HSE is cracking down on the construction site!
Dorplan doorsets help tick the box for wood working dust, thanks to our full factory ironmongery CNC servicing and assembly package. Our factory is a professionally controlled environment with all relevant dust extraction systems in place. This gives you another piece of mind in the installation process.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced they’ll be conducting a UK-wide ‘blitz’ within the construction industry. The blitz is planned to take place during the first two weeks of October 2018, and it’s expected to focus on the health and welfare of workers on construction sites.
Take a look at Dorplan’s manufacturing process to see how we manufacturer our doors safely.
To help ensure that your business is prepared if an inspector comes knocking, below is a list of what they’ll likely be looking for, and what measures to have in place to satisfy them.
Health
| Common issues | What you need to be doing |
|---|---|
| Wood dust | When employees are cutting wood, make sure they’re using an adequate dust extraction tool with a HEPA filter – using the bag that came with the saw does not suffice. |
| Silica dust | Wet cutting techniques and PPE must be used when cutting concrete, roof tiles, or any other materials containing silica. |
| General dust | If your COSHH assessments instruct it, make sure face fit tested masks are being used. Don’t forget that as little as 1mm of stubble will seriously reduce the effectiveness of the mask. |
| Dermatitis |
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| Musculoskeletal disorders | Where necessary, make use of mechanical lifting methods – manual handling is the most common cause of over seven-day injury reported within construction. |
| Solvents | This is frequently found in paints, thinners and glues. Make sure you have an up-to-date COSHH assessment in place and control measures (like adequate ventilations and face fit tested masks) that are being adhered to. |
Welfare
| Common issues | What you need to be doing |
|---|---|
| Washing | All facilities must be suitable and sufficient, clean, and have basins large enough for workers to wash their face, arms and forearms in. You must have clean, hot and cold (or warm) water, soap (or an equivalent means for people to clean with), towels (or, again, an equivalent of), and showers (if the work’s particularly dirty or presents the need to decontaminate). |
| Drinking water | Unless you have a water jet, you must provide drinking water and cups. |
| Changing rooms | If workers are required to wear special clothing, you must provide them with an area to change, along with seating and safe drying facilities. |
| Rest rooms | You must have enough tables and seats (with backs) to accommodate the number of workers likely to use them at any one time. Workers should be provided with a means to prepare and eat their food. Boiling water should be available and, when the weather’s cold, heating should be provided. |
