1. Vehicle movements In conjunction with the vehicle driver, venue management and the client, our staff should ensure the safe parking of vehicles for loading and unloading purposes. Depending upon circumstances this may include; Checks to see that the intended route is clear of obstructions That people are kept clear of the area where the vehicle is being manoeuvred Assisting the driver by giving appropriate assistance and directions on two man crews Working with the driver to ensure that sufficient space is provided to enable loads to be unloaded safely (for example, where scenery is being unloaded, ensuring sufficient space is left behind the vehicle) assessment for assisting with vehicle movements Contact with moving vehicles Public People kept away from moving vehicles, where possible by segregation Reversing vehicles supervised by banksman Vehicles moving in crowded areas or during show time will be escorted Contact between vehicle and fixed structures Inspection of routes before vehicle movement, in particular to identify any overhead obstructions (trees, power lines) and corners with limited turning circles etc. - 1 -
Loading and unloading vehicles and general manual handling operations Where practicable Geo will use mechanical means of moving loads in preference to manual handling, specifically by specifying vehicles with tail lifts and the use of barrows. Where available the company will use loading docks or bays. However in practice, many of the projects the company undertakes are either to venues where mechanical equipment is not available, or where the loads are of such dimensions that they do not easily allow mechanical handling. In these circumstances manual handling is the only practical option available. Each member of staff (installation technician or above) should take responsibility for who will instruct casual labour in how to lift loads and monitor their work. Sufficient staff will be provided to lift loads safely particularly where the load is awkward or heavy. assessment for manual handling operations Strain injuries Time off work Use of mechanical handling where practicable, including use of service lifts in buildings Instruction in lifting Supervised lifting operations Adequate staff available to lift awkward or heavy loads selected to ensure they are fit and have no pre-existing condition which would be exacerbated by lifting Location of vehicle as close as practicable to destination Trips and slips Inspection of routes by staff to identify any hazards, e.g. slippery surfaces, trip hazards, waste materials, steps, stairs etc. Action to control or remove hazards, e.g. removal of waste Information and warning to staff if the hazard cannot be controlled Contact with articles being moved Minor injury Public Handles to be used where provided Gloves to be worn when moving sharp edged items 2 2 4 Trapping injuries Minor injury Dropping equipment on toes Lifting operations supervised and monitored to ensure correct positioning of hands when lifting and lowering loads Minor injury All staff are issued with steel toe-cap safety boots, which are to be worn at all times at work. 2 2 4 2 2 4-2 -
Special arrangements for specific handling operations Scenery The movement of scenery flats requires special care, as they are generally large, lightweight, fragile and easily damaged. Sufficient staff will be on hand to move the sets carefully to avoid damage. Additional care will be taken moving sets out of doors to minimise damage from wind blow. Electrical Lighting Geo staff are trained to ensure the electrical supply is disconnected from the unit before undertaking remedial work i.e. changing a plug or blown fuse. Power to be switched off at earliest opportunity to allow for cooling down time of lighting before dismantling to prevent burns to staff. Cables All cables have to be taped down using gaffer tape provided at all times and routed safely to prevent trips by staff or other persons at venue. 2. Working at height are not permitted to work at any height above 10 metres from an internal floor. (a) Use of ladders Temporary, short-term operations may be carried out from a ladder or from steps, but these activities should be kept to the shortest time practicable. Ladders supplied whether by Geo or by the client or venue must be suitable for its intended use, in good condition and free from any defect or distortion, which may affect the stability and safety of the ladder in use. The ladders should be inspected regularly by a competent person to ensure they are in good condition and each time before use and a visual check should be made to ensure that no damage has occurred in the interim. In selecting ladders preference should be given to ones with stabilisers fitted, which will reduce the possibility of sideways collapse. When in use, ladders must be properly installed and at the correct angle to prevent collapse, (i.e. one foot out, for every foot up). A second person may be required to foot the ladder and provide support for using it. The position of the ladder will be considered and will take into account any people who may walk under the ladder or any vehicular movement in the vicinity. Where this is likely to present a problem then suitable warnings, barrier tape or cones may be needed to protect the ladder and those using it. Where a ladder is used to provide access to a platform then the top of the ladder will be at least 1.05m above the working platform to enable persons to get onto and off the ladder safely. On occasions when fixed ladders may be left unattended and there is a risk of unauthorised access then suitable security measures will be taken to prevent access. - 3 -
