UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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1 Chapter 18 Work Place Safety Contents This Chapter contains the following topics: 1. Introduction Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations Regulation 5 Maintenance of workplace, and of equipment, etc Regulation 6 Ventilation Regulation 7 Temperature Regulation 8 Lighting Regulation 9 Cleanliness and waste materials Regulation 10 Room dimensions and space Regulation 11 Workstations and seating Regulation 12 Condition of floors and traffic routes Regulation 13 Falls and falling objects Regulation 14 Windows and transparent doors, etc Regulation 15 Windows, skylights and ventilators Regulation16 Ability to clean windows etc. safely Regulation 17 Organisation of traffic routes Regulation 18 Doors and gates Regulations 20 and 21 Welfare provision Regulation 22 Drinking water Regulation 23 Accommodation for clothing Regulation 24 Facilities for changing clothing Regulation 25 Facilities for rest and to eat meals Education (School Premises) Regulations Regulation 3 Washrooms for pupils Regulation 4 Washrooms for staff Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 1 of 17

2 3.3 Regulation 5 Medical accommodation Regulation 6 Staff accommodation Regulation 7 Ancillary facilities Regulation 16 Weather protection Regulation 17 Health, Safety and Welfare Regulation 18 Acoustics Regulation 19 Lighting Regulation 20 Heating Regulation 21 Ventilation Regulation 22 Water supplies Regulation 23 Drainage Regulation 24 Playing fields Version The table below shows the history of the document and the changes that were made at each version. Version Date Summary of changes August 2012 Initial Issue th August 2013 Review Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 2 of 17

3 1. Introduction 1.1 Both the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 define standards for the working environment. The former is generally applicable to Council buildings and the latter to schools. 1.2 This Chapter summarises the requirements of the regulations (where applicable) and the associated Approved Code of Practice (ACoP). Where any further interpretation is required Hackney s Corporate Health and Safety Team should be contacted. 2. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations Regulation 5 Maintenance of workplace, and of equipment, etc This regulation requires the workplace and devices mentioned in the regulations to be maintained (including cleaned) in an efficient state Where specific equipment has been supplied, for example, to maintain the temperature within the workplace, urgent action to repair such equipment must be taken should there be a failure In the case of, for example, a sanitary convenience with a defective flushing mechanism, it may be taken out of service until it is repaired or replaced, provided that the loss of the facility does not result in the number of facilities being less than required by the regulations. 2.2 Regulation 6 Ventilation Enclosed workplaces should be sufficiently well ventilated so that stale air, and air which is hot or humid because of the process or equipment in the workplace, is replaced at a reasonable rate with fresh or purified air. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 3 of 17

4 2.2.2 In many cases, windows or other openings will provide sufficient ventilation Ventilation should not cause uncomfortable draughts. It may, therefore, be necessary to control the direction or velocity of the air flow or re-site or screen workstations. 2.3 Regulation 7 Temperature In general terms, the temperature should be reasonable during working hours and should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing The ACoP states that the temperature should be at least 16 o C if sedentary work is involved, although 13 o C is permitted where there is more activity Where a reasonably comfortable temperature cannot be achieved local heating or cooling should be provided In parts of the workplace other than workrooms, such as sanitary facilities or rest facilities, the temperature should be reasonable, taking into account the amount of time that may be spent there. In the case of occasionally accessed rooms, for example, storerooms, other than for short periods, temporary heating should be supplied to prevent discomfort Thermometers should be available at a convenient distance from every part of the workplace to enable temperatures to be measured. 2.4 Regulation 8 Lighting Every workplace should be provided with suitable and sufficient lighting and this should be by natural light wherever possible. Good lighting, whether natural or artificial, has an important role to play in promoting health and safety at work. It helps us to see hazards and it can reduce the likelihood of visual fatigue and discomfort Stairs should be well lit in such a way that shadows are not cast over the main part of the treads. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 4 of 17

