QCS 2014 Section 11: Health and Safety Page 1 Part 1.01: Qatar Legislation and Management (Regulatory Document)
1 REGULATORY DOCUMENT 1
1.1 QATAR LEGISLATION AND MANAGEMENT 1
1.1.1 Occupational Health and Safety at Work including Construction Sites ............ 6
1.1.2 Duties, Responsibilities, Offences and Penalties etc. .................................... 11
1.1.3 Safety Policies ............................................................................................... 21
1.1.4 Consultation with Employees ......................................................................... 42
1.1.5 Health & Safety Training and Induction Training ............................................ 54
1.1.6 General Health and Safety ............................................................................. 72
1.1.7 Risk Assessments and Method Statements ................................................... 79
1.1.8 Construction (Design and Management) ....................................................... 82
1.1.9 Safety Inspections and Auditing ................................................................... 142
1.1.10 Safety at Street Works and Road Works ..................................................... 157
1.1.11 Setting Up Site ............................................................................................. 176
1.1.12 Security on Site ............................................................................................ 199
1.1.13 Statutory Forms, Notices and Registers ...................................................... 207
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FORWARD
This Section of the Regulatory Document (RD) was produced as a project deliverable under Ministry of
Municipality and Urban Planning Contract Number P2009/3, entitled “Consultancy Services for the
Preparation of Codes and Standards for Safety and Accident Prevention on Construction Sites”.
During the latter stages of the project, the Committee responsible for the administration of the project
decided that the RD and the associated Safety and Accident Prevention Management/Administration
Systems (SAMAS) would be best delivered to stakeholders via the portal provided by the Qatar
Construction Standards (QCS).
The QCS includes references and certain sections which address occupational health and safety. To
ensure that that users of the RD/SAMAS are fully aware of the where occupational health and safety
issues are addressed in the QCS, the following table summarises where potential overlaps may occur.
For consistency, it is recommended that in matters relating to occupational health and safety reference
is made first to the RD/SAMAS. For the purpose of clarity, however, references are made in the
relevant section of the RD/SAMAS to their comparable sections in the QCS and vice versa.
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Sr. No
QCS 2014
Section No.
Part No. Part Name Page No. Item No. Item Name
1 1 7 Submittals 8 7.5.2
Health and Safety Organization
Chart
2 1 7 Submittals 9 7.6.1 Health and Safety Plan
3 1 10 Health and Safety All All All
4 1 11 Engineer's Site Facilities 10 11.4.6 Safety Equipment and Clothing
5 1 14 Temporary Works and Equipment 3 14.4
Test Certificates for Cranes and
Lifting Tackle
6 1 15 Temporary Controls All All All
7 1 16 Traffic Diversions 2 16.1.3 Safety
8 1 8 General 3 8.1.6 Safety
9 3 1 General 8 & 9 1.4.12 Safety and Management
10 4 1
General Requirements for Piling
Work
7 1.6 Safety
11 4 4 Deep Foundations 37 & 38 4.9.1.7 Safety Precautions
12 4 4 Deep Foundations 42 4.9.1.13 Protection of Testing Equipment
13 6 1 General 4 & 5 1.6 Temporary Fencing
14 6 7 Asphalt Plants 15 7.8.13 Safety Requirements
15 6 14 Works in Relation to Services 4 14.2.2 Safety
16 8 1 General
7,8, 9 &
10
1.3.2 Health and Safety
17 8 8 Painting and Protective Coatings 6 8.1.9 Safety
18 8 9 Trenchless Pipeline Construction 7 9.2.5 Safety Requirements
19 8 10
Pipeline Cleaning and Inspection
Survey
4,5&6 10.1.7 Safety Requirements
20 8 11 Sewer Rehabilitation 9 11.2.2 Safety
21 9 1 General 16 1.2.8 Safety Guards
22 9 1 General 19 1.2.16 Noise Levels and Vibration
23 19 5 Hot Water Storage 4 5.1.6 Safety
24 21 1
General Provisions for electrical
Installation
7 & 8 1.1.11 Fire and Safety Precautions
25 21 1
General Provisions for electrical
Installation
14 1.1.23 Safety Interlocks
26 24 1 General 5 1.1.4 Scaffolding
27 29 1 Design Aspects 4 1.1.5 Fire Resistance Period
28 29 3 Geotechnical Specifications 4 2.3.1.5 Safety
29 29 4 Tunnel 18 4.5.8 Safety Regulations
30 29 4 Tunnel 19 4.5.9 Fire Prevention
31 29 4 Tunnel 21 4.6.4 Safety Measures and Systems
32 29 7 Concrete Structures 6 7.1.10 Safety Railing
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Qatar Regulatory Document
Notes for Users
Legislation and Management
Occupational Health and Safety
Introduction
1 This Regulatory Document is designed to help managers, supervisors and safety
representatives comply with their legal, moral and social responsibilities and assist in the
crucial areas of:
(a) accident prevention
(b) the avoidance of occupational ill health
(c) Environmental good practice.
2 The Regulatory Document seeks to maintain a balance between outlining the requirements
of legislation, as it applies to the Qatar construction industry, and providing practical
guidance on how to comply with these applicable Regulations.
3 Contractors will therefore be able to assess the legal responsibilities of themselves and
others and decide how best to organise work activities in a safe and healthy manner.
4 This Regulatory Document is a set of regulations which makes provision for securing the
health, safety and welfare of persons at work, for protecting others against risks to health or
safety in connection with the activities of persons at work and for controlling the keeping and
use of dangerous substances.
5 It is an essential piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Qatar and
focuses on the construction industry placing legal obligations as from project design concept.
It focuses on planning, design and management of construction projects and places legal
obligations on everyone involved at work and in construction.
6 The Regulatory Document is designed to help Clients, Designers, Contractors,
Subcontractors and others to comply with their legal, moral and social responsibilities and
assist in the crucial areas of:
(a) Project planning, design and management for better occupational health and safety
performance
(b) It imposes legal requirements for safety consideration in the future stages of the
project life cycle, namely use, operations and maintenance, cleaning,
decommissioning and replacement of facilities, plant and equipment etc
(c) Safety planning for construction, use and maintenance
(d) Incident prevention at work
(e) Avoidance of occupational ill health
(f) Safety, health and environmental good practice.
7 Designers and Contractors have legal obligations to promote, plan, implement and
showcase good health, safety and welfare management in relation to their undertakings.
Structure of the Health and Safety Regulations in QCS
1 The Occupational health and safety legislation of the QCS is formed mainly under Section
11 Part 1: Regulatory Document and guidance is given in Part 2: Safety and Accident
Prevention Management Administration System (SAMAS)
2 Other references of Occupational health and safety in QCS are summarised in the table in
the above section.
The word Regulations is used throughout this document and refers hereafter to the Qatar Regulatory Document
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Definitions / Interpretations
1 These Regulations contain words and phrases with a meaning that is defined in the
legislation.
2 Words and phrases such as 'construction work', 'structure', 'approved', 'lifting gear' and
'working platform', have such a legal definition.
3 Definitions of the more common terms are outlined below.
4 Hazard: The potential to cause harm, including ill health and injury; damage to property,
plant, products or to the environment; production losses or increased liabilities.
5 Risk: The likelihood that a specified undesired event will occur, due to the realisation of a
hazard by, or during, work activities or by the products and services created by work
activities.
6 Danger: A person is in danger when they are exposed to a risk. The degree of danger is
dependent on the nature of the hazard or degree of risk.
7 Competent person: A person who has practical and theoretical knowledge and actual
experience of the work activities that they are required to do. A person's competence will, in
some cases, be tangibly demonstrated by the award of a qualification or other recognition of
training received.
8 Practicable: Where a legal requirement is qualified by the word 'Practicable', the specified
measures must be taken if it is physically possible, irrespective of cost, difficulty or
inconvenience.
9 Reasonably practicable: Where a legal requirement is qualified by the term 'Reasonably
practicable', the cost (in terms of money, time and inconvenience) of taking precautions may
be balanced against the risk being considered.
10 If an assessment of the situation shows that the cost of taking the precautions is
disproportionately high in relation to the risk of an accident or injury occurring, the
precautions need not be taken.
11 Employer: means any person, company or organisation who has an employment
relationship with the employees or workers and has responsibility for the undertaking and/or
establishment and includes any ‘self-employed’ in relation to the undertaking. In relation to
construction site, the Employer is the Contractor.
Note:
12 Whenever these Regulations are being applied, attention should be paid to the section at the
start of each piece of legislation, entitled 'Interpretation', where definitions and other
important provisions may be listed and explained.
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Occupational Health and Safety
1.1.1 Occupational Health and Safety at Work including Construction Sites
1.1.1.1 Key points
1 These Regulations place legal duties on Contractors, Employers, Self-employed, Employees
and others with respect to all transactions carried out in Qatar.
2 Under the Regulations, there is a special focus on construction works, construction sites and
Contractors who undertakes or manages construction work on site.
3 Legal duties are also placed on manufacturers, designers, contractors, sub-contractors,
importers and suppliers of articles for use in the workplace.
4 Contravening these Regulations is a criminal offence and punishable in a Qatar Court of Law
5 These Regulations place a duty on the Qatar Administrative Authority where no other body
has been given the responsibility.
Note: Section 1, Part 7 of the QCS covers submittals associated with construction sites
and includes a health and safety organization chart and the health and safety plan. General
safety requirements are specified in Section 1, Part 2 of the QCS.
1.1.1.2 Aims and scope of this Regulatory Document
1 The regulations aim to promote and enforce high standards of health, safety and welfare in
the Qatar workplace especially with special regards to construction workplaces or
construction sites. Hence contractors and sub-contractors and others have to implement
effective standards of health, safety and welfare management onsite and in connection with
their business.
2 This Regulatory Document (Regulations) provides for a comprehensive framework to
promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety in the Qatar
construction workplace. Its ultimate aim is to promote health and safety awareness and
effective standards of health and safety management by every Contractor.
3 It is a requirement under these regulations that everyone is involved and made responsible
for their acts towards health and safety. Hence the scope of this document relates to
organisation, companies and individuals and requires everyone to make responsible for
health and safety- starting from-management, the employees, the self-employed, the
employees' representatives, the controllers of premises and the manufacturers of plant,
equipment and materials - in the matters of construction site health and safety. The
Regulatory Document (Regulations) also requires that adequate measures are taken to
protect the public where otherwise their health or safety would be at risk.
1.1.1.3 Standards of compliance
1 In many instances the Regulatory Document (Regulations) places a legal duty which is
qualified by the words practicable (or best practicable means) or reasonably practicable.
2 Where a legal duty is qualified by the word practicable the duty must be complied with if it is
'capable of being carried out' or 'feasible within the current state of knowledge and
technology', at whatever expense, taking note of published information, Guidance Notes or
relevant British/International Standards.
3 In practical terms a legal duty qualified by the word practicable cannot be disregarded on
the grounds that to comply with it would slow up the building programme, be expensive,
difficult or otherwise inconvenient.
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4 Where a legal duty is qualified by the term reasonably practicable Contractors are allowed
to exercise their judgement on the extent of the measures that need to be taken to ensure
the health and safety of whoever is carrying out the job and others who may be affected by
it.
5 This judgement should be based upon the findings of a risk assessment.
6 Where the risks to health and safety in carrying out a job are found to be low in comparison
to what would be disproportionately high costs to overcome the risks totally, the Contractors
need only take the measures that are considered to be reasonably practicable.
7 Should there be a legal dispute as to a decision of what was or was not reasonably
practicable, the onus of proving in court that all reasonably practicable measures were
taken lies with the Contractors.
8 Managers, supervisors, safety supervisors and safety representatives and others with a
responsibility for ensuring legal compliance will be mainly concerned with the following:
1.1.1.4 Duties of Contractors
1 These Regulations place a general duty on every Contractor to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.
2 Contractors must, so far as is reasonably practicable
(a) protect the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.
(b) provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are safe and without risk to
health.
(c) ensure safety and absence of risks in the use, handling, storage and transport of
articles and substances.
(d) provide any necessary information, including information on legal requirements, to
ensure the health and safety of their employees.
(e) provide adequate supervision and training, as is necessary, to ensure the health and
safety of their employees.
(f) provide and maintain a safe and healthy place of work, with safe access and egress.
(g) provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health
and is adequate with regard to welfare facilities and arrangements for welfare at work.
(h) to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the conduct of their activities does
not endanger persons not in their employment who may be affected by operations
under their control, for example, subcontractors or the public.
3 Contractors must not:
(a) levy a charge, or permit any employee to be charged for anything required to be
provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions i.e. Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
(b) The regulations place a general duty on every contractor to conduct his undertaking in
such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his
employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their
health or safety.
1.1.1.5 Duties of employees
1 These Regulations place two general duties on employees:
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(a) to exercise reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves or others who may
be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
(b) to co-operate with the Contractors, as far as may be necessary, to enable them (the
Contractors) to carry out their legal duties in health and safety matters.
1.1.1.6 Duty on 'all people'
1 This Regulatory Document (Regulations) places a duty on 'all persons' to:
'not intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided in the
interests of health, safety and welfare'.
Not only does it apply to Contractors and employees but it also applies to members of the
public.
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1.1.1.7 Duties of manufacturers, designers, importers and suppliers
1 A general duty is placed on any person who manufactures, designs, imports or supplies any
article, materials or substance for use in a workplace or a construction site shall ensure, so
far as is reasonably practicable, that articles and substances are, by design and
construction, safe and without risks to health when being used, set, cleaned or maintained
by persons at work.
2 For example, information on design noise levels under normal working conditions should be
supplied if noise levels may be a risk to health, or exceed the lower exposure action value
specified in the Noise at Work section of this Regulatory Document. Similarly, manufacturers
of tools that may be a source of hand/arm vibration must provide details of the levels of
vibration generated.
3 More specifically, a duty exists to ensure that arrangements are made to carry out the
necessary testing, examination and research, and that steps are taken to provide adequate
information about any conditions necessary to ensure that it will be safe when used.
4 A general duty is placed on installers or erectors of any article for use at work to ensure, so
far as is reasonably practicable, that it is safe and without risk to health when used by
persons at work.
1.1.1.8 Administrative Authority
1 The Qatar Administrative Authority has the powers under these regulations to examine, to
investigate and to seize and take possession of any matter relating to health, safety and
welfare of workplaces and construction sites. They have the power to advise and enforce the
law on any matter relating to health, safety and welfare of workplaces and construction sites.
Investigation
2 Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors are given a general right to examine and
investigate as may be necessary. They may enter premises (accompanied by a police officer
or other authorised person if necessary), taking with them any equipment or material
required by them for the purposes of the examination. They may direct that anything shall be
left undisturbed if required for examination or investigation, take measurements, samples,
photographs and such recordings as may be necessary. They may have dismantled or
tested any article or substance considered dangerous, or take possession of any article for
examination and evidence.
3 Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors may inspect or take copies of books or
documents. They may demand from an employee any information they think necessary and
can ask the employee to sign a declaration of the truth of their answers. In general, they can
demand the full co-operation of any person to provide them with such facilities and
assistance as they may think necessary.
Advisory
4 Inspectors also act as a source of information and advice. It is their duty to inform employees
about anything that may affect their health and safety at work.
Enforcement options
5 Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors can use any of the powers listed below
against any person taking part in, or in control of, any work activity, or piece of equipment.
'Any person' means a Contractor, self-employed person, a supplier, or the employee.
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(a) Informal
(b) Workplace Inspectors may give advice on compliance in the case of minor breaches.
(c) Formal letter
(d) A formal letter may contain details of breaches and action needed to comply with the
legislation. It may also contain more detailed and formalised advice. Whilst visiting a
site, a Workplace Inspector can prepare an Instant Visit Report with a date agreed for
work to be completed.
