Health and Safety.pptx

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Health and Safety in the Plumbing Industry

CBG199

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

1. Be aware of health and safety legislation in the plumbing industry.

Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978

Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland

• Responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation

• Provides guidance and advice to businesses and workers

• Investigates workplace incidents and ensures compliance

• Promotes a culture of safety through education and awareness campaigns

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

• Requires employers to assess risks associated with hazardous substances

• Employers must implement measures to control exposure

• Workers must follow safe handling procedures and use protective equipment

• Employers must provide training on handling hazardous substances

Reporting Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR)

Working at Height Regulations

• Employers must assess risks of working at height

• Suitable equipment must be provided to prevent falls

• Work at height should be avoided if possible

• Training must be provided for workers operating at height

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations

• Employers must provide appropriate PPE for workers

• PPE must be maintained and replaced as necessary

• Workers must use PPE as instructed by the employer

• Employers must ensure PPE fits correctly and is suitable for the task

Documentation Requirements

Summary of Key Legislation

2. Be able to identify hazards and controls in a plumbing environment and carry out a risk assessment.

Common Hazards in a Plumbing Environment

Understanding Risk Assessments and Method Statements

Carrying Out a Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment template

Risk Assessment Activity – 30 minutes

• Working in pairs

• Use template supplied

• Carry out a risk assessment on the assigned task identifying at least 4 risks

• Fill out the template

• Present risk assessment to the class

If you cannot eliminate risk what do you do?

Safety and Warning Signs in Plumbing

• Common signs include warning signs for wet floors and electrical hazards

• Prohibition signs like no smoking or no entry

• Mandatory signs such as wearing safety helmets or gloves

• Safety signs indicating equipment location and safe routes

Managing Risks from Changing Work Practices

• Changes in tasks or equipment may introduce new hazards

• Regularly update risk assessments to reflect changes

• Provide ongoing training for workers

Maintaining and Storing Plumbing Equipment Safely

Importance of a Safe and Tidy Workplace

Conclusion

• Identify and control hazards to create a safe work environment

• Regularly conduct risk assessments and update practices as needed

• Maintain equipment and keep the workplace tidy

3. Understand the reporting procedures for accidents and emergencies at work.

Types of Plumbing Industry Accidents under RIDDOR

Actions to Take Following an Accident

• For minor injuries: Provide first aid and monitor the condition

• For major injuries: Call emergency services and ensure the injured person is not moved unnecessarily

• For life-threatening conditions: Begin life-saving measures, such as CPR, if trained, while waiting for emergency responders

• Secure the accident area to prevent further incidents

• Notify a responsible person or supervisor promptly

• Report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if applicable

Records Employers Must Complete

Examples of Reporting Criteria under RIDDOR

4. Be able to use access equipment and work safely at heights.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Working at Heights

Risks Associated with Working at Heights

• Falling from a height due to unstable equipment

• Objects falling onto people below

• Slipping or tripping on equipment

• Electrocution from overhead power lines

Types of Access Equipment for Working at Heights

• Ladders: step ladders, extension ladders

• Scaffolding: mobile scaffolds, fixed scaffolds

• Mobile elevated work platforms: scissor lifts, cherry pickers

• Rope access systems: harnesses, abseiling ropes

Safe Working Practices for Access Equipment

• Inspect equipment for damage or defects before use

• Ensure proper training for all users

• Always use safety harnesses and secure lanyards

• Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders

Hazard Awareness When Working at Heights

Emergency Procedures at Heights

• Have a rescue plan in place in case of falls

• Ensure first aid kits are easily accessible

• Train workers on emergency protocols

• Use communication devices to call for help quickly

5. Be able to use PPE appropriately within the plumbing industry.

Importance of PPE in Plumbing Jobs

• Protects against hazards such as chemicals, heat, and sharp tools

• Ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations

• Minimises risk of injury to self and others

Checking PPE for Wear and Damage

• Inspect gloves for holes, tears, or thinning material

• Check goggles for scratches or cracks that impair vision

• Examine helmets or hard hats for structural integrity

• Replace any PPE that is damaged or worn out

Proper Storage of PPE

• Store PPE in a clean and dry location

• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight

• Keep items organised and accessible for future use

• Ensure shared PPE is sanitised before and after use

6. Be aware of fire risks and associated prevention strategies in the plumbing industry.

What can cause a fire?

Possible Causes of Fire in the Plumbing Industry

• Use of blowtorches and open flames during soldering or welding

• Improper storage of flammable materials, such as solvents and adhesives

• Electrical faults in power tools or wiring

• Accumulation of combustible materials such as dust or grease

Fire Prevention Strategies in the Plumbing Industry

• Store flammable materials in approved containers and away from heat sources

• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent build-up of vapours

• Regularly inspect and maintain tools and equipment

• Have fire blankets and extinguishers accessible in the workplace

Actions to Take if a Fire Breaks Out

Main Types of Fire Extinguishers

Using Fire Extinguishers Safely

• Ensure you select the correct type of extinguisher for the fire

• Follow the PASS method Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

• Keep a safe distance from the fire and approach only if it is not spreading

• Evacuate immediately if the fire grows or becomes unmanageable

Summary and Importance of Fire Safety