Assessment use of ladders Fall from height Ladder use restricted to short term operation and only when a safer alternative is not available Ladder inspected before use Ladders properly footed on firm level ground Ladder sited away from traffic routes, doors etc., or if this cannot be achieved then suitable warnings and barriers will be used Second person may be required to foot ladder if it is not tied off or otherwise prevented from slipping Only one person per ladder working above the ground Tools and material carrying up ladder minimised to essential items only and items which can be easily managed There should always be a minimum of three rungs above the feet of any person working on the ladder to facilitate a safe hand hold Over-reaching from ladders will be avoided Struck by falling objects Working area below ladder will be kept clear of personnel whilst overhead operations are being conducted If it is essential that people enter the area below the ladder, hard hats must be worn working overhead should carry only those tools and equipment which they need for the job Hard hat for the second man footing the ladder - 4 -
Working at height (b) Use of stepladders Where practicable stepladders (including A frame and combination ladders) will be used to provide access to in preference to ladders. In selecting stepladders preference will be given to ones with stabilisers, which will reduce the probability of any sideways collapse. Before use the stepladders will be checked over to ensure they are free from defects or damage which may affect their safety when in use and that rubber feet and safety straps are in place. Stepladders are only used when fully extended and located on firm ground. Care will be taken when positioning the stepladder to avoid any traffic routes or doors which may open out into the steps. Assessment use of stepladders Fall from height Stepladder use restricted to short term operations and only when a safer alternative is not available Stepladder inspected before use Where available stepladders should be fitted with stabilisers Stepladders properly footed on firm level ground Stepladders only to be used when fully extended Ladder sited away from traffic routes, doors etc., of if this cannot be achieved then suitable warnings and barriers will be used, if in a position when doors can open onto the steps, the doors will either locked shut, or a person positioned by the door to warn people. Only one person per stepladder working above the ground Tools and material carrying up steps confined to essential items only and items which can easily be managed The top step of the step ladder will not be used for access No over-reaching from steps Steps will beset up, where practicable, front on to the work - 5 -
The use of portable electric hand tools battery powered- Where possible Geo staff will take every care to use all portable electric hand tools in accordance With manufactures guide lines and training. Electric hand Tools Major Injury Members of the public fully trained in safe use and handling. Preferably a battery operated drill will be used. Whether electric or battery operated the equipment will be checked before each use to ensure that there are no defects in the cable (electric), casing, plug or chuck, etc. Operator will ensure that there is plenty of room to move comfortably around the material being worked on and that the material is securely clamped where possible If working at height, area to be cordoned off and warning signs erected - 6 -
The use of hand tools Where possible Geo staff will take every care to use all hand tools in accordance With manufactures guide lines and training. Hand Tools Minor Injury Ensure adequate information, Instruction, training and supervision is provided in the safe use of all hand tools, Ensure appropriate storage facilities are provided when equipment is not in use Key Action Level Potential 1 Unlikely to occur 2 Possibly can occur 5 Likely to occur 10 Almost Certain Severity 1 First aid at scene 2 Referred to/transferred to hospital or absence 5 as defined under RIDDOR 10 Permanent disability or fatality Rating = Potential x Severity 1-19 Low 20-49 Mediu m 50+ High 1-19 LOW No further controls required 20-49 MED Justify/review for each event day 50+ HIGH Immediate action/further controls needed - 7 -