(e) Improvement Notice
6 Where a breach is more serious, the Inspector may issue an Improvement Notice, which will
outline the work required and the date for completion. This will be at least 21 days from the
date of receipt.
(a) Prohibition Notice
7 If an activity involves, or is likely to involve, a serious risk of personal injury, the Inspector
may serve a Prohibition Notice to stop that activity immediately or after a specified time.
(a) Prosecution
8 In addition to the enforcement outlined above, the Inspector may consider that it is also
necessary to prosecute.
Appeals
9 Anyone served with an Improvement or Prohibition Notice has the right to appeal. This must
be done within 21 days of the issue of the Notice. The Administrative Authority may cancel or
modify the Notice:
(a) on appeal following the issue of an Improvement Notice, the Notice will be suspended
until the relevant board meets and decides the issue
(b) on appeal following the issue of a Prohibition Notice, the Notice will stand until the
appeal has been decided, or the relevant board orders it to be suspended.
10 Where a person has been prosecuted for failing to comply with a duty or requirement of this
Regulatory Document (Regulations), and is claiming that it was not reasonably practicable
for them to carry out that duty or requirement, it is the responsibility of that person to
prove that it was not reasonably practicable to comply, and that there was no reasonably
practicable alternative way in which they could have carried out that duty or requirement.
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Occupational Health and Safety – Construction Site Safety
1.1.2 Duties, Responsibilities, Offences and Penalties etc.
1.1.2.1 Key points
1 The purpose of this section is to:
(a) Outline the legal duties placed upon Contractors and employees while at work on
Qatar construction sites.
(b) Emphasise that where health and safety legislation places legal duties on the
Contractors, in most cases the duties also apply to the self-employed.
1.1.2.2 Introduction
1 This section is designed to give both Contractors and employees details of their legal duties /
responsibilities at work.
1.1.2.3 Responsibilities
1 Set out over the following pages are the principal legal duties of Contractors and employees.
1.1.2.4 Legal duties of Contractors
1 The Contractor shall protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other
people who might be affected by their business. This means making sure those workers and
others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to
injury or health that could arise in the workplace.
2 Contractors will usually be site-based and in a position to fulfil their legal duties by directly
controlling the workforce and monitoring the standards of health and safety on site. By
comparison, in larger companies the Contractors will not normally be site-based and it is
usual for them to delegate responsibility for day-to-day legal compliance to site-based staff
such as Site Managers. It may be necessary for Site Managers to further delegate the
responsibility for overseeing the health and safety aspects of some work activities to trade
supervisors. Whatever the circumstances, the duty to ensure compliance with health and
safety legislation stays with the Contractors.
1.1.2.5 Legal duties of the self-employed
1 Generally, where legislation places legal duties on Contractors with regard to ensuring the
health and safety of their employees, similar duties are also placed on the self-employed
with regard to ensuring their own health and safety.
1.1.2.6 Legal duties of the Employees
1 All employees and workers have a right to work in places where risks to their health and
safety are properly controlled. The contractor or the employer is responsible for providing for
their health, safety and welfare.
2 Employees shall take reasonable care of their own and other people’s health and safety.
3 Employees shall follow the training that they have received when using any work items that
the contractor or employer has provided.
4 Employees shall co-operate with your employer on health and safety.
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5 Employees shall tell the employer, the supervisor, or the health and safety representative if
they think the work or inadequate precautions are putting anyone’s health and safety at
serious risk.
1.1.2.7 Construction (Design and Management) CDM
1 The CDM Regulations place legal duties on planning and management arrangements for
construction works. It places duties on everyone involved in construction and contractors
have a set of specific duties under CDM.
2 The CDM regulations forms section 1.1.8 of the Regulatory Document
Contractor duties / Responsibilities
1 Plan, manage and monitor construction phase in liaison with sub-contractors
2 Prepare, develop and implement a written plan and site rules. The initial plan must be
completed before the construction phase begins. Plan is termed “Construction Phase Health
and Safety Plan”.
3 Give sub-contractors relevant parts of the plan.
4 Check competence of all their appointees.
5 Ensure that expert knowledge/advice is available in relation to highly hazardous activities
(e.g. explosives, cofferdams, caissons etc.) and when works are undertaken on or in
proximity of existing structures.
6 Coordinate temporary works and cooperate with designers and others as relevant.
7 Secure the site.
8 Ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their
employees.
9 Provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health and
safety and ensure safety and absence of risks in the use, handling, storage and transport of
articles and substances.
10 Provide any necessary information, including information on legal requirements, to ensure
the health and safety of their employees.
11 Provide adequate instruction, training and supervision as is necessary, to ensure the health
and safety of their employees.
12 Provide a safe place of work, with safe access and egress. Provide a safe working
environment that is without risks to health.
13 Provide adequate welfare facilities and arrangements for welfare at work.
14 Have a general statement of health and safety policy.
15 Prepare a written health and safety policy, then review and update it as often as is
necessary.
16 Bring the company health and safety policy, and any revisions of it, to the attention of
employees.
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17 Carry out risk assessments for all work activities undertaken and record the significant
findings of the risk assessment.
18 Implement any control measures identified by your risk assessment.
19 Regularly review risk assessments and any associated control measures.
20 Ensure that work equipment used for working at height and places of work are inspected by
a competent person.
21 Ensure that scaffolding is only erected, altered or dismantled by, or under the supervision of,
a competent person.
22 Have access to competent advice to assist in matters of health, safety and welfare, where
necessary.
23 Establish a safety committee
24 Consult with workers and safety representatives on matters of health and safety.
25 Assess manual handling operations at the workplace and take appropriate steps to reduce
the risk of injury to employees.
26 Ensure that all injury accidents, however slight, are entered in the accident book and
investigated.
27 Report to the Administrative Authority all reportable accidents, dangerous occurrences and
notifiable diseases.
28 Provide employees with personal protective equipment, as necessary.
29 Avoid entry into confined spaces, wherever possible.
30 Protect employees who may be exposed to asbestos at work.
31 Assess all excavations and take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of injury to employees.
32 Appoint trained and competent persons for the purpose of mounting abrasive wheels.
33 Examine, test and properly maintain plant, equipment, cranes, lifting equipment and
accessories at regular intervals, and record the findings.
34 Provide adequate first-aid facilities with sufficient trained first aiders and appointed persons.
35 Consult with your employees on health and safety matters.
36 Engage only competent persons to carry out work on electrical installations and appliances.
37 Take measures to prevent or adequately control employees' exposure to harmful dusts and
fumes.
38 Take the necessary steps to ensure that the health and safety of the public is not put at risk
by works being carried out.
39 Allow only competent people to use plant and equipment and undertake a work activity for
which they are competent to do so.
40 Ensure that guard-rails and toe-boards are installed on all working platforms where a risk
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assessment indicates that any person would be injured as a result of the fall.
41 Prevent hearing damage resulting from exposure to excess noise levels.
42 Prevent occupational health problems resulting from exposure to vibration.
43 Use only competent waste carriers and check their documentation regularly.
44 Carry out COSHH assessments and record the significant findings.
45 Protect the environment by preventing avoidable pollution by, for example, installing diesel
oil tanks correctly.
Employee duties / Responsibilities
1 All employees must have a basic level of health and safety knowledge if they are to be safe
when working on site and aware of their responsibilities to their Contractors and work
colleagues.
2 To co-operate with the Contractors and follow any information, instructions and training that
is provided.
3 Not to interfere with or misuse anything the Contractors has provided in the interests of
health, safety and welfare.
4 Take reasonable care at all times and make sure that their actions or omissions do not
endanger themselves or any other person.
5 Use all tools and equipment safely and in accordance with instructions given or training
received.
6 Report any defects or potential hazards in equipment to the Contractors (or supervisor if
appropriate) as soon as possible.
7 Make proper use of any safe system of work or mechanical means provided by the
Contractors in connection with manual handling.
8 Only operate plant and equipment for which training has been provided and authority given
to use.
9 Use the personal protective equipment supplied by your Contractors correctly, take care of it
and report any loss or defects in the equipment.
10 Report to the Contractors any work situation that might present danger.
11 Not to erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding unless competent to do so or under the
supervision of a competent person.
12 When operating goods hoists: keep the gates closed except when loading, etc. do not override
any controls do not allow any passengers.
13 Use only the proper safe means provided for entering and leaving an excavation.
14 Do not block or obstruct any access or means of escape.
15 Make full use of any control measures provided to prevent or limit exposure to substances
hazardous to health, and wear the personal protective equipment provided.
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16 Observe safe use and handling instructions for hazardous substances.
17 Do not use a mobile elevating work platform for any other use than as a work platform.
18 Co-operate with Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors, as required.
19 Do not remove safety guards or render inoperative any safety device fitted to any plant or
equipment.
20 Do not ride on plant or vehicles in unauthorised and insecure places.
21 Recognise the importance of personal hygiene, especially when working with substances
harmful to the skin.
22 Never exceed the safe working load of any lifting equipment.
23 Understand and comply with all signs and notices that are displayed.
24 Wear ear protectors in designated areas where mandatory warning signs are displayed.
25 Know how to report accidents and to whom.
26 Follow all company and site health and safety rules.
27 Report to the Contractors any activity or defect relating to work at height that can be
considered unsafe.
28 Use equipment and safety devices for working at height in accordance with training and
instructions received.
29 Attend health surveillance procedures, as required, during working hours and at the expense
of the Contractors.
1.1.2.8 Powers of the Qatar Administrative Authority, Workplace Inspectors
1 Set out below is a summary of the main powers which Inspectors possess when carrying out
their duties under this Regulatory Document (Regulations). Officers of the Qatar
Administrative Authority also have enforcement powers when dealing with matters
concerning fire prevention.
1.1.2.9 Qatar Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors may do the
following:
1 Prosecute a company or an individual for a breach of this Regulatory Document
(Regulations).
2 Visit or carry out an inspection of a construction workplace at any reasonable time without
giving prior notice, engaging the assistance of the police if necessary.
3 Issue a Prohibition Notice stopping a work activity where there is a risk of serious personal
injury.
4 Stop the further use of any equipment if it is considered to be a serious risk to health or
safety.
5 Issue an Improvement Notice requiring remedial work to be carried out within a specific time,
where there is a breach of health and safety legislation.
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6 Investigate accidents or dangerous occurrences in the workplace.
7 Require that any designated part of a premise remains undisturbed for as long as is deemed
necessary.
8 Investigate a particular work activity or any plant or equipment following a complaint or
accident.
9 Take measurements, photographs and records as necessary.
10 Inspect or take copies of any books or records.
11 Demand the full co-operation of any person to assist them in their duties.
12 Demand information from a Contractor or employee and require them to sign a statement of
their answers.
13 Remove or make safe any article or substance considered to be a source of danger or
serious personal injury.
14 Require additional fire precaution work to be carried out on a construction site.
15 Provide information for Contractors and employees about hazards that may affect their
health and safety at work.
16 Act as a source of information on construction health, safety and welfare at work.
1.1.2.10 Penalties that can be awarded
1 Qatar Labor Law Fourteen, Part Sixteen details the extent of penalties that may be charged
upon the proof of violations regarding failure to comply with Qatar Construction Regulations.
2 The Contractor shall maintain an acceptable OHS performance at all times throughout the
Contract duration. The criteria used for determining acceptable OHS performance are at the
sole discretion of the relevant authority. The following items shall be taken into consideration
when making assessments of acceptable performance;
(a) any stop work instructions issued to the Contractor
(b) any adverse comments arising from Occupational Health and Safety inspections
(c) any adverse comments arising from Occupational Health and Safety audits
(d) any adverse formal communication from the relevant authority to the Contractor
regarding Occupational Health and Safety performance
(e) any adverse formal communication between the Contractor and enforcing authorities
or government organizations
(f) any incidents occurring as a result of the Work undertaken by the Contractor.
3 Should acceptable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance not be maintained
by the Contractor then the relevant authority may take any action at their discretion in
furtherance to their powers (see sections 1.1.1.8 and 1.1.2.8) or may impose the following
penalties on the Contractor;
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No. Unacceptable performance criteria
1.
Commencement of Work on the Worksite without an approved Occupational Health and
Safety Plan
2.
Commencement of Work on the Worksite without an approved Occupational Health and
Safety Manager / Officer appointed and employed on a full time basis at the Worksite
3.
Failure to conduct risk assessments and develop method statements prior to work activities
being undertaken
4. Failure to appoint competent persons for specified activities (other than OSH Staff)
5. Collapse of any scaffolding, temporary works or excavation
6. Use of electrical installations in an unsafe conditions or electrocution of any person
7. Person falling from a height of more than 2 meters due to unsafe working environment
8. Person working at height of more than 2 meters without fall prevention or arrest
9. Failure to maintain acceptable housekeeping, site tidiness, waste collection or waste disposal
10. Collapse of any crane or lifting equipment
11. Overturning of any mobile plant, equipment or vehicle on the Worksite
12.
Use of cranes, lifting appliances, mobile plant, equipment or vehicles by operators without
valid driving license and the related training certificate
13.
Use of cranes and lifting appliances without valid 3rd party inspection / test certificate
14. Person entering into a confined space without a permit to work
15.
Failure to provide safe access and egress at the Worksite and to the surround residential
area
16.
Failure to provide and maintain proper welfare facilities , first aid box / kits and notice / sign
board
17.
Failure to plan and implement fire prevention and firefighting arrangements considering level
of risks, type of work, sufficient quantity of fire extinguisher, escapes, signage, escape routes
etc
18. Failure to posses and/or follow 'Permit to Work' system
19.
Permitting Contractor Personnel or Subcontractor's employees to enter the Worksite without
proper PPE and clear identification
20.
Failure to conduct emergency drills at periods not exceeding 3 months throughout the
duration of the Work
21.
Failure to notify the relevant authority of an incident or failure to provide an incident report to
the relevant authority in a timely manner
22.
Failure to provide an accurate monthly OHS report or failure to provide a monthly OHS report
in a timely manner
23.
Failure to hold a monthly OHS committee meeting or failure to provide the OHS committee
meeting minutes in a timely manner
24. Failure to attend meetings or other events related to OHS issues organised by the Employer
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1.1.2.11 Health and safety questionnaire
1 The Contractor shall assess the level of knowledge of employees to ensure that they have
the understanding and skills to undertake a work activity.
2 Well informed and safety-conscious employees are a key part of health and safety. Before
they progress further, the following 20 questions should be carefully read and answered by
employees, preferably in writing. At the end of their training or induction, employees should
be asked the questions again. You, the Contractor, will then be able to compare the level of
their knowledge after studying with the level it was before.
3 If you critically assess the answers you will gain an insight into your employees' need for
further training and instruction.
4 Are you playing your part? Check against these questions.
(a) Are you aware that your company has a health and safety policy?
(b) Have you read your company's health and safety policy?
(c) Have you been trained to do the job you do or to operate the plant, machinery or tools
you use?
(d) Do you know who your Safety Representative is or who will represent you?
(e) Do you know the procedures to be followed if you have an accident?
(f) Are you aware of the first aid arrangements at your place of work?
(g) Do you know where to get first aid?
(h) Do you know where the accident book is kept?
(i) Would you know what to do if there was a fire at your workplace?
(j) Do you know how to raise the alarm in the event of fire?
(k) Do you know the colour coding that is used for fire extinguishers?
(l) Are you aware of any potentially harmful substances in your place of work?
(m) Are you familiar with the identification symbols displayed on the containers of harmful
and dangerous substances?
(n) Do you use correct manual handling techniques when moving or lifting loads?
(o) Have you been issued with all the necessary personal protective equipment?
(p) Are you fully aware of the hazards and risks in your job?
(q) Are you aware of the health and safety rules applying to your job?
(r) Do you know what you should do if you discover a potential risk to health and safety?
