Health and Safety Inspections Course

1. SAFETY
INSPECTIONS
By
James McCann

2. INTRODUCTION
The Health and Safety Commission and its operating
arm, the Executive (HSC/E), have spent the last twenty
years modernizing the structure of health and safety law.
Their aims are to protect the health, safety and welfare
of employees, and to safeguard others, principally the
public, who may be exposed to risks from industrial
activity.
Whether you are carrying out an inspection as a safety
technician, manager or supervisor in a large office
complex, factory or a small work shop, there are many
duties and responsibilities that are common to all places
of work.

3. GENERAL DUTIES
The provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work

that are safe and without risks to health
Arrangements for ensuring the safety and absence of health

risks in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport
of articles and substances
Provide such information, instruction, training and supervision as

is necessary to ensure the health and safety at workplaces
under the employer's control
Ensure that work places, plant and processes are safe and

without risk to health
Provide and maintain safe means of access and egress (entry,

exit and escape) from premises and work areas.
Provide and maintain a working environment for employees that

is safe, without risks to health and adequate as regards facilities
and arrangements for their welfare at work. This includes
transport, store , handle and use materials in a safe manner.

4. Produce and distribute a statement of safety

policy and its implementation to all
employees.
Consult with employees' representatives on

matters related to health and safety and
establish safety committees if sought by
representatives. Such consultation is guided
by published codes of practice.
Ensure that those who are not employed are

informed of safety and hazards for when they
work or are present on employer premises
and use equipment and materials.

5. Regulations
The regulations apply to most work
activities. They up-date and extend
existing UK health and safety law (1974
Act) and impact on employer duties in
relation to employees and others
affected by work activity. They also
affect the self- employed obligation to
protect themselves and others. They
cover European Union (EU) Article
118A directives on health and safety at
work in relation to:

6. Control over Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Health and Safety Management ( Left click here for hyper
link Health and Safety Management.ppt)
Work Equipment Safety (click here for hyper link
PUWER.ppt)
Manual Handling of Loads ( Left click here for hyper link
MANUAL HANDLING POWERPOINT SLIDE SHOW.ppt)
Workplace Conditions
Personnel Protective Equipment ( Left Click here for hyper
link THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AT
WORK.ppt)
Display Screen Equipment
Construction (Design and Management)
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994
(1) The pre-tender stage health and safety plan and
(2) the role of the planning supervisor
Signpost to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996 (Left click here to go to hyper linkSAFETY
SIGNS.doc)

7. Risk Assessment
Employers must assess the risks to the
health and safety of employees and
anyone else affected by the work activity.
necessary preventive and protective
measures must be identified.
employers with five or more staff must
record the findings of risk audits and how
plans and controls are implemented.

8. An employer need not duplicate assessment
work. Assessments done e.g. for compliance
with COSHH are likely to contribute to servicing
the management regulations.
Employers must devise and implement
arrangements for putting measures (plans,
organizational arrangements, control systems,
monitoring and review methods etc) that follow
from risk assessment, into practice.

9. This includes
emergency procedures

co-operating with other employers sharing a work site

providing employees with clear, understandable information

about H&S matters, ensure they have adequate H&S training
and are capable enough at their jobs to avoid risks
temporary workers must be provided with particular H&S

information to meet special needs.
If a risk audit identifies health needs, then employers
must provide appropriate health surveillance for
employees, e.g. Shift workers
When developing and applying measures needed for
compliance, employers must appoint competent people
(internal or external)

10. Inspections of the work place should be
carried out on a regular basis, The
inspection should be carried out
Systematically and methodically and be an
opportunity to;
educate,
inform and
to change attitudes
as well as checking that you have done
enough to comply with the your duties under
relevant Statutory provisions.

11. Inspections can be split up into areas of
responsibility or different functional areas i.e.
EXTERNAL, car parking, loading areas.
INTERNAL, house keeping, welfare.
WORK AREAS, cleanliness, ergonomics,
MACHINERY, cleaning, maintenance (electrical and mechanical).
OFFICES cleanliness, ergonomics of work stations
PROCEEDURES, risk assessments, supervision, training and
information.

12. There will not only be differences in the
approach to meeting the duties placed on
different organisations but also financial
considerations.
A safe and healthy working environment
promotes motivation and productivity
An unsafe, dirty, poorly equipped or maintained
working environment tends to be a miserable
place to work.
The following slide show is for illustrative
purposes and gives examples typical or
characteristic of a small to medium sized
factory/workshop.