5 2.4.3 Emergency lighting should be supplied where sudden loss of light would present a serious risk. Generally emergency lighting is not required in standard workspaces. Provision of emergency lighting on fire escape routes should be determined by risk assessment. 2.5 Regulation 9 Cleanliness and waste materials All furniture and fittings of every workplace must be kept sufficiently clean. Surfaces of floors, walls and ceilings must be capable of being kept sufficiently clean and any waste materials must not accumulate other than in waste receptacles Floors and indoor traffic routes must be cleaned at least once per week so as to prevent the risk of slips, trips and falls. Apart from regular cleaning, arrangements must be in place to clean up spillages Rubbish must not be allowed to accumulate other than in, for example, rubbish bins and must never accumulate on fire escape routes. 2.6 Regulation 10 Room dimensions and space Workspaces should have enough free space to allow people to get to and from workstations and to move around the room with ease As a guide, the total volume of the room when empty, divided by the number of people normally working in it should be at least 11 m 3. In making this calculation if the height is greater than 3 m the height should be counted as 3 m. This may not always give sufficient unoccupied space and rooms may need to be larger, or the number of people working in them reduced, depending on such factors as the contents and layout of the room and the nature of the work. 2.7 Regulation 11 Workstations and seating Workstations should be arranged so that each task can be carried out safely and comfortably. Work materials and frequently used equipment or controls should be within easy reach, without undue bending or stretching. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 5 of 17

6 2.7.2 Workstations including seating, and access to workstations, should be suitable for any special needs of the individual worker, including workers with disabilities The worker should be at a suitable height relative to the work surface. Seating should, where possible, provide adequate support for the lower back and a footrest should be provided for any worker who cannot comfortably place his or her feet on the floor Specific guidance in relation to those using display screen equipment (computers) is contained in Chapter 8 of this Manual. 2.8 Regulation 12 Condition of floors and traffic routes Floors and traffic routes should be of sound construction and should not be overloaded The surfaces of floors and traffic routes must be free from holes, bumps and unevenness and, where uneven areas resulting from wear and tear occur, and where this may cause a person to trip or fall; these must be suitably guarded until made good Where, for example, flooring is removed for under-floor work to be carried out, the ensuing hole is to be adequately guarded and account must be taken of people with impaired or no sight Surfaces of floors and traffic routes which may become wet should be of a type which does not become unduly slippery. A slip-resistant coating should be applied where necessary Arrangements should be made to minimise risks from ice and snow. This may involve gritting, snow cleaning and the closing of, for example, external stairways, ladders and walkways on roofs Floors and traffic routes must be kept free of obstructions which may present a hazard or impede access. This is particularly important on or near stairs, on emergency routes, in or near doorways, and in any place where this is likely to cause an accident (for example, near a corner or junction). Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 6 of 17

7 2.8.7 Staircases should be provided with a handrail and any open side of a staircase should be securely fenced. As a minimum the fencing should consist of an upper rail at 900 mm or higher and a lower rail. 2.9 Regulation 13 Falls and falling objects Secure fencing should normally be provided to prevent people falling from edges and the fencing should be adequate to prevent objects falling onto people Details of measures to prevent falls from height are contained in Chapter 13 of this Manual Regulation 14 Windows and transparent doors, etc Transparent or translucent surfaces in walls, partitions, doors or gates shall be of a safety material where any part is at shoulder level or below in doors and gates or any part is at waist level or below in windows, walls and partitions. Narrow panels of less than 250 mm width are exempt Safety materials are materials which are inherently robust (e.g. polycarbonates or glass blocks) or glass which, if it breaks, breaks safely (e.g. laminated or toughened glass) or ordinary annealed glass which meets the thickness criteria in the following table: Nominal thickness Maximum size 8 mm 1.10 m x 1.10 m 10 mm 2.25 m x 2.25 m 12 mm 3.00 m x 4.5 m 15 mm Any size A transparent or translucent surface should be marked where necessary to make it apparent. The risk of collision is greatest in large uninterrupted surfaces where the floor is at a similar level on each side, so that people might think they could walk straight through. If features such as mullions, transoms, rails, door frames, large pull or push handles, or heavy tinting make the surface apparent then marking is not required. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 7 of 17