(s) Can you identify a 'confined space'? Are you aware of the potential hazards confined
spaces may present?
(t) Are you aware of your company's Permit to Work system, if they have one?
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1.1.2.12 Points to consider on implementing of health and safety
1 The following points can be used to stimulate thoughts and ideas whilst developing health
and safety systems.
2 If you read them through and think about them carefully, there are many 'pearls of wisdom'
that you can adapt to your circumstances.
(a) No one is accident-prone, they are just badly trained; or perhaps they are the wrong
person doing the wrong thing in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(b) No one wants accidents - not clients, not Contractors, and most of all not employees.
(c) Safety culture in a company is when people act and behave safely even when no one
is looking.
(d) Personal protective equipment, however good it is, is no substitute for a proper safe
system of work.
(e) Hazards and risks! Eliminate the hazard (the thing that can cause harm) and you can
forget about the risk (the chance of an accident occurring) forever.
(f) Fire destroys property and jobs. Safe systems of work and safe people prevent fires.
(g) Compliance with these Regulations gives a minimum standard. Do you personally
accept minimum standards?
(h) A safety policy cannot stop ill health or accidents, but the people who put the policy
into practice certainly can.
(i) First aid. If you can check the heart and the breathing, and stop the bleeding you
might save a life. If you can't, then you won't.
(j) In safety, good luck is planning meeting opportunity. Bad luck is just bad
management.
(k) Compliance with rules does not mean that you are doing everything that is 'reasonably
practicable'.
(l) Compliance with a rule or a regulation is not in itself a risk assessment.
(m) You cannot insure against having an accident, it is just that the insurance company
eventually pays some of the costs.
(n) Accident statistics only really tell you just how often you got things wrong in the past.
(o) Good health and safety performance should not be especially praiseworthy - it should
be the expected norm.
(p) A conviction in a Qatar court of law for a health and safety offence will give you a
criminal record.
(q) The uninsured costs of an accident are always paid for out of profits, or they help
towards causing losses.
(r) Risk assessments. What's the hazard, what's the risk and what's the action?
(s) Actions speak louder than words. If managers act safely, then the employees will
follow the example.
(t) The three essentials for health and safety are: safe people, safe places, and safe
systems of work,
(u) If you know where you are as regards health and safety, then and only then, can you
decide where you want to go.
(v) Every accident is the visible, the very highly visible, face of failure. Safe performance
is the visible face of success.
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(w) If an employee said 'wouldn't it be a good idea if we sought further advice' I would
rather the Contractors said MAYBE than NO.
(x) If there is a system failure, don't just blame the system, do something about it.
(y) Who? What? Why? Where? And how? Are all very good questions to ask when doing
risk assessments?
(z) “I'm alright. I've never had an accident yet”, are very famous last words.
(aa) There is no such thing as an accident. Someone, somewhere, sometime did
something to cause it.
(bb) Safety has to start at the top; then, and only then, will it percolate down to everyone
else.
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Occupational Health and Safety – Construction Site Safety
1.1.3 Safety Policies
1.1.3.1 Key points
1 This Regulatory Document requires every Contractor to have a policy on how health and
safety will be managed within the company.
2 The policy must explain how matters of health and safety will be organised within the
company and the arrangements that the company has put in place for implementing the
policy.
3 The policy should be periodically reviewed to ensure that it is still current, and amended
when necessary, with the content and changes made available to all employees.
4 ‘Off the shelf’’ health and safety policies, obtained from third parties are unlikely to contain
sufficient company-specific content.
1.1.3.2 Introduction
1 A general statement of health and safety policy is the way in which a company sets out its
intention to manage health and safety. It will vary from one company to another. There is no
such thing as a 'standard' health and safety policy, as a company's policy must be clearly
and directly related to its own operations.
2 It is common for companies to obtain policies via the internet or purchase them from third
parties. These are generic, rarely reflect the type of work that is carried out and may lead a
company into a false sense of security.
3 The content of the 'organisation' and 'arrangements' sections of the policy is specific to each
company. If a generic policy is used it is quite likely that there will be serious omissions in its
content and therefore in the way the health and safety is managed. Each company's policy
must be based upon its own work activities, management and organisational structure, and
staff competencies.
4 The act of compiling a health and safety policy, will focus the Contractor or senior member of
staff to whom the Job is delegated on the day-to-day management of health and safety
issues.
5 This will help them to become aware of shortcomings, duplications of effort and requirements
for certain competences, which can then be rectified.
6 Evidence shows that companies with a well-structured and properly implemented health and
safety policy, together with the organisation and arrangements for putting the policy into
effect, have much better overall health and safety performance.
7 It is through the ongoing development of a company's health and safety policy that
shortcomings can be identified and procedures put in place to help eliminate common
causes of accidents and reverse this unenviable record.
8 A comprehensive and accurate health and safety policy is the basis of an effective
management system.
9 There is no difference in the standard of protection required during a house extension
compared to that for a major construction project; what is likely to differ is the complexity of
the management system.
10 Health and safety, and the provision of proper welfare facilities, are crucial to the proper
running of any building, construction or civil engineering project. They are not an add-on, an
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extra or an afterthought, but should be integrated with the normal day-by-day activities of
project planning, tendering and management.
1.1.3.3 Competent contractor
1 Contractors must be able to demonstrate how they effectively manage health and safety. If
the company cannot demonstrate competence in health and safety issues, it may not be
invited to tender in the future. It is no longer acceptable to simply state that the company has
been in the industry for many years without experiencing an accident.
2 Generally, this Regulatory Document (Regulations) requires Contractors to provide for their
employees a place of work that is safe and where risks to health are properly controlled.
They are also required to ensure that people who are not their employees are not exposed to
risks to their safety and health.
3 There should be a carefully planned and systematic approach to health and safety issues,
where all risks have been assessed and the appropriate control measures put into place.
4 Irrespective of size, a company must have a general statement of health and safety policy in
order to demonstrate to a client or to another contractor that it has committed itself to the
principles of health, safety and welfare.
5 A health and safety policy is a statement of how a company will, within its overall business
activities, manage health, safety and welfare for the benefit of its employees and all other
persons who may be affected by the company's operations.
6 These Regulations require that a safety policy should cover three distinct aspects:
(a) A general statement of the company's health and safety policy highlighting the
intent of the Contractors to have high standards of health and safety in the company,
including what they intend to achieve and how they will achieve it.
(b) The organisation within the company for the effective maintenance and
implementation of the health and safety management system.
(c) The arrangements for the effective implementation and ongoing monitoring of the
health and safety management system.
1.1.3.4 Section 1 - The statement of policy
1 The statement of policy should demonstrate a clear commitment to health and safety from
senior management by declaring how the company intends to manage health, safety and
welfare matters in relation to employees and other persons.
2 It should specifically state the name of, and be signed by, the person responsible for health
and safety, who should be the managing director or another director to whom responsibility
has been delegated. The policy should be reviewed at least every twelve months and a new
copy signed, dated and displayed to demonstrate that it is a live document.
3 There should be a declaration that the necessary resources will be provided to ensure the
health and safety of all employees.
4 It is usual for the statement of policy to state the importance that the company places upon
the health and safety of its employees and what is required of them to achieve the aims of
the policy. It should also clearly state that all employees will be informed of the contents of
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the health and safety policy and that they will be consulted about its application.
5 An example of a General Statement of Health and Safety Policy for a medium-sized
Contractor is given in Appendix 1.
1.1.3.5 Section 2 - Organisation
1 This part of the document should:
(a) identify those people within the company who have specific health and safety
responsibilities, including the person who has ultimate responsibility for health and
safety
(b) outline the methods by which health and safety procedures and other health and
safety issues will be communicated
(c) explain the methods by which the effectiveness of the health and safety management
system will be measured, reviewed and updated where necessary.
2 The section must clearly state 'who has to do what' in terms of health and safety. For
example, it might say that the Contracts Manager will receive information from the Site
Manager about accidents, how the results of investigations into those accidents will be
managed, and that the Contracts Manager will notify the Administrative Authority when
necessary.
3 It should also detail how health and safety information is to be discussed with and brought to
the attention of employees, especially those with specific duties highlighted within the
document.
4 It is important to remember that once this information is written down, if there is a serious
accident, it will be used in court by the Administrative Authority (Administrative Authority).
This means people need to be aware of their responsibilities, and have the competence to
carry them out.
1.1.3.6 Section 3 - Arrangements
1 This part of the health and safety policy should clearly show the specific arrangements that a
company has put in place for managing health and safety during its normal work activities. It
should also detail how emergency situations and any other incidents would be handled both
from a management and a site perspective.
2 One area for consideration is for companies to indicate how they compile risk assessments
and develop safe systems of work. The arrangements in place in relation to compliance with
the Construction (Design and Management) CDM Regulations (see Section 1.1.8 of the
Regulatory Document) can should also be detailed to demonstrate how compliance with
CDM is achieved.
3 The development of the arrangements section is likely to evolve over a period of time and, to
an extent, reflect the findings of the company's risk assessments. It should encompass who
is responsible, as well as what they will do and when and how they will achieve it. This
section should:
(a) explain how the need for (health and safety) competencies and training are
established and satisfied and, if necessary, what interim measures will be put in place
whilst shortcomings exist.
(b) outline the means by which health and safety consultation with the workforce will be
achieved including, as necessary, reference to management and safety
representatives and safety committees.
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(c) explain the procedures for ensuring that sub-contractors have a satisfactory health
and safety management system and exhibit safe working practices on site.
(d) list the areas of risk and identify the person who is responsible for managing each risk.
4 Some of the elements that might need to be addressed are:
Site activities
5 Hot works
6 Piling
7 Electricity
8 Gas
9 Noise
10 Vibration
11 Confined spaces
12 Protection of the public
13 Authorisation for the use of plant and equipment
14 Asbestos
15 Lone working
16 Machine guarding
17 Portable hand-tool testing
18 Manual handling
19 Working at heights
20 Roofing
21 Scaffolding
22 Ladders
23 Cradles
24 MEWPs
25 Excavations
26 Hazardous substances
27 Working in occupied premises
28 Any trade-specific items e.g. loading and unloading plant.
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Administration procedures
29 Emergency procedures
30 First aid
31 Fire
32 Means of escape
33 Accident reporting
34 Welfare facilities
35 Employee consultation
36 Monitoring procedures for the effectiveness of health and safety procedures.
37 The arrangements section of the policy must demonstrate clearly how the company plans to
carry out its work activities and should identify all the specific site risks associated with them.
This Regulatory Document (Regulations) requires that Contractors give their employees all
the information, instruction, training and supervision that is necessary to ensure their health
and safety. However, on small works of short duration or emergency repairs, detailed preplanning
may not be possible. Employees may be sent to a client's premises or a customer's
house at very short notice. This type of work may create a number of problems for
employees, including the need for a short notice or on-site 'risk assessment', and the
arrangements section of the company health and safety policy must cater for this type of
eventuality.
38 The arrangements section of the policy should also cover the situation where a manager is
unable to visit a possible work site whilst tendering or preparing a quotation for a job, but
instead sends an estimator. In this case the estimator must be trained to assess the health
and safety risks of the work, and to record the work to be done and the risk control measures
necessary.
39 These notes should indicate all possible hazards, working height, obstructions, plant and
equipment required. Detailed risk assessments can then be carried out and the associated
method statements developed. This will allow for employees to be properly instructed on or
informed about the work that they are to do.
40 Managing health and safety on a large site offers certain challenges, but it is normally far
easier than dealing with a large number of minor works. This is purely down to the level of
supervision and control that can be put in place.
41 There is a certain irony that typically it is the smallest and probably least resourced
organisations that have the biggest challenges in terms of developing management systems.
1.1.3.7 Updating of safety policies
1 This Regulatory Document (Regulations) requires Contractors to revise their safety policies
'as often as may be appropriate'.
2 Changes in the type of work carried out and changes in staff will also give rise to the need
for a review of the policy. In addition, the policy should be regularly reviewed to ensure that it
stays meaningful and relevant to the company's overall operations.
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1.1.3.8 Communication
1 Contractors are legally required to bring their health and safety policy and any subsequent
revisions to it, to the notice of all employees. CDM emphasises the need for consultation with
the people who carry out the work. Communicating the health and safety policy is a good
way of doing this.
2 The only way to find out if the requirements of the policy are realistic and workable is to talk
to the people who have to comply with them in the workplace.
1.1.3.9 Construction (Design and Management) CDM
1 Under the CDM regulations (Section 1.1.8), the client is responsible for ensuring all
contractors are competent.
2 The Engineer is appointed by the Client to advise and assist the client with his task and shall
formally assess the competence of the Contractor, if requested.
3 Part of this assessment process must be a review and critical examination of the contractor's
health and safety policy
4 CDM requires that companies bidding for work will compile a 'competence pack' to show
how their policies, organisation and arrangements meet the stipulated core criteria for
competency demonstration in implementing and managing health and safety.
5 The appendix to this section contains a suggested layout of a health and safety policy for a
medium-sized company carrying out small building works. Not all of it will be relevant to
some companies and, conversely, it may not contain specific content that some companies
require.
6 For most companies, the General Statement of Health and Safety Policy should fit onto one
page of A4 paper. The organisation and arrangements sections will be longer depending on
the size of the company and the type of work that is carried out. Overall, the final document
should be a clear indication to clients, employees and other interested parties such as the
Administrative Authority that the company is honestly, openly and totally committed to the
proper and effective management of all aspects of health, safety and welfare.
1.1.3.10 The business case
1 In addition to the legal considerations, for example, compliance with this Regulatory
Document, there are very strong economic and social drivers for a robust health and safety
policy and its proper implementation. The economic argument is that if there are fewer
accidents on site and no occupational ill health, more employees will be at work, rather than
off sick. This means improved business continuity with a greater prospect of completing
projects on time, to budget and to the satisfaction of the client.
2 The social argument is similar. Clients and customers are far more likely to place business
with a company who they see is behaving with integrity, and taking proper care of the health,
safety and welfare of their employees and others who might be affected by the activities of
the company.
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1.1.3 Appendix 1
GENERAL STATEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
1 The Contractor will comply with his duties in order to provide a safe and healthy working
environment for its employees and others affected by its activities. It will take positive action
to ensure that other contractors' employees, occupiers of premises, and members of the
public do not have their health and safety adversely affected by the work operations of the
company. The only acceptable standard of health and safety, and for welfare facilities, will be
full and proper compliance with the requirements of legislation. Where it is possible and
practical to do so, the company will exceed the minimum requirements of the Qatar
Regulatory Document (Regulations).
2 The company will seek to ensure that each company with whom it contracts or subcontracts
aspires to a similar high standard of health and safety management.
3 In recognition of the importance that this company places on the engagement and wellbeing
of its employees, the company will:
(a) consult, on health and safety matters, with its employees and others who may work
under its control to ensure that the arrangements for health and safety management
are practical to implement and effective
(b) as far as is reasonably practicable, fully and effectively control the health and safety
risks arising from its work activities, in co-operation with employees, other contractors,
clients and other relevant parties
(c) ensure that accident and ill health prevention is provided the highest priority,
commensurate with business objectives, within all company operations
(d) investigate lapses in health and/or safety performance and implement remedial
actions to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, their recurrence
(e) provide and ensure that all plant and equipment owned, used or hired by the company
is appropriate, safe to use and properly maintained, inspected and tested
(f) ensure that all equipment, materials and substances used by the company are
appropriate for their intended use and used, handled and stored safely
(g) ensure that all employees are provided with adequate supervisory training, information
and instructions to competently carry out their work activities
(h) ensure that all working places are maintained in a safe and healthy condition
(i) provide adequate resources, including sufficient finance, and access to competent
health and safety advice, to achieve the aims of this policy
(j) review and revise this policy statement at regular intervals and also where necessary
due to changes in the company activities.