13. EXTERNAL
SAFE ACCESS AND EGRESS
ADEQUATE SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS/CONTROL MEASURES
FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
This may involve looking at the area at different times i.e.
Clocking on/off
Times of year
Weather conditions
Parking bays and loading areas clearly marked, traffic signs that
comply with Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No 3-11) i.e.
SPEED RESTRICTIONS
ONE WAY ARROWS
NO PARKING

14. ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS/CONTROL
MEASURES FOR PEDESTRIANS
ACCESS AND EGRESS
Remember vehicles and pedestrians don’t mix.
Think about any visitors they may not be familiar
with the lay out of, or what goes on at your place
of work again clear signs are vital.
If hard hats are to be worn, proper and adequate
warning signs, are there arrangements in place
before a visitor enters a danger area.

15. IF MANNED CONTROLS: PPE HIGH
VISIBILITY JACKETS/SAFETY
FOOTWEAR
THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AT
WORK REGULATIONS 1992
Also think about PPE & welfare arrangements for
other staff working outside, i.e. loading areas.
Different weather conditions and times of year.

16. SAFETY SIGNS

17. SUFFICIENT OUTSIDE
LIGHTING
PARTICULARLY IF THERE IS WORK
CARRIED ON OUTSIDE
AGAIN CHECK AT DIFFERENT TIMES/
WEATHER CONDITIONS.
CHECK IF GLARE IS A PROBLEM

18. FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES &
ASSEMBLY POINTS
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and
Signals) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No
3-11)
CLEARLY MARKED
FREE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS
EXTERNAL FIRE ESCAPES PROPERLY
MAINTAINED WITH GOOD LIGHTING

19. A locked FIRE EXIT = A BIG FINE if you are lucky !!!!

20. GENERAL STATE OF REPAIR
OF ROADS AND PATHWAYS
THESE ARE SUBJECT TO WEAR AND
TEAR i.e. CHECK FOR POT HOLES AND
UNEVEN SURFACES
ADEQUATE LIGHTING

21. EXTERNAL DILAPIDATIONS
OF BUILDINGS
STRUCTURE
LOOSE DRAIN PIPES
LOOSE SLATES
WINDOWS CLEAN AND IN GOOD
REPAIR
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
HASAW etc ACT 1974 S2.2 D

22. ENVIRONMENTAL
DUST, FUMES, NOISE, SMELLS & WASTE
Control of Industrial Air Pollution (Registration of
Works) Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No 318)
Air Quality Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No 3043)
(Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards)
(Amendment) Regulations 1995 (SI 199.5 No 23.57)
Control of Asbestos at Work (Amendment)
Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No 3068)
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 (SI
1987 No 211s)Control of Asbestos in the Air
Regulations 1990 (SI 1990 No 556)
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980
LOCAL AUTHORITIES……………….

23. BUILDINGS.

24. SAFE ACCESS & EGRESS
HASAW etc ACT 1974 S 2.2 D

25. SAFETY SIGNS
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996
No 3-11)
ARE FIRE ESCAPES
AND ESCAPE
ROUTES CLEARLY
MARKED
LIGHTING
NOT BLOCKED
NOT LOCKED
EASY TO OPERATE

26. The Fire Precautions Act 1971
The Act furthers the provisions for the
protection of persons from fire risks. If
any premises are put to use and are
designated a certificate is required
from the fire authority.

27. BLOCKED FIRE EQUIPMENT

28. FIRE PRECAUTIONS
Abstract of Special
Regulations (Highly
Flammable Liquids and
Liquefied Petroleum Gases)
Order 1974 (SI 1974 No 1587)
FIRE APPLIANCES AND
ARRANGEMENTS FOR
MAINTENANCE/CHECKS
(click here Fire &
Extinguishers.ppt)
FIRE DRILLS / TRAINING
(PARTICULARLY FOR NEW
STAFF)
FIRE DETECTION AND
ALARMS, MAINTENANCE

29. FIRE RISK

30. TRAINED FIRST AIDERS & EMERGENCY
PROCEEDURES
Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (SI
1981 No 917)
ACCIDENT RECORDING INCLUDING NEAR
MISSES (F2508 ACCIDENT REPORT FORM, B 15 10
ACCIDENT REPORT BOOK)
PROCEEDURES FOR REPORTING
ACCIDENTS, RIDDOR
FIRST AIDERS; QUALIFIED, IN DATE
WHO, AND WHERE.

