extremely grateful

to them.

Whilst the STA/CITB have had these workbooks

prepared to provide guidance on timber frame

construction, the STA/CITB accepts no liability

and offers no warranties in relation to them and

their contents to the fullest extent applicable law

can exclude such liability. Users therefore are

required to satisfy themselves as to the suitability

of the contents of this guidance for their specific

intended purpose.

Structural Timber Association/CITB 2013.

Final Review | Section 9


9.2 Learner Feedback Form

The STA and CITB would appreciate it if you could

take the time to complete the following questions as

this will enable them to ensure that future training and

training materials are of good quality and relevant

to the participant. Please tell us what was good as

well as bad about your training and any ideas on how

you would like to see it develop or improve. We have

included comment boxes for this purpose.

Name:

*not mandatory

Company:

*not mandatory

Level of award: Silver Health and Safety Skills

Please indicate your score of each section by ticking the appropriate box – 1 being the lowest through to 5

being the highest.

Lowest Highest

Sections: 1 2 3 4 5

Health and Safety at Work

Comments:

Accidents

Comments:



General Hazards on Site

Comments:

Working at Height

Comments:

Fire Prevention

Comments:

Personal Protection

Comments:



Please tell us what was most helpful during this training – again there are tick boxes rating from 1 to 5.

Lowest Highest

1 2 3 4 5

Assessor

Comments:

Workbooks

Comments:

On-site tuition/advice

Comments:

Support of organisation

Comments:



Overall how did you feel the process helped you in

gaining knowledge and skills at the required level?

Comments:

Many thanks for taking the time to fill in this learner feedback form.

Please return the completed form to your assessor for forwarding to the CITB or alternatively if you

wish send it direct to:


CITB

Unit 1 and 2

674 Melton Road

Thurmaston

Leicester

LE4 8BB

Tel: 0300 456 5561

Fax: 0300 456 5562



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