Signed:.......................................................... Designation: ......................................................................
Date: ............................................................. Review Date: ....................................................................
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ORGANISATION FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT
4 The table below can be used to record the area of responsibilities with respect to the
organisation for implementation of the policy.
5 First column: Description of the area of responsibility the overall and final responsibility for
ensuring that the health and safety policy is properly implemented and that the health and
safety standards are achieved and maintained.
6 Second column: Include the contact details of those with the identified responsibility (In
addition to the person(s) named in the arrangements section of this policy) to ensure that
health and safety standards are achieved, maintained and improved.
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY POSITION or NAME
Contractors
The person responsible for vetting the health and
safety procedures and past health and safety
performance of contractors who bid for contracts,
is:
The person with responsibility for approving the
inclusion of each contractor on to the approved list
of contractors is:
Health and safety management
The person responsible for the management and
updating of the health and safety management
system is:
The person responsible for monitoring the day-today
standards of health and safety, and instigating
improvements where necessary, is:
? at the company offices:
? on each site:
The person responsible for compiling and
communicating health and safety information to
each site is:
The person responsible for compiling and
comparing year-on-year health and safety accident
statistics is:
The person responsible for ensuring that the
statutory inspections of plant, equipment and
places of work are carried out, and that certificates
are obtained and displayed where appropriate, is:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Health and safety procedures
The person responsible for ensuring the adequacy
of the scope and the accuracy of all health and
safety procedures is:
To effectively discharge this duty they will:
? monitor the adequacy of existing health and
safety procedures
? develop new health and safety procedures as
necessary
? maintain the currency of all health and safety
procedures
? communicate any change to any health and
safety procedure and the publication of new
health and safety procedure to all users.
Liaison with senior management
The person responsible for keeping senior
management informed of day-to-day health and
safety performance of the company is:
The person responsible for informing senior
management of any event which has attracted the
attention of the Administrative Authority:
The person responsible for submitting the annual
health and safety report to senior management is:
Liaison with external agencies
The person who is the contact for any enquiries
from the Administrative Authority is:
The person responsible for reporting reportable
accidents and other reportable events to the
Administrative Authority is:
The person responsible for liaising with the fire and
rescue service about onsite hazards or hazardous
work activities is:
Worker consultation
The person responsible for ensuring that an
effective system of worker consultation is
maintained is:
The person responsible for ensuring effective
worker consultation at site level is:
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Health and safety risks arising from work activities
7 The control of the risks associated with the work done by the company can only be achieved
by the proper use of risk assessments. Risk assessments will be carried out for all work
done by the company. They will be reviewed at regular intervals.
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY POSITION or NAME
Accidents
The company will investigate accidents as
necessary to establish their root cause and prevent
recurrence. The investigation will be proportional to
the seriousness of the event and its likely
implications.
The person responsible for ensuring that all
accidents are properly recorded in the accident
book is:
? at the company offices:
? on each site:
The person responsible for investigating the causes
of accidents and suggesting or implementing
remedial action is:
? at the company offices:
? on each site:
The person responsible for ensuring that completed
accident records are securely stored at the
company offices is:
Asbestos
The company will investigate the possible presence
of asbestos within its office premises and on the
sites that it operates and if asbestos is found to be
present, will properly manage it and record its
presence in the asbestos register.
The person responsible for the management of the
presence of asbestos is:
? at the company offices:
? on each site:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Competency
The company will provide induction training and
job-specific training for all employees to ensure that
they are fully competent to carry out the work that is
required of them.
The person responsible for assessing competency
requirements and identifying shortcomings is;
Competent health and safety advice
The company accepts that there will be occasions
where expert health and safety advice is needed for
dealing with matters outside the company's normal
scope of work. On such occasions the responsibility
for raising awareness of the need for competent
health and safety advice lies with:
The responsibility for engaging competent health
and safety advice lies with:
Consultation with employees
The company will endeavour to fully and effectively
consult its employees on matters of health and
safety in such a way that upward feedback will be
welcomed, evaluated and acted upon where
appropriate.
Employees' health and safety representatives who
will provide two-way communication between
management and employees are:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Electrical safety
The company will endeavour to manage its work
activities so that no employee is put at risk by
electricity.
The following persons are responsible for their
respective areas of electrical safety:
? Check for hidden services:
? Check for underground services:
? Office installation inspection and testing:
? On-site installation inspection and testing:
? The management of risk from overhead
cables:
Emergency procedures - fire and evacuation
The company will endeavour to ensure that no
person is put at risk from the outbreak of fire. Fire
risks will be addressed by a risk-based fire and
evacuation plan for the company offices and one for
each site.
Fire and evacuation plans will be drafted (and
amended as necessary) by:
? at the company offices:
? on each site:
Deciding upon the range fire fighting appliances
required and suitable locations for them is the
responsibility of:
? at the company offices:
? on each site:
Arranging for the annual maintenance of fire
fighting appliances is the responsibility of:
Arranging for the maintenance of fire alarms (where
fitted) is the responsibility of:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Emergency procedures - fire and evacuation
(continued)
Initiating and monitoring the effectiveness of office
emergency evacuation (fire drills) is the
responsibility of:
Initiating and monitoring the effectiveness of on-site
emergency evacuation (fire drills) is the
responsibility of:
Arranging for the training of selected employees in
the use of fire fighting appliances is the
responsibility of:
Excavations and confined spaces
The company will endeavour to organise work
activities to eliminate or reduce the occasions when
employees (or others) must enter an excavation or
confined space. When entry into an excavation or
confined space cannot be avoided, the company
will ensure that the work is carried out in a safe
manner by competent persons.
The person responsible for developing safe
systems of work, including rescue procedures, for
working in excavations or confined spaces is:
The person responsible for carrying out, or
arranging, the training of employees to work in
excavations and/or confined spaces is:
The person responsible for ensuring the attendance
of a rescue team during confined space working
and their training is:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
First aid, accidents and work-related ill health
The company will provide sufficient trained first-aid
staff and first-aid equipment to provide adequate
cover at all places where company employees are
working or make arrangements to share the first-aid
arrangements made by others.
First-aid box(es) will be provided at the following
locations:
Office:
On site:
Trained first aiders or appointed persons work at
the following locations:
Office:
On site:
Maintaining and replenishing the first-aid box(es)
will be the responsibility of:
These people are:
Induction and further training
The company will ensure that each employee
receives an adequate initial induction into the
company and further information, instruction and
training to enable them to work without risks to the
health or safety of any person.
The person responsible for ensuring the effective
health and safety induction into the company of
new employees is:
The person responsible for carrying out, or
arranging for, the induction of new persons on site
is:
The person responsible for carrying out the
induction of office-based staff is:
The person responsible for compiling and updating
the training record of each member of staff is:
The person responsible for establishing the need
for the additional training of any individual is:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Induction and further training (continued)
The person responsible for carrying out, or
arranging, the additional training of any individual,
including delivering toolbox talks, is:
Training records:
will be kept at:
by:
The person responsible for ensuring that
employees working at locations under the control of
other contractors (Contractors) are given relevant
health and safety information and supervision is:
Supervision of young workers or trainees will be
arranged, undertaken and monitored by:
Manual handling
The company will endeavour to take all necessary
measures to ensure that no employee is injured as
a result of a manual handling activity.
The person responsible for ensuring that
employees are trained in the correct manual
handling techniques, and that these techniques are
applied, is:
Monitoring the health and safety policy
The company will periodically audit the
effectiveness of its health and safety management
system, in particular adherence to this policy.
Audits will be carried out by:
at the company offices:
on each site:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Noise
The company will ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that the hearing of no employee is
damaged as a result of exposure to noise at work.
Where necessary, noise assessments will be
carried out to protect employees from hearing
damage. The person responsible for arranging such
assessments is:
Where the noise survey indicates a noise level of
80 db(A) (lower exposure action value), ear
protection will be provided by:
Where the noise survey indicates a noise level of
85 db(A) (upper exposure action value):
the setting up of hearing protection zones and
ensuring that employees use the hearing
protection provided by the company will be the
responsibility of:
assessing the need for health surveillance and
arranging for it where necessary is the
responsibility of:
The person responsible for ensuring that no
employee is exposed to a noise level above 87
db(A) (exposure limit value) is:
Office safety
The company will ensure that all work conducted in
the company offices, including that of external
contractors, is carried out without risk to the health
or safety of any person.
The person responsible for general office health
and safety is:
The person responsible for carrying out display
screen workstation assessments is:
The person responsible for ensuring that work in
company offices by external contractors is carried
out without risk to the health or safety is:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Permits to Work
The company will ensure that where appropriate all
potentially hazardous work activities are carried out
under a Permit to Work system and that the system
is robustly developed and monitored.
The person responsible for determining whether or
not any particular work activity should be carried
out under a Permit to Work is:
The person responsible for raising, co-ordinating
and closing Permits to Work is:
The person responsible for training, or arranging
the training, of employees who will have to work
under any form of Permit to Work is:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The company will organise, so far as is reasonably
practicable, its work activities in such a way that the
use of PPE is not necessary. However, when it is
deemed that PPE must be used, the company will
ensure that appropriate PPE is provided and that
adequate training in its use and maintenance is
provided.
The person responsible for ensuring that all PPE
provided by the company is suitable, issued free of
charge, and maintains an issue log, is:
The person responsible for ensuring that
employees are instructed in the proper use of PPE
and ensuring that it is used where needed is:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Plant and equipment
The company will ensure that all plant and
equipment is suitable for its intended use, well
maintained, inspected/examined where appropriate
and operators are trained in its proper use.
Identifying appropriate items of plant which must be
hired or bought is the responsibility of:
Ensuring the continued serviceability and fitness for
purpose of all plant and equipment is the
responsibility of:
Monitoring the requirement for routine servicing,
testing, maintenance inspections and statutory
examinations for all plant is the responsibility of:
Identifying the need for and arranging the training
for plant and equipment operators is the
responsibility of:
Any employee discovering a defect in, or other
problem associated with, an item of plant or
equipment should report the facts to:
Risk assessments / method statements
The company will carry out suitable and sufficient
risk assessments to cover all of its work activities.
Pre-start site risk assessments will be undertaken
and recorded by:
Risk assessments for site-based activities will be
reviewed at appropriate intervals and revised as
necessary by:
Risk assessments for the company's office-based
work activities will be carried out, recorded and
reviewed at suitable intervals by:
Method statements for site-based activities will be
compiled where appropriate and reviewed or
revised as necessary by:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Safe handling and use of substances (COSHH)
The company will ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that hazardous substances are
handled, transported, used and stored in such a
manner that the health of no person is harmed by
their presence.
All substances which require a COSHH
assessment will be identified by:
COSHH assessments will be undertaken, reviewed
and amended as necessary by:
The implementation and monitoring of all actions
from COSHH assessments will be checked by:
Providing at-risk employees with appropriate
information from COSHH assessments is the
responsibility of:
at the company offices:
on each site:
Arranging for the safe disposal of residues and
empty containers, is the responsibility of:
Where necessary, health surveillance will be
arranged by:
Transport
The company will ensure that it operates its
transport in a way that does not put the safety of
any person at risk.
Where it is necessary to transport staff or materials
by vehicle, either on or off site, the person
responsible for ensuring that proper procedures are
followed is:
The person responsible for ensuring that all
company vehicles are maintained in a legal,
roadworthy and otherwise safe condition is:
The person responsible for ensuring that workrelated
road risks are properly managed is:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Vibration
The company will ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that the health of no person is put at
risk as a result of exposure to vibration resulting
from the company's work activities.
Where necessary, expert advice on vibration will be
given or arranged by:
The person responsible for implementing
organisational and engineering controls, to control
vibration at source or reduce exposure, is:
The person responsible for monitoring employees'
exposure to vibration on site and taking the
appropriate actions, is:
The person responsible for ensuring that
appropriate actions are taken if the level of personal
exposure reaches the 'exposure action value' or the
'exposure limit value' is:
The person responsible for assessing the need for
health surveillance and arranging for it to be carried
out, where necessary, is:
Welfare facilities
The company will ensure that adequate and
suitable welfare facilities are provided (or made
available) for all staff.
The person responsible for ensuring that adequate
and suitable welfare facilities are provided or made
available is:
at the company offices:
on each site:
The person responsible for ensuring that welfare
facilities are maintained and kept in a clean and
order condition is:
at the company offices:
on each site:
Arrangements for shared welfare facilities will be
organised by:
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AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (continued) POSITION or NAME
Work at height
The company acknowledges that working at height
is a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities
and will therefore endeavour to ensure that where
such work cannot be avoided, it is carried out in a
safe manner.
The person responsible for deciding whether or not
work at height can be avoided is:
The person responsible for developing safe
methods of working at height is:
The person responsible for carrying out the
statutory inspections associated with the equipment
used for work at height, or arranging for them to be
carried out, is:
The person responsible for carrying out the
inspections of places of work at height, is:
The person responsible for ensuring that the
employees who will carry out work at height are
suitably and properly trained is:
Young persons in the workplace
The company will ensure that the health or safety of
young persons is not put at risk due to their
inexperience, curiosity, lack of hazard awareness or
physical limitations.
If one or more young persons are present in the
workplace, the person who will ensure that the risk
assessment is suitable and sufficient for their
presence is:
at the company offices:
on each site:
The person responsible for managing the presence
of young persons in the workplace is:
at the company offices:
on each site:
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Occupational Health and Safety – Construction Site Safety
1.1.4 Consultation with Employees
1.1.4.1 Key points
1 Employers, in particular Contractors have a duty to consult all their employees on matters of
health and safety.
2 Consultation must involve two-way communication - Contractors passing relevant health and
safety information to their employees and, conversely, seeking and encouraging the opinions
and views of employees where appropriate.
3 Effective Contractors / employee consultation is an essential tool in highlighting potential
problem areas, finding solutions and therefore maintaining a healthy and safe place of work.
4 Construction (Design and Management) CDM places a significantly increased emphasis on
consultation.
5 The needs of employees, and others, whose understanding of Arabic and/or English is below
average must be allowed for during the consultation process.
Note: Section 1, Part 6 of the QCS covers project meetings, Section 1, Part 17 covers project
coordination and Section 1, Part 18 covers contractors.
1.1.4.2 Introduction
1 Consulting employees on health and safety matters can be very important in creating and
maintaining a safe and healthy construction working environment.
2 By consulting employees, a Contractor should motivate staff and make them aware of health
and safety issues.
3 Businesses can become more efficient and reduce the number of accidents and work-related
illnesses.
4 Consultation involves Contractors not only giving information to employees, but also listening
to and taking account of employees’ opinions.
5 When an employee has raised a health and safety issue, it is essential that feedback is given
on any decision taken so that the employee can be confident that their suggestions are
considered and action taken where appropriate.
6 Where the need for consultation stems from changes to work practices, new work equipment
or changes in organisation, etc, it is essential that the Contractor consults with the workforce
at a sufficiently early stage to allow them to consider the implications and raise any queries.
7 Furthermore, there may be special considerations when carrying out consultation, such as to
establish the needs of particular individuals, for example taking into account the
requirements of employees with disabilities.
8 Every Contractor should, as part of their health and safety policy, have documented
arrangements in place which outline how effective consultation will be achieved.
9 Consultation cannot take place if there is a barrier to effective communication, such as one
of the parties having a limited understanding of Arabic and/or English, either spoken or
written. This is becoming an increasing challenge.
10 Those people on site who have a responsibility for consulting with the workforce must
identify any such barriers and determine ways in which they may be overcome, such as
adapting the means of communication or using interpreters. It is highly unlikely that the use
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of a Labour gangmaster as an interpreter would be judged to be an acceptable means of
consultation for the purpose of communicating health and safety information.