8 2.11 Regulation 15 Windows, skylights and ventilators Open-able windows, skylights and ventilators must be capable of being opened, closed or adjusted safely. They must be positioned so that they do not pose a risk when open (for example open at low level into a corridor or area where people walk through and may walk into them). The bottom edge of opening windows should normally be at least 800 mm above floor level unless there is a barrier to prevent falls Window poles or similar equipment should be available to allow windows etc. to be opened safely Where there is a danger of a fall from height the window must be provided with devices to prevent it opening too far All schools and settings are advised to have a Glazing Safety Audit conducted by a reputable company. This will highlight any nonconformance and allow an action plan to be put in place to remedy any defects found Regulation16 Ability to clean windows etc. safely Suitable provision has to be made to ensure that windows and skylights can be safely cleaned Suitable provision includes: Fitting windows that can be pivoted to allow cleaning from the inside; Fitting access equipment such as cradles; Providing suitable access for mobile access equipment; Providing suitably placed anchorage points for harnesses Regulation 17 Organisation of traffic routes Every workplace shall be organised in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate in a safe manner. Further detail is contained in Chapter 12 of this Manual. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 8 of 17

9 2.14 Regulation 18 Doors and gates Doors and gates which swing in both directions should have a transparent panel except if they are low enough to see over. Conventionally hinged doors on main traffic routes should also be fitted with such panels. Panels must be placed so that a person in a wheelchair may be seen from the other side Sliding doors should have a stop or other effective means to prevent the door coming off the end of the track. They should also have a retaining rail to prevent the door falling in the event of the suspension failing or the rollers coming off the track Upward opening doors should be fitted with a counterweight or ratchet to prevent it falling back in a manner likely to cause injury Power operated doors and gates should have safety features to prevent people being struck or trapped. Safety features include: A sensitive edge or proximity detector; A device to limit closing force; An operating control that must be held during the closing of the door and which causes the door to open if released Powered doors must have an identifiable and readily accessible switch to allow the door to be stopped in an emergency. They should also have a fail open device fitted Regulations 20 and 21 Welfare provision Regulation 20 deals with sanitary conveniences and regulation 22 with washing facilities. Both will be dealt with under the term facilities in the following paragraphs Sufficient facilities should be provided to allow everyone at work to use them without undue delay. Provision should be made for a person with a disability suitable for his or her use. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 9 of 17

10 Washing stations should have running hot and cold, or warm, water and be sufficiently large to allow effective washing of face, hands and forearms Showers or baths should be provided where work is particularly strenuous, dirty or results in contamination of the skin by harmful or offensive materials. Where showers are provided they should be fitted with a thermostatic mixing valve to prevent scalding Facilities must be arranged to ensure adequate privacy for the user. In particular: Each water closet should be situated in a separate room or cubicle, with a door which can be secured from the inside; It should not be possible to see urinals, or into communal shower or bathing areas, from outside the facilities when any entrance or exit door opens; Windows should be obscured with frosted glass, blinds or curtains unless it is not possible to see into them from outside; The facilities should be fitted with doors at entrances and exits unless other measures are taken to ensure an equivalent degree of privacy For the maximum number of people at work shown in column 1 of the table, the numbers of water closets and washbasins is shown in columns 2 and 3 respectively: 1 Number of people at work 2 Number of water closets 3 Number of washbasins 1 to to to to to An additional water closet and one additional washbasin should be provided for every 25 people over 100 (or fraction of 25). Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 10 of 17

11 In the case of sanitary accommodation used only by men the table below may be used as an alternative to Column 2 of the above table. 1 Number of men at work 2 Number of water closets 3 Number of urinals 1 to to to to to to to Where facilities provided for workers are also used by members of the public the number of conveniences and washing stations specified above should be increased as necessary to ensure that workers can use the facilities without delay Any room containing a sanitary convenience should be well ventilated so that offensive odours do not linger. Measures must be taken to prevent odours entering other rooms. No room containing a sanitary convenience should communicate directly with a room where food is processed, prepared or eaten Arrangements must be in place to ensure the effective cleaning of the facilities which should be well lit to facilitate cleaning to the requisite standard Regulation 22 Drinking water An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water shall be provided for all persons at work. The supply must be readily accessible and conspicuously marked where there is a possibility of confusion with unsuitable water. A sufficient number of suitable cups must also be supplied unless the supply is by a water fountain. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 11 of 17