31. FIRST AID KITS
CHECK CONTENTS
ALSO ENSURE
THATTHERE ARE
NO PROHIBITED
ITEMS i.e. DRUGS,
EVEN OVER THE
COUNTER ONES.

32. HEATING LIGHTING
VENTILATION
Minimum working temp 15 C or 65 F after
half an hour for those who are considered
sedentary workers
Filters cleaned
temperatures controlled
Adequate lighting
Diffusers cleaned
Not draughty

33. AIR MOVEMENT
A DRAUGHTY WORKING ENVIRONMENT CAN BE VERY
UNCOMFORTABLE TO WORK IN
Check doors and windows are fitting properly also that doors are not
wedged open

34. ADEQUATE WITH REGARDS
TO WELFARE PROVISSIONS;
HSE. INDG293 5/99
Click here for more on welfare provisions

35. Welfare
(Left click here to go to hyper link)
Enough toilets and washbasins for those expected to use them -
people should not have to queue for long periods to go to the toilet;
Where possible, separate facilities for men and women - failing that,
rooms with lockable doors;
Clean facilities - to help achieve this walls and floors should
preferably be tiled (or covered in suitable waterproof material) to
make them easier to clean;
A supply of toilet paper and, for female employees, a means of
disposing of sanitary dressings;
Facilities that are well lit and ventilated;
Facilities with hot and cold running water;
Enough soap or other washing agents;
A basin large enough to wash hands and forearms if necessary;
A means for drying hands, e.g. paper towels or a hot air dryer;
Showers where necessary, i.e. for particularly dirty work.

36. The following tables show the minimum number of toilets
and washbasins that should be provided.
Table 1: Number of toilets and washbasins for mixed use (or women only)
Number of toilets Number of
Number of people at work
washbasins
1-5 1 1
6-25 2 2
26-50 3 3
51-75 4 4
76-100 5 5

37. Table 2: Toilets used by men only
Number of men at work Number of toilets Number of urinals
1-15 1 1
16-30 2 1
31-45 2 2
46-60 3 2
61-75 3 3
76-90 4 3
91-100 4 4

38. REST ROOMS - FOOD PREPERATION AREAS
FIRE HAZARDS & PRECAUTIONS
HYGIENE
CLEANLINESS

39. INTERNAL DILAPIDATIONS
REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
LOOSE FITTINGS
FLAKING PAINT WORK
BUILD UP OF DIRT/ GREASE RUBBISH
etc.

40. EMPLOYEES COMPETENT
PERSONS
Health and Safety (Young Persons)
Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No 135)
TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

41. WORK AREAS
MACHINERY & PROCESSES

42. SAFE ACCESS & EGRESS
GANGWAYS CLEARLY MARKED
POTENTIAL SLIP TRIP BUMP HAZARDS POTENTIAL
FALL FROM HEIGHT HAZARDS
FENCED OR RESTRICTED AREAS CLEARLY
MARKED MAINTAINED
WORK AREA ERGONOMICS;
SEATING,
FLOORING,
LIGHTING
VENTILATION

43. SAFETY SIGNS

44. MACHINERY
FENCING,GUARDS & EMERGANCY STOPS.
LIFTS HOISTS FORKLIFTS DATES TESTED AND
CERTIFIED. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
Regulations 1998
POWER PRESSES GUARDS AND SAFETY FENCING,
OPERATOR TRAINING
RISK ASSESSMENTS
MACHINERY & TOOLS SUITABLE FOR PURPOSE,
MAINTENANCE (PUWER) (CLICK HERE TO GO TO HYPER LINK HAND
ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME}
EXHAUST VENTILATION. Environmental pollution

45. DANGEROUS MACHINERY
Horizontal Milling Machines Regulations
1928/1934 (SR&O 1928 No 548, SR&0 1934 No
207)
Operations at Unfenced Machinery
Regulations 1938,1946 (SR&Os 1938 No 641;
1946 No 156)
Power Presses Regulations 1965 as
amended (SI 1965 No 1441, SI 1972 No 1512)
Prescribed Dangerous Machines Order 1964
(SI 1964 No 971)