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1.1.4.3 Duty of the Contractors to consult
1 It is the duty of the Contractor to consult with their employees in good time on health and
safety matters. In particular:
(a) the introduction of any measure that will affect the health and safety of employees
(b) the arrangements for appointing or nominating the person(s) to assist the Contractors
in complying with this Qatar Regulatory Document (Regulations)
(c) the provision of relevant information as required under this Regulatory Document
(Regulations)
(d) any planning or organisation of training required by this Regulatory Document
(Regulations)
(e) the health and safety implications of the introduction of new technologies into the
Contractors' workplace.
1.1.4.4 Persons to be consulted
1 Contractors may consult directly with all their employees or through 'representatives of
employee safety' elected by a group of employees to represent them in health and safety
consultation with the Contractors.
2 The Contractors must provide employees with a list of names of representatives of employee
safety and the groups they are representing in the workplace.
3 In addition, the Contractors must inform employees of any changes in the form of
consultation, such as a move from dealing with representatives to directly consulting with
each employee.
4 Employee representatives must also inform the Contractors when they no longer represent a
group or groups of employees.
1.1.4.5 Provision of information
1 The Contractors must provide all such information as the employees may require in order for
them to participate fully in the consultation procedure. This will either be directly with all
employees or with the elected 'representatives of employee safety'.
2 This information may cover what the Contractors proposes to do in relation to health and
safety and includes giving the safety representatives an opportunity to express their views in
the light of the information provided. The Contractors shall take account of the safety
representatives' responses.
3 The issues the Contractors will consult on are:
(a) introduction of measures, at the workplace, which may substantially affect the health
and safety of the employees
(b) arrangements for obtaining or appointing the competent person to assist the
Contractors to comply with health and safety requirements
(c) information on risks to employees' health and safety and the measures taken to
remove or minimise them.
4 Specific areas include:
(a) emergency procedures
(b) first aid provision
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(c) display screen equipment
(d) manual handling
(e) noise
(f) asbestos
(g) work at height
(h) vibration management
(i) work equipment
(j) personal protective equipment
(k) CDM
1.1.4.6 Functions of the representative of employee safety
1 They may make representation on hazards, risks, dangerous occurrences, ill health and
general health and safety matters, particularly those that the Contractors has a duty on
which to consult.
1.1.4.7 Training, time off and the provision of facilities
1 The Contractors must provide the employee representative with appropriate and reasonable
training time and reasonable facilities to enable them to perform their functions.
2 This includes the Contractors meeting reasonable costs associated with training and time off
to perform the function.
3 The employee is also protected from unfair dismissal or from being otherwise penalised
when participating in consultation with Contractors on matters of health and safety in the
workplace.
1.1.4.8 Construction (Design and Management) CDM
1 The fundamental requirements under CDM, for competence, co-operation and co-ordination,
imply a need for consultation between the various parties working on a project, at all levels.
These requirements apply to all projects.
2 On all projects the CDM Regulations require that all contractors ensure that their workforce
is properly consulted on matters which could affect their health or safety.
3 CDM uses the term 'worker engagement' rather than 'consultation'.
4 Worker engagement requires contractors and others to actively engage their workforce in the
process of identifying and controlling risks as an essential part of accident and incident
reduction; 'one-way consultation' should be a thing of the past. For this process to work
successfully, the workforce must:
(a) be provided with a means of promptly reporting health, safety or welfare issues to a
site-based supervisor or manager
(b) have sufficient knowledge, gained through training where necessary, to appreciate
where health, safety and welfare issues exist
(c) have sufficient confidence, based upon their knowledge, to report suspected or known
unsafe situations
(d) be provided with feedback to ensure that the issue raised has been investigated and
corrective action taken where necessary.
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5 In doing this, the Contractor will have to take into account the diversity of the work being
carried out by the various contractors and self-employed people who will be on the project at
the same time, and the duration of their particular work activity.
6 In that respect, each contractor, sub-contractor and designer has legal duties under CDM to
consult amongst themselves regarding construction work and ongoing design, design
changes and they all have a legal duty to provide information needed for the future stages of
the project (post construction)..
1.1.4.9 The Management of Health and Safety at Work
1 These Regulations require Contractors to provide information to employees on the
arrangements for dealing with 'serious and imminent danger and danger areas'. The
information required is the nature of the hazard and the measures taken to protect the
employees from it.
2 In addition, Contractors must provide employees with comprehensible and relevant
information relating to:
(a) health and safety risks identified by the risk assessment process
(b) the preventative and protective measures established
(c) emergency procedures
(d) health and safety risks that have been notified to the Contractors.
1.1.4.10 Functions of the safety representative
Consultation with the Contractors Safety Representatives
1 These Regulations require every Contractor to consult with safety representatives with a
view to making and maintaining arrangements which will enable them and their employees to
co-operate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure health and safety at
work, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures. To achieve this, safety
representatives should encourage co-operation between the Contractors and employees.
2 They should use the established methods of communication within the workplace to keep
their members informed of matters affecting their health, safety and welfare at work.
3 Safety representatives will need to establish a close relationship with other appointed safety
representatives, including those appointed to develop a common approach to their
responsibility for the group or groups they represent.
Investigation and reporting of significant hazards and dangerous
occurrences
1 This function is placed on the safety representative on behalf of all employees. In practice
this means that the safety representative should bring to the Contractors notice
unsatisfactory conditions, working practices or arrangements which come to their attention
either during formal inspections or day-to-day observation.
2 Any such reports should normally be in writing. The report does not imply that all other
conditions and working practices are safe and healthy, or that the welfare arrangements are
satisfactory in all other respects. Making a written report should not preclude a direct oral
approach to (for example) the supervisor or shift leaders in situations where speedy remedial
action is necessary or where it can lead to an immediate resolution of the problem.
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3 It is important that the safety representative should have access to the Contractors
competent representative responsible for safety. Responsibilities for safety should be clearly
defined.
4 In order to fulfil their functions, safety representatives should keep themselves informed of
the particular hazards and risks of the workplace. They should also keep themselves
informed of the measures deemed necessary to eliminate or minimise the risks as set out in
the health and safety policy of their Contractors, as well as the organisational arrangements
for fulfilling that policy.
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Investigation of accidents in the workplace
5 Safety representatives should examine the causes of accidents at the workplace and make
representations to their Contractors on behalf of all employees they represent using
recording and reporting procedures like those outlined under 'Investigation and reporting of
significant hazards and dangerous occurrences' above.
Representation on general health and safety matters
6 Again, all employees should be represented and it is advised that similar recording and
reporting procedures are used.
Reception of complaints by employees
7 The function of the safety representative in this area is similar to that of a shop steward; so
the safety representative should ensure that there is no duplication of effort. It is advisable
that recording and reporting procedures as outlined previously are used.
Representation in consultation with the Administrative Authority
8 Where safety representatives have been appointed they will be the appropriate persons to
represent employees in any consultations with the Administrative Authority, or other
Administrative Authority.
Attendance at meetings of safety committees
9 Safety representatives should attend meetings of safety committees in their capacity as
safety representatives in connection with any of their statutory functions.
Inspections of the workplace
10 These may occur in four distinct situations:
(a) on a regular basis
(b) after a substantial change in conditions of work
(c) after a notifiable accident, dangerous occurrence or contraction of a notifiable disease
(d) after remedial action has been taken.
On a regular basis
11 Safety representatives are entitled to inspect the workplace, or part of it, at least every three
months. However, there may be special circumstances in which safety representatives and
their Contractors may wish to agree a different frequency of inspections for different areas or
sectors of the workplace, for example, where there is an especially high risk or in rapidly
changing circumstances. In all instances, agreement should be reached with the Contractors
on the frequency of inspections.
12 Safety representatives must give Contractors reasonable notice in writing of their intention to
carry out an inspection.
13 It is preferable that the Contractors and the safety representative should plan a programme
of formal inspections in advance. This will fulfil the conditions as to notice. Variations in this
planned programme should be subject to agreement.
14 There are advantages in formal inspections being jointly carried out by the Contractors or a
representative and the safety representative, but this should not prevent safety
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representatives from carrying out independent investigations or having private discussions
with employees.
15 The number of safety representatives taking part in any one formal inspection should be
agreed by the safety representatives and the Contractors in the light of particular
circumstances and the nature of the inspection.
16 At large workplaces it may be impracticable to conduct a formal inspection of the entire
workplace at a single session. In these circumstances, arrangements may be agreed for the
inspection to be broken down into manageable units. It may also be appropriate, as part of
the planned programme, for different groups of safety representatives to carry out
inspections in different parts of the workplace. This can be either simultaneously or at
different times, but it should be in such a manner as to ensure complete coverage before the
next round of formal inspections becomes due.
17 The inspection may take various forms and the type to be carried out will be for the safety
representative to agree with the Contractors.
18 Several types of inspection which, on their own or in combination, will over a period of time
be appropriate:
(a) Safety auditing - systematic checking of every aspect of the company's operations.
(b) Safety sampling - systematic sampling of the hazardous activities, processes or areas.
(c) Safety surveys - general inspections of all work activities, processes or areas.
(d) Safety tours - general inspections of the workplace.
19 Safety representatives should record their findings and notify the Contractors of particulars.
After a substantial change in conditions of work
20 An inspection may take place after a substantial change in the conditions of work, or new
and relevant information concerning hazards in the workplace has been published.
After a notifiable accident, dangerous occurrence or contraction of a notifiable
disease
21 When there has been a notifiable accident or dangerous occurrence in a workplace or a
notifiable disease has been contracted, safety representatives may carry out an inspection of
the part of the workplace concerned and, so far as is necessary for the purposes of
determining the cause, may inspect any other part of the workplace.
22 Where inspections are carried out, it must be safe for the inspection to be carried out and it
must be in the interests of employees in the group or groups which safety representatives
are appointed to represent.
23 Where it is reasonably practicable to do so, the Contractors, or their representative, should
be notified of the safety representative's intention to carry out such an inspection.
24 It may be necessary, following an accident or dangerous occurrence, for the Contractors to
take urgent steps to safeguard against further hazards. If the Contractors do this, they
should notify the safety representative of the action taken and accompany this in writing.
25 The inspection must not interfere with any evidence or the testing of any machinery, plant,
equipment or substance which could disturb or destroy the factual evidence before a
Workplace Inspector from the appropriate Administrative Authority has had the opportunity to
investigate the circumstances of the accident or occurrence.
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After remedial action has been taken
26 Where remedial action has been taken by the Contractors and the safety representative has
been notified in writing, the representative should be given the opportunity to make any
necessary re-inspection in order to satisfy themselves that the matter(s) notified have
received appropriate attention. They should also be given the opportunity to record their
views. It is advisable that a formal procedure is used.
27 Any remedial actions that are subsequently taken should be publicised throughout the
workplace via the normal channels of communication and should be brought to the specific
attention of the safety committee.
Inspection of documents
28 Safety representatives are entitled to inspect and take copies of any documents which the
Contractors is required to keep, by virtue of any statutory provision, relevant to the workplace
or to the employees represented.
29 The safety representatives must give a Contractor reasonable notice of their intention to
inspect and take copies of documents.
30 In exercising this right, safety representatives should have regard to the circumstances and
allow the Contractors a reasonable period of time. However, the Contractors must ensure
access to the documents.
31 The only exception is documents consisting of, or relating to, any health record of an
identifiable individual, unless the individual concerned has given their approval.
1.1.4.11 Provision of facilities
1 In addition to the facilities which Contractors must provide for inspections and consultations,
the Contractors must provide whatever assistance may be reasonable in the circumstances.
2 Note: Throughout these Regulations, reference is made to the facilities that the Contractors
have to provide to the safety representative. All parties should clearly understand that the
facilities should be reasonable, allowing representatives to effectively fulfil their functions.
The necessary facilities should be discussed and agreed on by all concerned.
1.1.4.12 Establishment of safety committees
1 Consultation about forming a safety committee should cover membership, function,
procedures and the meeting programme of the committee, and take into account start and
finish dates of the contractors who will work on the project.
2 Once the committee has been established, the Contractors must post a notice stating the
composition and the workplace to be covered by its activities.
1.1.4.13 Objectives and functions
1 The committee should be concerned with all relevant aspects of health, safety and welfare in
the workplace.
2 It should draw up objectives and agreed terms of reference. These might include:
(a) study of accidents, dangerous occurrences, disease statistics and trends
(b) examination of safety audits and other inspection reports
(c) consideration of reports and factual information from the enforcing authorities
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(d) reports which safety representatives may wish to submit
(e) development of safety procedures and safe systems of work
(f) effectiveness of the safety content of employee training
(g) adequacy of safety and health communication and publicity in the workplace
(h) the provision of a link with the appropriate enforcing authorities' inspectors
(i) the appropriate input into risk assessments, etc.
1.1.4.14 Membership
1 The number of management representatives should not exceed the number of employee
representatives. Management representatives should be drawn from all levels of
management and supervision, bearing in mind the needs of all contractors. In some
instances, safety experts may be co-opted.
1.1.4.15 Conduct
1 The frequency of meetings will depend on the nature of the workplace, and prior consultation
should take place.
2 It is advisable that meeting programmes should be arranged with agendas and minutes, and
that these should be published and freely available.
3 It is particularly important that the standing of the committee in relation to management
representatives and safety representatives is clearly defined and that procedures for
reaching decisions are understood.
1.1.4.16 Employment protection
1 A safety representative or other employee cannot be dismissed for drawing the attention of a
Contractor to genuine health and safety concerns.
Construction Site Safety
1.1.4 Appendix 1
Examples of information sought from Contractors
1 Information sought from Contractors on health and safety matters might be such as is
detailed under the following headings. The list should not be taken as exhaustive.
General safety
2 Information relating to safety, health and welfare, such as:
(a) who the Contractors makes responsible for safety at the office, depot or site; and
where that person can be contacted
(b) the health and safety policy of the Contractors and the organisation, and the
arrangements for implementing the policy
(c) a list of members of any health and safety committees and a list of other safety
representatives within the company or on site
(d) the specific responsibilities of individual managers and supervisors for health and
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safety in the company and on site.
(e) Details of existing procedures for:
(f) the health, safety and welfare of the workforce and the established procedures for
consultation and negotiation
(g) the issue, maintenance and replacement of any personal protective clothing and
equipment
(h) obtaining first aid treatment
(i) statutory inspections of the workplace, regular inspections and safety drills
(j) warning notices and signs to be posted around the workplace and any signals which
need to be made during the working day
(k) accident reporting and investigation
(l) dealing with unsafe acts and conditions at the workplace, including working with
hazardous materials.
Training of young people
3 Information relating to the health, safety, welfare and training of young people, such as:
(a) induction training, the general training methods to be implemented and the facilities
available for that training and how they are to be used
(b) the people responsible for training and the safety content of on- and off-the-job
training
(c) the provision of specific safety training for certain tasks and activities undertaken
within the workplace
(d) who sets and monitors the required safety standards in training
(e) the records to be kept to indicate what training has been received; where those
records are kept and by whom.
Training of adult workers
4 Details of training related to the health, safety and welfare of adult workers, such as:
(a) the type of training available both on- and off-the-job and the duration of that training
(b) the training available and given to skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled people
(c) the extent to which retraining includes health and safety instruction
(d) the methods of training which are currently being used
(e) the arrangements for ensuring the effectiveness of the training given to workers whose
first language is Arabic and/or English, for whatever reason, have a lower than
average level of understanding of Arabic and/or English.
Training managers and specialists
5 Details of training related to health, safety and welfare of training managers and specialists,
which is given when:
(a) any new work methods, equipment or materials are introduced into the company's
operations
(b) any new standards or legislation are introduced which affect the company's operations
(c) the existing knowledge and skills of the workforce are inadequate to meet the
requirements of the job.
