The carriage of some goods can involve particular hazards e.g. due to their chemical properties, explosive nature, flammability or danger to the environment. The carriage of such goods is governed by specific legislation such as the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations which require carriage to be carried out in accordance with the rules set … Read More
New Guidance for Lifting Safely
New and updated guidance has recently been made available by the Construction Plant Association covering the safe management and undertaking of lifting operations. The first of is updated guidance on the use of radio communication for lifting operations. Two way radios are often used where it is not possible to maintain a line of sight between the crane operator and … Read More
Workplace Transport Inspections at Quarries in Northern Ireland
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has announced that in Autumn 2022 they will be carrying out inspections at quarries in Northern Ireland specifically looking at the use of workplace transport issues. While safety at quarries has significantly improved in recent years HSENI has recognised that workplace transport continues to be an area that is responsible for high … Read More
Simultaneous Evacuation Guidance Update
Traditionally purpose-built blocks of flats are generally designed and built to support a stay-put evacuation strategy. In the event of a fire, only residents from flats directly affected by fire, heat, or smoke should need to evacuate. Residents in unaffected flats should be protected by general fire precautions provided in the building and should, therefore, be safe to stay put … Read More
Updated Guidance for Brick and Tile Manufacturing, Stonework and Foundries
Silica is a natural substance found in most stone, rocks, sand, quartz and clay. This can be released as dust during a number of manufacturing tasks. Breathing silica dust or respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to a number of lung diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Both silicosis and COPD cause breathing problems and when someone … Read More
PEEPS for High Rise Buildings
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (or PEEP) is a specific plan used to ensure that those who may need assistance can evacuate safely in an emergency, for example persons with limited mobility, vision or hearing. These are often used in situations such as healthcare premises, hotels and residential educational establishments where people with restricted mobility may be present. Previously, following … Read More
Incorrectly Installed Fire Dampers
Fire dampers are a means of fire protection used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems which act to prevent the spread of fire through ducting. Where temperatures rise the fire damper closes to limit the spread of fire. Typically these are operated by having a component which melts when a certain temperature is reached, allowing the damper to close. … Read More
Bank Holiday Announced for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral
Monday 19 September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, and last day of the period of national mourning, will be a national bank holiday. This national bank holiday will allow individuals, businesses, and organisations to pay their respect to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign. This bank holiday will operate like other bank holidays, such as … Read More
Consultation Launched on Changes to Building Regulations
Following the enquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, the Building Safety Act was launched and received Royal Assent on 22nd April. The Act brings forward a number of changes to make buildings safer, these changes will require further secondary legislation and regulations to make them work. As part of this process, a number of consultations are being launched on the … Read More
Updated Fire Safety Guidance for Construction Sites
The HSE have recently revised their fire safety guidance for construction sites, “HSG168 Fire Safety In Construction”. It is estimated that every year there are hundreds of fires on construction sites, potentially putting the lives of workers and members of the public at risk. Where practical risks should be eliminated at the design stage. The HSE’s guidance is split into … Read More