46. MECHANICAL HAZARDS
CUTTING HAZARDS
PUNCTURE HAZARDS
CRUSHING & PINCHING HAZARDS
SPINNING / IN – RUNNING HAZARDS
EJECTION HAZARDS

47. GRINDING OPERATIONS
Protection of Eyes
Regulations 1974 (SI
1974 No 1681)
Provision and Use
of Work Equipment
Regulations 1992 (SI
1992 No 2932) 1998
(SI 1998 No 2306)
PPE REGS

48. CHEMICALS:
COSHH REGULATIONS
USE , STORAGE
HANDLING &
TRANSPORTATION
RISK ASSESSMENTS
RECORDS
PPE
CONTAINERS
EMERGENCY and FIRST
AID PROCEEDURES

49. CONTACT WITH IRRITATING
SUBSTANCES PROTECTION OF EYES,
HANDS etc. PPE
CHEMICAL / BIOLOGICAL CONTACT
DERMATITIS ; PPE
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF
EMPLOYEES

50. NOISE LEVELS
(left click here for hyper link)
DURATION & TIME EXPOSED
(LAeq) dBA
CHECK AT DIFFERENT TIMES

51. VIBRATION
2
FREQUENCY & AMPLITUDE ( m/s )
THINK ABOUT DAMPING
DURATION

52. ATMOSPHERE ANYLISING
FUMES & DUST VENTILATION &
EXTRACTION
CONFINED SPACES any room,
compartment, tunnels, etc that do not have
fixed / permanent or natural ventilation

53. WASTE DISPOSAL
The Environmental Protection Act 1990
To prevent the pollution from emissions to
air, land or water from scheduled processes
the concept of integrated pollution control
has been introduced.
Authorisation to operate the relevant
processes must be obtained from the
enforcing authority which, for the more
heavily polluting industries, is HM
Inspectorate of Pollution.
Control of pollution to air from the less
heavily polluting processes is through the
local authority.

54. Regulations also place a 'duty of care'
on all those involved in the
management of waste, be it collecting,
disposing or treating Controlled Waste
which is subject to licensing.

55. In addition to extending the Clean Air Acts by
including new measures to control nuisances, the
Regulations introduce litter control;
amend the Radioactive Substances Act 1960;
regulate genetically modified organisms;
regulate the import and export of waste;
regulate the supply, storage and use of polluting
substances and allow the setting up of contaminated
land registers by the local authority.
In 1991 the Water Act 1989 that controlled the
pollution and supply of water was replaced by five
separate Acts.

56. MANUAL HANDLING
OPERATIONS
( left click here to go to hyper link manual handling)
CHECK RISK ASSESSMENTS
PPE
Musculoskeletal disorders are by far the
most common form of work-related ill-
health problem in Great Britain. They can
prove costly for the individual, the
business and health service providers.

57. OFFICES
VISUAL DISPLAY SCREENS audit display
screen equipment work-stations and reduce
risks that are discovered
ensure that workstations satisfy minimum

requirements for the display screen itself, the
keyboard, desk and chair, lighting and ventilation in
the working environment, the design of the task etc
plan work involving display screen equipment to

accommodate breaks and variation in activity
provide information and training for target users.

ACCESS EGRESS


58. SAFETY POLICIES & PROCEEDURES
INFORMATION AND TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES; Health and
Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No
682)
Employers have 2 principal duties under the Regulations:
either to display the poster OR to distribute the leaflet (HSIER
Reg.4);
To provide further information giving details of the enforcing
authority for the premises and the local address for EMAS (HSIER
Reg.5).
POLICY STATEMENTS
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (Click here for more on reporting
injuries diseases dangerous occurrences)
Employer liability insurance

59. PRODUCTS
SECTION 36 and Schedule 3 of Consumer Protection Act 1987 -
articles for use at work) places specific duties on the designers,
manufacturers, importers and suppliers
Such people must: ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that articles they design, constructed, make,
import, supply etc are safe and without risks to health at all
times e.g. when it is being set up , cleaned, used or
maintained by someone at work
Carry out (or arrange for) such testing and examination
necessary to perform the duties above
Take steps to ensure that those supplying someone with quot;the
article/substancequot; have adequate information about its
designed and tested use. This includes essential conditions
for dismantling and disposal
Act to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people
so supplied are given updated information where it becomes
known that the article/substance gives rise to serious risk to
health/safety.

60. The end