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The company's organisation and activities
6 General information on health, safety and welfare related to the company's organisation and
activities, such as:
(a) the organisation, structure and specific site organisation
(b) the numbers of personnel employed for each of the categories of skills employed and
of the specialists available for consultation
(c) the methods of personnel recruitment, selection and placement policy
(d) any significant changes in the company's activity, such as any proposed or anticipated
expansion, or the end of contracts.
Access to documents
7 Contractors need to maintain and provide access to the following health and safety
information:
(a) first aid statistics, along with records of absence
(b) details of both manufacturers' and suppliers' technical data
(c) reports, Improvement and Prohibition Notices served by the Administrative Authority
Workplace Inspectors
(d) minutes of meetings, reports and any recommendations made by Safety Committees;
reports of safety officers, etc.
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Occupational Health and Safety – Construction Site Safety
1.1.5 Health & Safety Training and Induction Training
1.1.5.1 Key points
1 Construction and building sites can be dangerous places to work, even for experienced
workers.
2 Everyone arriving new on site, whether new to the industry, experienced or even a
temporary visitor, should be given an induction to the site.
3 Accident statistics show that the majority of accidents happen to people during their first few
days on site.
4 The threats to health and safety will vary from site to site and even on the same site as work
progresses and the hazards change.
5 An effective induction process is an essential part of on-site health and safety management.
6 The content of the induction presentation must:
(a) be understandable, comprehensive and relevant to the hazards present on site at that
time;
(b) anticipate and inform inductees of forthcoming changes to the hazards on site;
(c) allow for the effective induction of inductees who do not have English as their first
language or may otherwise have difficulty in understanding what is being said.
1.1.5.2 Introduction
1 It is a requirement of these Regulations that employees are provided with health and safety
training whenever they are exposed to new or increased risks. When employees first arrive
in the company or at a new site, this training takes the form of an 'induction'. It is accepted
that providing proper and effective health and safety induction training can have a significant
impact on the likelihood of accidents and injuries during a person's first few days, weeks or
months with a company or on a particular site.
2 Given that every accident occurring to an employee can be seen as an eventual financial
cost to the Contractors, then anything that can be done to reduce accidents is of direct
financial benefit to the Contractors. The costs of giving proper and effective health and safety
induction training are relatively minor when viewed against the cost benefits that can accrue
from accident avoidance and prevention. This also applies to the prevention of long-term ill
health and the avoidance of dangerous occurrences.
1.1.5.3 Types of inductees
1 Mention of the word 'induction' or 'inductee' would cause many people to think of a person
arriving on site or into the company totally new.
2 Whilst this is the case for some people, there will be a significant number of people who do
not fall into this category. In wider terms inductees may be:
(a) young people joining the industry for the first time. This will generally be persons
joining a company as trainees or apprentices
(b) persons arriving at a new site even though they have been in the industry for some
time
(c) people transferring between companies within the industry
(d) persons who have been promoted, for example, from tradesperson to chargehand
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3 It must be appreciated that different types of inductee will probably require different levels or
styles of induction training because of their varying levels of knowledge, experience and
competence within the industry.
1.1.5.4 Health and Safety at Work (Construction Sites)
1 This Regulatory Document (Regulations) requires that Contractors provide their employees
with sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary for their
health and safety.
1.1.5.5 The Management of Health and Safety at Work
1 These Regulations are more specific in that they require the following of the Contractors.
(a) Every Contractor shall, in entrusting tasks to employees, take into account their
capabilities as regards health and safety.
(b) Every Contractor shall ensure that employees are provided with adequate health and
safety training:
(i) on their being recruited into the Contractors undertaking; and
(ii) on their being exposed to new or increased risks because of:
? their being transferred or given a change of responsibilities within the
Contractors undertaking
? the introduction of new work equipment or a change regarding work
equipment already in use within the Contractors undertaking
? the introduction of new technology into the Contractors undertaking
? the introduction of a new system of work or a change regarding a system
of work already in use within the Contractors undertaking.
1.1.5.6 Construction (Design and Management) CDM
1 These Regulations specifically require that:
(a) contractors provide all of their workers with the necessary information and training
which is necessary for their health and safety, including a suitable site induction,
where it is not provided by a Contractor
(b) the Contractor takes all reasonable steps to ensure that every worker is provided with
a suitable site induction.
2 The above requirement on contractors to provide site inductions means that inductions must
be carried out for all projects
3 The requirements of other Regulations which in themselves indicate a need for competence
in certain work situations, when viewed against the type of work to be carried out, might
indicate additional topics which need to be covered during site induction.
1.1.5.7 Contractors responsibilities
1 Refer to this section 1.1.2.7
1.1.5.8 Employee responsibilities
1 Refer to this section 1.1.2.7.
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1.1.5.9 Induction training
1 It will be for the Contractors to decide when and where the training takes place. However,
the sooner the induction training takes place the more opportunity there is to have a
significant influence on the people being inducted. It is important that the induction training is
seen as a formal company procedure, which the company provides for the benefit of the
inductee, so that the Contractors can be seen to be meeting both the letter and the spirit of
the law. If it is seen as 'something that is just necessary, we have to do it anyway' then it will
fail to have the desired long-term effects.
2 The style and content of the presentation will vary between company and site. However, the
person giving the presentation needs to have both the necessary skills and knowledge,
together with the ability or 'presence' to deliver the programme effectively and in a
meaningful manner.
Induction difficulties
3 It is essential that the health and safety messages put across during site induction are fully
understood. Possible barriers to learning will depend largely upon the training methods used.
For example, reliance on written training materials will disadvantage those with dyslexia or
other reading difficulties. Similarly, amongst the increasing number of workers who do not
speak Arabic as their first language, some may find induction training of limited value unless
thought is given to how it is delivered.
4 It is up to the person organising the training to establish the limitations of those undertaking
induction, remembering that there may be a degree of embarrassment and, therefore, a
reluctance to admit limitations.
5 To successfully induct those whose first language is not Arabic, but who have some
understanding, it will probably be necessary to modify the presentation in style, speed of
delivery and the aids used, depending upon the level of Arabic. Induction aids may need to
be more visual, with less reliance upon the written word. Where there are operatives who do
not speak Arabic at all, it is likely that specialist help, such as interpreters, will be required.
There may also be scope for training someone on the site who speaks both languages to
carry out specific induction sessions for specific groups.
Induction content
6 Different companies will have different issues to include in the induction training. The
requirements for on-site training will vary as work on the site progresses. In the early days
there may be excavations, exposed reinforcing bars and other problems at ground level.
7 As the site and above-ground works progress, the hazards will change and it will be
necessary for the emphasis in the health and safety training to change. As the site develops,
temporary or permanent traffic routes may be introduced, or the circulation of traffic on site
may need to change, for example, due to the repositioning of a crane or the installation of
services. All these issues should be reflected in the induction training that will be provided for
people arriving on site or as the project progresses. It is quite possible, or even likely, that
the induction session delivered on day one of the project will not be valid after three months.
8 Part of the induction process must be to find out what the audience already knows, identify
key areas that must be covered and use plain language, illustrating with diagrams, drawings
and pictures to ensure that inductees can easily take in the information.
9 There will undoubtedly be other issues that are specific to a company or site and these will
need to be considered and developed by the company concerned.
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10 Explain that at the end of the induction session, all inductees will be required to add their
name and signature to an attendance sheet signifying that they have understood what they
have been told.
1.1.5.10 Site and company rules
1 Obviously, users will amend the content in order to reflect the philosophy of their company,
site or organisation regarding health, safety and welfare provisions. There may be items
covered which you feel are inappropriate and these should be omitted.
2 Conversely, some additional items not covered may be of particular importance to your
company, site or organisation and these should be included.
Access
3 Explain the rules regarding access to, and egress from, the workplace. Are there any oneway
systems? Are there any prohibited areas? Are there any special rules or conditions
applying to the site or workplace?
Accident reporting
4 The participants should be in no doubt of the requirements for reporting accidents. Explain
when, where and to whom accidents must be reported and, in general, how they will be
investigated. Your procedures may go beyond those required by legislation as a company
policy decision.
Asbestos
5 If asbestos or asbestos-containing materials are potentially present, it is essential to provide
elementary asbestos awareness training, including details of any prohibited areas, to reflect
the site conditions.
6 You should have a company policy for dealing with any material suspected of being
asbestos and employees should be informed of this policy.
7 This may be along the lines of:
'If you find any material that is off-white or crumbly, or any fibrous
material that looks like dirty cotton wool it may be asbestos or contain
asbestos, so leave it alone and if practical keep other people out of the
area. Contact your supervisor and tell them what you have found.'
Assembly points
8 See also Emergency evacuation. Explain where the assembly points are for site
evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Boundaries
9 Explain the boundaries of the site if there is no perimeter fence. Include the prevention of
trespass.
Buried services
10 Explain site or company procedures that should be followed if gas, electricity,
telecommunications, fibre optics, water, sewerage and other buried services are discovered
on site.
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Competence
11 You may need to advise employees and others of the levels of competence required for
operating certain types of plant or carrying out particular pieces of work. CDM in particular
places a legal duty on anyone who arranges for or instructs any worker to carry out
construction work, to ensure that they are competent to do so.
Confidential issues
12 Explain the provision for 'whistle blowing'. How can employees raise confidential (including
medical) issues if the need arises?
Confined spaces
13 Explain the rules that apply on site. Many employees will fail to recognise that a confined
space can be above ground, or be as innocuous as a sub-basement boiler room.
Unfortunately, confined spaces have been responsible for a number of deaths in the
industry, all of which could have been avoided by compliance with proper health and safety
procedures.
Consultation with employees
14 Contractors have a duty to consult the workforce on matters of health and safety, you must
explain how such (two-way) consultation is achieved:
(a) what is the mechanism for workers to bring any health and safety concerns they have
to the attention of site management?
(b) If there is a health and safety committee on site?
(c) If so, who are the members?
15 If there is a suggestion box or scheme, explain how employees can put forward ideas for
improvements in health, safety and welfare, waste minimisation and so on, on a day-by-day
basis.
Contamination
16 The raised awareness of environmental matters makes the prevention of ground
contamination of growing importance. Explain how employees can prevent spillage of diesel
fuel, paint, oil, thinners, cement, concrete or any other substance that could lead to
contamination.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
17 Explain the on-site procedures relating to hazardous substances. Are there any substances
that are additional to the usual cement, oils, paints, etc.?
Dangerous occurrences
18 Explain the policy in relation to the reporting of dangerous occurrences. It is thought that
many go unreported as employees regard them as 'an accident where nobody was injured'.
Dermatitis
19 Explain that contact dermatitis can be caused by some relatively common substances such
as diesel and mould release oil, paints, thinners and cement. Gloves should be worn on
appropriate occasions, and barrier creams should be used properly.
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20 These occasions should have been identified by the Contractors risk assessments.
Discipline
21 Explain the company policy regarding breaches of this Regulatory Document (Regulations),
site or company rules.
Dress code
22 Explain the effects of sun exposure and the importance of preventing skin cancer. Explain
company or site rules on whether shorts or sleeveless vests are permissible on site.
Drugs
23 Explain the rules about arriving on site or being on site under the influence of any nonprescribed
controlled drugs, or taking these during the hours of employment. It may be that
employees will be asked to leave the site.
24 The issue of prescribed drugs should also be covered as some of these can have side
effects such as drowsiness. If the user is authorised to operate plant or drive vehicles, this
needs to be addressed and resolved with the supervisor or management.
Edge protection
25 What standard is used? What is the safe system of work for persons working on or near
open or leading edges?
Electricity
26 What are the site or company rules concerning:
(a) temporary or permanent repairs by competent persons on site?
(b) use of 240v equipment?
(c) use of RCD or similar circuit breakers?
(d) use of transformers and 110v equipment?
27 Are there any other general rules regarding working with electricity?
Emergency evacuation
28 Explain site or company procedures. What is the siren or alarm? Where are the emergency
evacuation assembly points?
Emergency procedure
29 Explain the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency other than fire. This may
be civil disturbance, a bomb scare, structural collapse or other eventuality.
Environment
30 Environmental pollution can include the air, as well as the ground or water. Explain any
specific issues of environmental protection and control concerning the company or site. It is
perhaps worth noting that dust, as well as smoke and fumes, can be considered an
environmental pollutant.
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Escape routes
31 Explain the recognised escape routes on site and from buildings in the event of a fire or
emergency.
32 Explain that access and egress routes must be - well-defined and kept clear. How are they
marked? How will they be lit when it is dark? How will changes to the escape routes be
notified as construction progresses?
Excavations
33 Explain the policy regarding:
(a) excavation support
(b) proper entry and exit from an excavation
(c) edge protection around an excavation.
Eye protection
34 Explain if there are any specific eye protection problems, or rules applicable to the site or
any particular work that is taking place. See also Personal protective equipment.
Fall-arrest
35 You may wish to comment on the use of safety nets, safety decking, air bags and other
similar systems.
Fall prevention
36 Explain the hierarchy of control measures that are to be used on site to prevent persons from
falling or to catch them safely if they do fall. This will obviously vary depending on the type of
site and work undertaken.
Fire
37 In the induction session, you should at least cover the following:
(a) fire precautions, fire prevention and good housekeeping
(b) who will be responsible for summoning the fire brigade
(c) location of:
(i) fire points
(ii) fire extinguishers
(iii) hose reels
(d) training and competence in the use of fire fighting equipment
(e) testing of the fire alarm
(f) fire drills and practice evacuations
(g) evacuation in the event of an on-site emergency
(h) policy for 'hot works', including permits.
38 Explain the company or site policy regarding the burning of rubbish or 'bonfires'. On many
sites, this is prohibited due to the danger of fire spreading and the environmental pollution
caused by fires.
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First aid
39 If there is to be an on-site first-aid facility that can be used by all contractors, clearly explain
the arrangements.
(a) Where is the first-aid kit?
(b) Who are the first aiders, and how can they be contacted or identified?
(c) Who are the appointed persons?
(d) In the event of an accident requiring more than first aid, who will summon the
ambulance or emergency services?
Flammable liquids
40 If flammable liquids (such as paint thinners, solvents, spirit-based paints and others) are kept
and used on site, explain the rules for:
(a) storage
(b) withdrawal from storage
(c) use
(d) return to storage.
Health and safety committee
41 See also Consultation with employees. If there is a site health and safety committee (and
this may also be reflected in earlier comments for CDM or Consultation with employees),
explain the terms of reference for:
(a) the committee and membership
(b) how often the committee meets
(c) agenda items
(d) how the outcomes of meetings are made known to employees on site (publication of
minutes).
Hearing protection zones
42 Are there any mandatory protection zones on site? How are they marked? Explain the
supply and issue of hearing protectors and when they should be worn.
High visibility clothing
43 Explain the site or company rules for this clothing to be worn and clearly define the
appropriate locations. Also clearly define the standard for high visibility clothing.
Hoists
44 For passenger hoists:
(a) who is the competent person to operate the hoist?
(b) if any person can operate it, do they need training prior to being authorised as
competent?
(c) if the controls are regarded as so simple that the hoist may almost be regarded as a
public lift, is there any danger of controls being overridden?
(d) what is the maximum number of persons permitted in the hoist?
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(e) which rules apply regarding goods carried in the hoist?
45 For goods hoists:
(a) who is the authorised competent person to drive it?
(b) can any other persons be authorised?
(c) what are the rules for closing the gates?
(d) what is the safe working load?
(e) explain that passengers cannot be carried.
Ladders/stepladders
46 Explain the company standards for:
(a) securing or tying ladders/stepladders
(b) use of ladders/stepladders for light work of short duration or gaining access
(c) any restrictions imposed on the use of ladders and stepladders
(d) movement of ladders around the site.