12 2.17 Regulation 23 Accommodation for clothing Suitable and sufficient accommodation must be provided for the clothing of any person at work which is not worn during working hours and for any special work clothing that is worn at work and not taken home To be suitable and sufficient the accommodation must allow the clothing to hang in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place. This may be the workroom but, where work clothing may become dirty, damp or contaminated due to work it should be accommodated separately from the worker s own clothing Special work clothing includes all clothing that is worn at work, for example, overalls, uniforms and overalls and hats worn for food hygiene purposes Regulation 24 Facilities for changing clothing Where a person has to wear special work clothing a changing room should be provided. The changing room must be close to the workroom and must be constructed so as to maintain the privacy of the user Regulation 25 Facilities for rest and to eat meals Suitable seats should be provided for workers to use during breaks. In offices their work seat is suitable provided the worker is not subject to excessive disturbance, for example, by contact with the public Seats in work areas can be counted as eating facilities provided they are in a sufficiently clean place and there is a suitable surface on which to place food. Eating facilities should include a facility for preparing or obtaining a hot drink, for example, a kettle, vending machine, etc Workers who work during hours or at places where hot food cannot be obtained in, or reasonably near to, the workplace should be provided with the means to heat their own food. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 12 of 17

13 3. Education (School Premises) Regulations Regulation 3 Washrooms for pupils A washroom means a room containing at least one sanitary fitting and at least one washbasin Facilities must be provided which are adequate, regarding the ages, sex and numbers of pupils and any relevant special requirements they may have. Facilities must be not less than the basic number The basic number is the aggregate of 10% of the number of pupils under 5 years old and 5% of the number of pupils at the school. In each case rounded up to the nearest whole even number. Account may be taken of any facility provided for a disabled pupil provided that, in the case of a school with both male and female pupils aged 8 years and above, there are at least 2 other washrooms for pupils In a school where the majority of pupils have attained the age of 11 years every washroom where there are fewer than 3 sanitary fittings must contain at least as many washbasins as there are sanitary facilities. Every other washroom shall contain a number of washbasins which is not less than two-thirds of the number of sanitary fittings In any other school the number of washbasins shall be not less than the basic number Except in the case of a toilet for the disabled, separate toilets for male and female pupils who are 8 years and above shall be provided In a washroom provided for male pupils and female pupils and in a washroom provided for female pupils only, all of the sanitary fittings shall be water closets Where pupils are under 5 years, at least one shower, bath or deep sink shall be provided for every 40 pupils, numbers being rounded up to the nearest multiple of 40. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 13 of 17

14 3.1.9 Changing accommodation including showers shall be provided for pupils who have attained the age of 11 years and are in receipt of physical education. This should be readily accessible from school grounds and any accommodation provide for physical education. 3.2 Regulation 4 Washrooms for staff In every school washrooms which are adequate for the number of staff in the school must be provided. As a general rule, the numbers at paragraph should be used Washrooms for staff must be separate from those for pupils but may be used by visitors. 3.3 Regulation 5 Medical accommodation In every school there shall be accommodation for the medical or dental examination and treatment of pupils and for the care of sick or injured pupils. The accommodation shall contain a washbasin and be reasonably near to a toilet. 3.4 Regulation 6 Staff accommodation A Head teacher s room shall be provided in the case of a nursery school, a special school or any other school with more than 120 pupils, other than a pupil referral unit Every school, other than a pupil referral unit, shall include accommodation for the use by teachers at the school, for the purposes of work (other than in teaching accommodation) and for social purposes. 3.5 Regulation 7 Ancillary facilities The building shall be adequate to permit the provision of storage and drying of pupil s outdoor clothing and storage other belongings and for the preparation or serving of food and drinks and the washing of crockery and other utensils. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 14 of 17