Lasers
47 If lasers are to be used on site, explain what class of laser is to be used and what, if any,
hazards could be caused. Levelling lasers (used, for example, by suspended ceiling fixers)
are not normally regarded as hazardous as long as appropriate health and safety rules are
followed.
Site Rules
48 Explain that different projects and clients will have different rules and that employees should
understand the need for each rule and how it will be enforced.
Lifting equipment
49 Explain the following:
(a) who has the authority to use lifting equipment of varying sizes and types
(b) the duties of slingers and signallers
(c) testing and inspection of equipment
(d) current colour coding, if such a system is used.
Lighting
50 Explain the site or company rules for provision of work lighting and emergency lighting.
Include:
(a) the placing of luminaires
(b) extra lighting during winter months or for work outside normal hours.
Liquefied petroleum gas
51 Explain the rules for:
(a) use and storage
(b) separation of full and empty cylinders
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(c) separation from oxygen and acetylene, as appropriate
(d) use of hose check valves and flashback arresters
(e) use of fire extinguishers.
Manual handling
52 Explain site or company rules regarding:
(a) the avoidance of manual handling wherever possible
(b) the use of mechanical devices to aid manual handling
(c) company policy or procedures regarding dense or heavyweight concrete blocks
(d) the importance of good manual handling techniques including team lifting.
Medication
53 Some prescribed medicines, and some medicines which can be purchased from a Pharmacy
without a prescription for problems such as hay fever, can cause drowsiness or other side
effects.
54 Explain that anyone who is concerned that any medicines prescribed may affect their health
and safety performance should discuss the matter with their supervisor.
Method statements
55 Explain the importance of supervisors discussing with employees the method statement to
be used for particular tasks, and the benefits to be gained from employee input into method
statements.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
56 Explain who has the competence to operate or use MEWPs. Give the evidence required to
prove competence and training. Where can MEWPs be used? Where they are not allowed?
Explain the use of safety harnesses when working from platforms.
Near-miss incidents
57 Explain the importance of reporting all incidents that are 'near misses'. These can then be
investigated and the appropriate remedial measures put into place so that the next 'near
miss' does not become an accident.
Needles and syringes
58 Because of the secretive nature of illegal drug use, these items may be hidden away, which
can increase the danger to those finding them. Employees should be warned to be very
vigilant, particularly regarding the discovery of used hypodermic syringes, razor blades
(needles and needlestick injury’s).
59 Explain the action to be taken on:
(a) finding discarded needles
(b) receiving a needlestick injury.
60 It should be noted that most gloves in common use on site do not offer very much protection
against a needlestick injury.
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Noise
61 See also Hearing protection zones. Explain the site or company rules concerning the use
of equipment that produces excessive noise. Explain the use of hearing protection and noise
control zones.
Occupational health
62 Stress the importance for employees to report to supervisors any cases of ill health, as it
may be potentially work-related. This is particularly important if employees are working
where there may be rats, or if the area has been used for illegal drug taking and the related
paraphernalia may be found. In the case of refurbishment and renovation works, there may
be residual materials from previous occupants likely to cause ill health.
Overhead electricity cables
63 Explain the site or company rules on:
(a) location
(b) marking
(c) allowable proximity for vehicles
(d) working nearby
(e) precautions.
Permits to work
64 Explain company or site procedures regarding issuing, working with and the cancellation of
permits to work. Where 'lock off systems are used, explain the rules regarding padlock keys.
Personal protective equipment
65 Explain the site or company rules regarding:
(a) safety helmets
(b) protective footwear
(c) high visibility clothing
(d) eye protection
(e) respiratory protection
(f) any other issues.
66 Remind the inductees that PPE in general, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in
particular, should only be used as a means of last resort when all other control measures
have been investigated and found to be impracticable. The need for PPE (apart from helmet,
boots and high visibility clothing) should be covered in the risk assessment and method
statement.
Plant and equipment
67 Explain the site rules regarding:
(a) the authority to operate plant and
(b) equipment, including the requirement for competence cards, where necessary
(c) any type of plant/equipment that is prohibited, for example mains-powered hand tools
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(d) the need for noise control where appropriate
(e) the requirement for permits to work where appropriate.
Powers of Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors
68 You may want to explain, in general terms, the powers that Inspectors have when they come
on site and the requirement for employees to co-operate with them.
Reporting defects
69 Explain the importance of reporting all defects in plant and equipment, scaffolding, supports
for excavations, and so on. Early reporting will bring about swift remedial measures and help
to prevent accidents.
70 The possible consequences of not reporting defects may result in an accident or disciplinary
procedures.
Restricted or prohibited areas
71 Explain whether there are any areas on site that are restricted to all people, or a specific
class of people. Include what identifies a restricted area. Typical examples are areas where
demolition, impact cleaning, water jetting, or asbestos removals are taking place.
Risk assessments
72 Explain the significant findings of risk assessments, as they will affect staff on site as a
whole, or those working on a particular activity. It may be useful to explain the risk
assessment process and the health and safety benefits that can be gained by employees.
See also Method statements.
Safe systems of work
73 The crucial need arising out of risk assessments and method statements is for safe systems
of work. Explain that site rules require employees to work in accordance with any safe
systems of work that have been developed by the Contractors.
74 Explain also the benefits of working to a safe system of work and the potential for accidents
and disciplinary action if it is not followed properly.
Safety harnesses
75 Explain the company or site requirements for wearing and using safety harnesses and
lanyards. See also Fall-arrest.
Safety policy
76 Explain any relevant areas of the company's health and safety policy, together with the
organisation and arrangements for the implementation of the policy. If relevant, explain
where a copy of the policy is displayed on site.
Safety signs and notices
77 Remind the audience that all employees must comply with all safety signs and notices at all
times. Explain the whereabouts of any site notice board, and how changes and modifications
to site rules will be made known to the workforce.
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Scaffolding (including mobile scaffolds)
78 Explain the site rules regarding:
(a) who is allowed to erect, alter or dismantle tube and fitting or system-built scaffolds
(b) the implications (safety and disciplinary) of unauthorised dismantling or alteration of
scaffolds
(c) assessing competency to erect proprietary aluminium or tower scaffolds
(d) the safe use of mobile tower scaffolds
(e) safe access/egress to and from scaffolds.
79 Explain any other company or site-specific rules about the use of scaffolding as either a
working place, or as access to the working place.
Site layout
80 Explain whether any specific rules apply to pedestrian and traffic movement. This will
depend on the size and complexity of the site. You may also include where contractors may
lay down materials and which areas they may use for the prefabrication of components.
Site security
81 Security is very much allied to health and safety in that a breach of security can lead to
trespassers on site and possible exposure to a risk of injury. Open a discussion if you have
any particular company or on-site rules concerning security. Also consider the issue of health
and safety awareness of site security staff, whether they are employees or a subcontracted
security company.
Skin protection
82 It may be appropriate to discuss the need for skin protection, both in terms of gloves and
barrier creams. If barrier creams are used, where are they dispensed? Also explain that the
types of gloves used must be the most suitable for the levels of protection needed.
83 If it is likely to be a significant hazard, you should also include details of the risk of skin
cancer associated with excess exposure to the sun.
Smoking
84 Explain the policy on smoking in the workplace and the canteen, clearly identifying those
areas where smoking is not allowed. Include details of the measures taken to protect nonsmokers
from the discomfort caused by tobacco smoke.
Tidiness (housekeeping)
85 Explain the importance of maintaining a tidy site in order to eliminate many of the slip, trip
and fall hazards. Include:
(a) rubbish skips
(b) separation of waste
(c) who is responsible for organising the delivery of and removal of skips
(d) good housekeeping
(e) sweeping up - general tidiness.
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Toilets
86 See also Welfare facilities. Explain the site or company rules regarding cleanliness, abuse
of facilities and graffiti, and how such behaviour will be dealt with. Include the reporting of
defects.
Traffic routes
87 These are dependent on the size and complexity of the site.
88 Explain:
(a) one-way systems
(b) the need to minimise or avoid reversing
(c) signallers (formerly banksmen)
(d) segregation of pedestrians from vehicles and machines - pedestrian walkways.
Training
89 What training will be given to persons on site? Explain the need for all contractors to ensure
that persons working for them on site have been trained and are competent to carry out the
work they are required to do.
Types of injury
90 Due to the nature of the project or the ground, some sites will have specific issues to deal
with and there may be the potential for a particular type of injury. Take the opportunity to
explain this in order to prevent injuries occurring. For instance, working at height raises
specific issues and working at height over or alongside water may introduce additional
hazards.
Vehicles
91 Explain the site rules for the presence and operation of vehicles on site. Include:
(a) the parking of private vehicles
(b) delivery vehicles, for example,
(c) constraints on the access to off-loading bays
(d) keeping clear of site (working) vehicles
(e) who is allowed to operate plant on site
(f) providing proof of competence to operate plant
(g) the security of vehicle keys when not in use
(h) security measures to make vehicles unavailable to trespassers and children during
non-working hours
(i) traffic routes and speed limits
(j) the need for signallers and slingers.
Vibration
92 Many people are still unaware of the problems that can be caused by high-speed rotary and
percussive equipment. Explain the potential severity of vibration white finger and the
company or site policy regarding:
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(a) the use of vibrating equipment
(b) the limitations of personal protective equipment
(c) design and selection of tools and equipment
(d) rest breaks and the rotation of work
(e) the symptoms of vibration white finger
(f) the need for employees to seek medical advice if they have any symptoms.
Waste disposal
93 Describe the location of skips and other waste containers. Explain the segregation of waste.
Who is responsible for the removal of waste from the workplace? Explain the company or
site policy if contractors do not clear away their own waste.
Waste minimisation
94 Explain that this is a financial issue as well as an environmental matter. It is also closely
linked with site tidiness, pollution control, housekeeping and accident prevention. Effective
waste minimisation is also an issue within sustainable construction and there are company
and national benefits to be gained. There is more likelihood of a project being completed on
time and to budget if waste is minimised.
Welfare facilities
95 Explain:
(a) the location of the welfare facilities
(b) if appropriate, the opening hours of site canteens
(c) responsibilities for the cleaning and maintenance of the facilities
(d) the provision of barrier creams and rehydrating lotions
(e) the need for good personal hygiene
(f) the company policy regarding damage and graffiti
(g) the location of facilities for men
(h) the arrangements (if any) made for smokers.
Working at height
96 This is allied to fall prevention, safe systems of work and PPE. Explain the company or site
rules for:
(a) working at height, including safe systems of work
(b) competence of employees
(c) protection of those below, including the public
(i) the prevention of materials falling - use of containment and debris nets.
Working near, on or over water
97 Explain the site or company rules for working near, on or over water, including:
(a) the wearing of life jackets or life preservers or flotation devices
(b) prevention of falls into water
(c) safety harnesses
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(d) the rescue of anyone who has fallen into water
(e) safety lines and safety boats
(f) lookouts
(g) alarms.
Conclusion
98 It is extremely important that records are kept showing which workers have attended site
induction, together with details of the training they have received and the date it was carried
out.
99 Appendix 1 of this module is an example of an attendance list that can be copied and used
for record purposes on induction training. It may also be copied into a computer and
electronic records maintained.
100 Appendix 2 is a checklist that can be:
(a) 'ticked' as appropriate and attached to the induction attendance list as a record of
which topics were covered
(b) used by the trainer to ensure that the important basic facts are included in an induction
training talk.
101 Operatives may also find the checklist helpful in identifying gaps in their knowledge.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.5 Appendix 1
Health and Safety Induction Training
Inductee's name Name of inductee's Contractors Inductee's signature
Title: Date
Location Start time
Duration (minutes) End time
Presenter's name Presenter's signature
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.5 Appendix 2
Induction training checklist
?
Access ?
Dangerous
occurrences
?
Fall prevention ?
Medication
?
Accident reporting ?
Dermatitis ?
Fire ?
Method statements
?
Working near, on or
over water
?
Discipline ?
First aid ?
Mobile elevating
work platforms
?
Asbestos ?
Dress code ?
Flammable liquids ?
Near-miss incidents
?
Assembly points ?
Drugs ?
Health and safety
committee
?
Needles and
syringes
?
Boundaries ?
Drying rooms ?
Hearing protection
zones
?
Noise
?
Buried services ?
Edge protection ?
High visibility
clothing
?
Occupational health
?
CDM ?
Electricity ?
Hoists ?
Overhead electricity
cables
?
Competence ?
Emergency
evacuation
?
Ladders/
stepladders
?
Permits to work
?
Confidential issues ?
Emergency
procedure
?
Lasers ?
Personal protective
equipment
?
Confined spaces ?
Environment ?
Legal issues ?
Plant and equipment
?
Consultation with
employees
?
Escape routes ?
Lifting equipment ?
Powers of
Inspectors
?
Contamination
?
Excavations
?
Lighting
?
Registration
schemes
?
COSHH ?
Eye protection ?
Liquefied petroleum
gas
?
Reporting defects
? Competence ?
Fall-arrest ?
Manual handling ?
Restricted or
prohibited areas
? Risk assessments
? Site layout
? Traffic routes
? Waste minimisation
? Safe Systems of
Work
? Site security ? Training ? Waste minimisation
? Safety harnesses ? Skin protection ? Types of injury ? Working at height
? Safety policy ? Smoking ? Vehicles
? Safety signs and
notices
? Tidiness
(housekeeping)
? Vibration
? Scaffolding (incl.
mobile scaffolds)
? Toilets ? Waste disposal
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Occupational Health and Safety – Construction Site Safety
1.1.6 General Health and Safety
1.1.6.1 The Management of Health and Safety at Work
1 Contractors are required to access the risks to workers in their undertakings, and to any
other person whose health and/or safety may be adversely affected by a Contractors work
activities. The phrase 'any other person' clearly encompasses contractors, members of the
public, site visitors, employees of other contractors etc.
2 Contractors are required to implements any protective or preventive measure to control a
risk or risks, they must do so in line with the following general principles:
3 These include:
(a) Avoiding risks where possible.
(b) Evaluating the risks that cannot be avoided.
(c) Combating risks at source.
(d) Adapting the work of an individual with a view to alleviating monotonous work and
reducing its effects on health.
(e) Adapting to technical progress.
(f) Replacing the dangerous with the safe or less dangerous.
(g) Developing a coherent policy which influences the factors relating to the working
environment.
(h) Giving collective measures priority over measures that protect the individual.
(i) Giving appropriate instructions to employees.
4 Contractors have a requirement to make effective arrangements, as are appropriate for the
nature of the work activities carried out and the size of the company, for the management of
all aspects of health and safety. Contractors must record the arrangements made for the
effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventative and
protective measures implemented.
5 Contractors are required to ensure that employees are provided with health surveillance
where the findings of a risk assessment identify risks to the health and safety of employees
that can be eliminated or reduced by applying health surveillance techniques.
6 Health surveillance should be introduced where the risk assessment indicates that:
(a) there is an identifiable disease or adverse health condition related to the work
concerned
(b) there are valid detection techniques
(c) there is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or condition may occur under the
particular conditions of work
(d) health surveillance has the potential to increase the protection of the health of the
employees concerned.
7 Health surveillance techniques can be as simple as:
(a) hand-checks for the early signs of dermatitis being carried out by a site manager or
supervisor, who has received the appropriate training, or
(b) employees being asked to complete a short questionnaire on occupational health
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issues.
8 Alternatively, health surveillance can necessitate the engagement of medically trained
persons and specialist equipment, for example, audiometry (hearing) checks.
9 Contractors are required to appoint one or more 'competent persons' to assist them in
interpreting and complying with Qatar health and safety legislation, where the Contractors
does not have the necessary training, experience or knowledge to carry out this duty
themselves. If more than one ‘competent person' is appointed, the Contractors must ensure
that there is adequate co-operation between them.