15 3.5.2 The building must allow safe and convenient passage of persons and movement of goods within the building. 3.6 Regulation 16 Weather protection A school building shall provide reasonable resistance to penetration by rain, snow and wind and to moisture rising from the ground. 3.7 Regulation 17 Health, Safety and Welfare A school building and the land provided for a school must be such that the safe escape of the occupants in the case of fire is reasonably assured Every part of a school building and the land provided for a school must ensure the health, safety and welfare of the occupants. In general terms schools must ensure that they are kept clean and free from hazards likely to cause injury to occupants, for example, ensuring carpets are stuck down. 3.8 Regulation 18 Acoustics Each room or other space in a school building shall be sufficiently insulated to ensure disturbance to others is minimised. Specific guidance is given in Building Bulletin 93 and advice can be obtained from the Council s Property and Capital Development Department. 3.9 Regulation 19 Lighting Each room or other space in a school building shall have lighting appropriate to its use. In general teaching areas lighting must not be less than 300 lux and in teaching areas where visually demanding tasks are carried out, not less than 500 lux. Glare must be limited Regulation 20 Heating Each room or other space in a school building shall have a system of heating appropriate to its normal use. Any such heating system must be able to maintain the temperatures shown below when measured at a height of 0.5 m and with an outside temperature of -1 o C. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 15 of 17

16 Areas Areas where there is a lower than normal level of physical activity because of sickness or physical disability including sick rooms and isolation rooms but not other sleeping accommodation. Areas where there is the normal level of physical activity associated with teaching, private study or examinations. Areas where there is a higher than normal level of physical activity (for example arising out of physical education) and washrooms, sleeping accommodation and circulation spaces. Temp 21 o C 18 o C 15 o C In a special school, nursery school or teaching accommodation used by a nursery class in a school, the temperature of any radiator, including exposed pipe work, which is in a position where it may be touched by a pupil shall not exceed 43 o C Regulation 21 Ventilation All occupied areas in a school building shall have controllable ventilation at a minimum rate of 3 litres of fresh air per second for each of the maximum number of persons the area will accommodate All teaching accommodation, medical examination or treatment rooms, sick rooms, isolation rooms, sleeping and living accommodation shall also be capable of being ventilated at a minimum rate of 8 litres of fresh air per second for each of the usual number of people in those areas when such areas are occupied All washrooms shall be capable of being ventilated at a rate of at least six air changes an hour Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent condensation in, and remove noxious fumes from, every kitchen and other rooms in which there may be steam or noxious fumes Regulation 22 Water supplies A school shall have a wholesome supply of water for domestic purposes including a supply of drinking water. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 16 of 17

17 Water closets and urinals shall have an adequate supply of cold water and washbasins, sinks (including deep sinks), baths and showers shall have an adequate supply of hot and cold water The temperature of hot water supplies to baths and showers shall not exceed 43 o C Regulation 23 Drainage An adequate drainage system must be provided for hygienic purposes and the general disposal of waste water and surface water Regulation 24 Playing fields In schools where pupils have attained the age of 8 years, except for pupil referral units (PRU s), team game playing fields shall be provided to a minimum size as follows: Total number of pupils who have attained the age of 8 years (entries to be construed inclusive of both numbers specified) Schools with pupils who have not attained the age of 11 years Other schools 100 or fewer 2,500 5, to 200 5,000 10, to ,000 15, to ,000 20, to ,000 25, to ,000 30, to ,000 35, to ,000 40, to 1,050 40,000 45,000 1,051 to 1,200 45,000 50,000 1,201 to 1,350 50,000 55,000 1,351 to 1,500 55,000 60,000 1,501 to 1,650 60,000 65,000 1,651 to 1,800 65,000 70,000 1,801 to 1,950 70,000 75, Any part of team game playing fields which has an all weather surface, for example a hard porous surface, a synthetic surface or a polymeric surface, may be treated as if it were twice its actual area. Chapter 18 ( Workplace Safety ) V 1.0 Issued 1 August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 17 of 17