10 Where the Contractors him/herself is not competent in matters of construction health and
safety, the requirements of this Regulatory Document are normally satisfied by the
employment of a suitably qualified and experienced health and safety adviser or the
engagement of an appropriately experienced consultant.
11 The Contractors must ensure that any competent person who is not an employee, for
example, a consultant, is adequately informed of all relevant facts in relation to site health
and safety.
12 Given that in-house safety advisers or external consultants will usually only visit sites at a
frequency that is deemed to be appropriate, the responsibility for the day-to-day
management/monitoring of health and safety is often delegated to the site manager. In these
circumstances, this regulation places a duty on the Contractors to ensure that the site
manager is adequately trained and competent to discharge this duty.
13 A competent person is someone who has sufficient training and experience, or knowledge
and other qualities, to enable them to properly assist the Contractors in complying with
relevant health and safety legislation.
14 Competence may be indicated by membership of a recognised Institution of Occupational
Safety and Health and/or possession of a qualification in Occupational Safety and Health
from an appropriate accrediting body.
15 Contractors are required to implement procedures to be developed for any particular serious
and - imminent dangers that may arise. This will very much depend on both the activities of
the Contractors and the location. Fire is a real risk for everyone almost everywhere, but
bomb threats in rural locations may not be.
16 Other serious and imminent dangers may relate to LPG, HFL, collapse of scaffold,
excavations, confined spaces or virtually anything else. Again, Contractors should know their
industry.
17 Once such procedures have been developed, the workforce must receive the appropriate
information, instruction and training.
18 Contractors are required to establish contact with external agencies as necessary,
particularly with regard to first aid, emergency medical care and rescue work.
19 Contractors must provide their employees with comprehensible (understandable) and
relevant information on:
(a) the risk to their health as identified by any part of the Contractors risk assessments
(b) any preventive or protective measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risks identified
(c) any risks notified to the Contractors that arise out of the work activities of another
Contractors.
20 Where there is more than one Contractor in the workplace, they must co-operate with each
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other with regard to health and safety, to enable both (or all if there are more than two)
Contractors to fulfil their legal duties.
21 This may require planning exchanges of information on hazards and risks, or deciding who
works where and when and, on larger sites, a health and safety co-ordinator may be needed.
The client, the Contractor or a nominated contractor may have, or have been given, by
contract or arrangement, the co-ordination role.
22 Contractors are required to ensure that when allocating a task to any employee, the
Contractor takes into account the employee's capabilities (knowledge, training, experience
etc.) with regards to health and safety.
23 The Contractors also has a duty to ensure that employees are provided with adequate health
and safety training:
(a) on recruitment
(b) upon being exposed to new or increased risk.
24 This training must be:
(a) repeated periodically where appropriate
(b) reviewed and adapted to take account of any new or changed risks
(c) during working hours.
25 Employees are required to:
(a) use all tools, equipment, dangerous substances, safety devices etc, in accordance
with any training received.
(b) report to the Contractors (or Contractors health and safety 'competent person') any
work situation which the employee feels is not safe.
26 Contractors (and in some cases self-employed persons) with regard to the employment of
workers who are employed under a temporary contract or supplied by a Labour agency.
27 Before starting work, such workers must be supplied with comprehensible (understandable)
information on:
(a) any special occupational qualifications or skills required to enable the temporary
worker to work safely
(b) the requirement for any health surveillance arising out of the work to be carried out.
28 The above bullet points have obvious implications where temporary workers, whose first
language is not English, are to be employed. See notes below.
29 Contractors are required to inform any Labour agency who are to supply temporary workers
of:
(a) any special occupational qualifications or skills that must be held by the temporary
worker(s) to enable them to work safely
(b) any features of the work to be carried out by the temporary workers insofar as those
features are likely to affect their health and safety.
30 Contractors should respond after notification that the employee is pregnant. Exposure limits,
working conditions and working hours for such workers must be taken into consideration.
31 Contractors are required to specifically assess and review the risks to the health and safety
of young persons who are on site. Due account must be taken of their lack of maturity or
experience and their lack of knowledge of potential risks.
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32 Unless:
(a) it is necessary for their training
(b) they are under the supervision of a competent person
(c) the risks are reduced to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable
33 No Contractors may employ a young person for work which:
(a) is beyond their physical or psychological capacity
(b) involves exposure to agents which are toxic, carcinogenic or otherwise have serious
specific health implications
(c) involves harmful exposure to radiation
(d) involves the risks of accidents because of their lack of experience and/or training
(e) involves a risk to health from extreme cold or heat, noise or vibration.
34 A 'young person' is anyone over the minimum school leaving age but under 18 years of age.
1.1.6.2 Construction workers for whom Arabic is not their first language
1 Contractors shall, in entrusting tasks to his employees, take into account their capabilities as
regards health and safety.
2 Steps must be taken to ensure that effective two-way communication is established so that
they can work safely and without risk to their health or to the health and safety of any other
person who might be affected by their action or omissions.
3 Ultimately, if a contractor decides to engage workers who cannot speak and/or understand
Arabic the situation will have to be managed. This could be achieved by the employment of a
bilingual supervisor who, in the appropriate language, can give information, instructions,
training and supervision. If a contractor is responsible for engaging workers who cannot
speak English then the Contractor should ensure that the contractor provides suitable
translators. Equally, the same criteria will need to be implemented on other smaller sites.
4 Contractors are required to ensure that employees are trained and competent for the job
they have to do. Not being able to communicate using the language of the country of
residence does not mean that workers are not competent in their trade. Provided they are
here legally, it would be extremely unwise to ban workers who can prove their competence,
just because they cannot speak the language effectively or fluently. Provisions for such
situations can and should be made.
1.1.6.3 Manual Handling Operations
1 These require that simple, common sense measures be taken to prevent injuries to workers
resulting from carrying or otherwise moving loads manually.
2 Definitions of the terms injury, load and manual handling, all of which are as would be
expected.
3 An injury is any injury, not just to the back, and would include cuts from sharp edges or
broken toes caused by dropped objects.
4 A load is virtually anything, including a person, an animal, a bag of cement, heavyweight
building blocks - in fact, any moveable object. The only proviso is that a tool is not a 'load'
while it is being used. A Labourer carrying a chainsaw to a carpenter would be carrying a
load.
5 Manual handling means transporting, supporting, lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling,
carrying or moving anything by hand or bodily force.
6 Contractors are required to avoid manual handling operations which involve a risk of
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employees being injured, as far as is reasonably practicable and, where manual handling
cannot be avoided, to carry out risk assessments and introduce alternatives to manual
handling, control measures and appropriate training.
7 Employees are required to make full and proper use of all equipment or systems provided by
the Contractors.
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1.1.6.4 Provision and Use of Work Equipment
1 Every Contractor must ensure that all work equipment is constructed or adapted to be
suitable for the purpose for which it is intended.
2 Definition of work equipment: Any tool or piece of equipment for use at work.
3 There is a non-exhaustive list of work equipment, and construction-related examples
including:
(a) dumper truck
(b) ladder
(c) air compressor
(d) crane
(e) tractor
(f) hoist
(g) mobile work platform
(h) hammer
(i) lifting sling
(j) podger
(k) drill bit
(l) socket set
(m) scaffolding.
4 Use is defined as any activity involving work equipment.
5 All vehicles used on site are covered by these Regulations.
6 Contractors are required to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose, and only
used under conditions for which it is suitable.
7 Contractors are required to ensure that work equipment is properly and adequately
maintained.
8 Contractors are required to ensure that specific risks are identified, information and
instructions to employees and the training of employees take place.
9 Contractors must ensure that all work equipment, whether European Conformity (CE)
marked or not, complies with all current British or International standards.
10 The basic principle is that every dangerous part of any machine or piece of equipment must
be effectively and properly guarded at all times, but provisos do exist for certain
circumstances, such as the use of push sticks on woodworking machines.
11 Controls should be efficient, effective, easy to use, clearly marked and easily accessible. The
main requirement is to provide safe equipment for the employee, with controls that allow it to
be used in a safe manner. It goes without saying that emergency stop controls feature quite
significantly.
12 Contractors are required to ensure that lighting must be suitable and sufficient, taking
account of the work operation in progress.
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13 Contractors may also have to consider the need for both access lighting and task lighting.
14 Contractors are required to ensure that all ‘markings’ must be clear and appropriate, and
'warnings' which may be audible or visible and they must be unambiguous, easily perceived
and easily understood.
1.1.6.5 Personal Protective Equipment
1 The main consideration when dealing with personal protective equipment is that it should
always be the last form of protection, or control, considered for the protection of the
employees' health and safety.
2 No distinction is made between equipment and clothing. Personal protective equipment
(PPE) includes all types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
3 Contractors are required to ensure that personal protective equipment is suitable and
provided, where a risk cannot be adequately controlled in some other manner.
4 Contractors are required to ensure compatibility if more than one item of personal protective
equipment needs to be worn at any time, so that one item does not detract from the
protection offered by another.
5 This is of particular importance to the building and construction industry as, on many
occasions, a combination of safety helmet, eye protection, ear protection or respiratory
protection needs to be worn.
6 Contractors are required to ensure assessments to be made of the suitability of the
equipment with regard to the nature of the risk.
7 The requirements of the assessment are specified and, in general, require the problem to be
thought through in a structured manner and - the right equipment chosen for the right
reasons.
8 A key factor is the competence of the person carrying out the assessments. If they do not get
it right, the consequences for the health and safety of employees could be very serious.
9 Assessments must be reviewed when they become out of date or there are any significant
changes.
10 Contractors are required to ensure that personal protective equipment provided shall be
properly maintained, cleaned or replaced as appropriate; that adequate and suitable storage
or accommodation is provided for it; and that employees receive all necessary information,
instruction and training.
11 Training must be comprehensible and the question of language use must be considered.
12 Employees are required to use personal protective equipment in accordance with any
instructions or training given, and to report any loss or defects.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.7 Risk Assessments and Method Statements
1.1.7.1 Interpretation
1 “contractor” means any organization or person who carries out or manages construction
work or a place of work and includes any ‘employer’ or ‘self-employed’ in relation to a
business
2 “business” means a trade, business or other undertaking including construction work
(whether for profit or not)
3 Construction work means the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering
construction work and includes:
(a) the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair,
upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance, de-commissioning, demolition or
dismantling of a structure;
(b) the preparation for an intended structure, including site clearance, exploration,
investigation and excavation, and the clearance or preparation of the site or structure
for use or occupation at its conclusion;
(c) the assembly on site of prefabricated elements to form a structure or the disassembly
on site of prefabricated elements which, immediately before such disassembly,
formed a structure;
(d) the removal of a structure or of any product or waste resulting from demolition or
dismantling of a structure or from disassembly of prefabricated elements which
immediately before such disassembly formed such a structure; and
(e) the installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair or removal of mechanical,
electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer or similar
services which are normally fixed within or to a structure
(f) Any associated temporary works associated with construction works and a work
activity
4 Work activity means any activity part of construction work and includes temporary works
5 “Young person” means any person who has not attained the age of eighteen. A young
person under 16 years of age cannot be employed at all in a Qatar workplace, as per Qatar
Labour Law 14, Article 86.
6 These duties are held by the contractor who carries out the work, irrespective of whether he
is an employer or is self-employed.
7 These duties are also held by those who do not do construction work themselves, but control
the way in which the work is done or manages construction work or owns and manages a
place of work.
8 ‘Suitable and sufficient’ means the risk assessment should identify the risks arising from or in
connection with the work and the level of detail should be proportionate to the risk. The level
of risk arising from the work activity should determine the degree of sophistication of the risk
assessment.
9 A method of work shall mean a method statement describing the logical sequence of how a
work activity is to be carried out safely and without risk to health
1.1.7.2 Risk assessment
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1 Every contractor shall make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment:
(a) To the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are
at work; and
(b) To the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in
connection with his undertaking
2 Any assessment referred to in paragraph (1) shall be reviewed if:
(a) There is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid; or
(b) There has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates.
3 A contractor shall not employ a young person unless he has undertaken or reviewed his risk
assessment in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (4) below in relation to risks to the health
and safety of young persons.
4 In making or reviewing the assessment, a contractor who employs or is to employ a young
person shall take account of:
(a) The inexperience and immaturity of young persons;
(b) The lack of awareness of risks in relation to the work to be undertaken and or the risks
impacting on the role of young persons
(c) The extent of the health and safety training provided or to be provided to young
persons
5 Any risk assessment referred to in paragraph (1) shall take into account
(a) language difficulties and language barriers of employees
(b) safety culture and other behavioural safety issues of employees
(c) The development and implementation of effective techniques as essential mitigations
to (a) and (b) above.
6 The contractor shall record:
(a) The significant findings of the risk assessment; and
(b) Any group of his employees and others identified by it as being especially at risk.
(d) the controls to be put in place to control risks
7 The contractor is required to ensure that employees are provided with health surveillance
where the findings of a risk assessment identify risks to the health and safety of employees
that can be eliminated or reduced by applying health surveillance techniques.
1.1.7.3 Method of work
1 Risk assessment shall be supported by effective and suitable written method of work
describing the logical sequence of how a work activity is to be carried out in a manner which
is safe and without risk to health.
2 Any written method of work referred to in paragraph (8) shall be developed by a competent
person who has knowledge and experience of the work activity being assessed and its
development shall involve consultation with those undertaking the work activity.
3 Any risk assessment and method of work referred to in paragraph (1) and (8) respectively
shall be developed before undertaking of any work activity and shall be communicated to
and acknowledged by those who will undertake the work activity.
4 Any risk assessment and method of work referred to in paragraph (1) and (8) respectively
shall identify the requirements for the contractor to provide for his employees:
(a) information about how to undertake the work safety and without risk to their health
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(b) implementation of instructions for undertaking the work safety and without risk to their
health
(c) identify and conduct necessary training to employees so that they have the
understanding and skills to undertake the work activity without risk to their health and
safety
(d) implementation of supervision of the work
Note
Guidance on Risk assessment and written method of work can be found in Section 2.4
(Section 11, Part 2 of QCS).
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1.1.8 Construction (Design and Management)
1.1.8.1 Key points
1 The overall concept of Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) regulations is to focus
on planning, design and management to improve health and safety standards on Qatar
construction industry without creating unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy.
1.1.8.2 Introduction
1 The key aim of the CDM Regulations is to integrate health and safety into the management
of construction projects and to encourage everyone involved to work together to:
(a) improve the planning, design and management of projects from the very start
involving subject matter experts to ensure that risks associated with all aspects of
business, particularly in terms of hazardous activities are properly assessed;
(b) identify hazards early on, so they can be eliminated or reduced at the design or
planning stage and the remaining risks can be properly managed;
(c) target effort where it can do the most good in terms of health and safety; and
(d) discourage unnecessary bureaucracy.
2 These Regulations are intended to focus attention on planning and management
throughout construction projects, from design concept onwards. The aim is for health
and safety considerations to be treated as an essential, but normal part of a project’s
development – not an afterthought or addition.
3 The effort devoted to planning and managing health and safety should be in proportion to the
risks and complexity associated with the project. When deciding what you need to do to
comply with these Regulations, your focus should always be on action necessary to reduce
and manage risks. Any paperwork produced should help with communication and risk
management. Paperwork which adds little to the management of risk is a waste of effort, and
can be a dangerous distraction from the real business of risk reduction and management.
4 Time and thought invested at the start of the project will pay dividends not only in
improved health and safety, but also in:
(a) reductions in the overall cost of ownership, because the structure is designed for
safe and easy maintenance and cleaning work, and because key information is
available in the health and safety file;
(b) reduced delays;
(c) more reliable costings and completion dates;
(d) improved communication and co-operation between key parties; and
(e) improved quality of the finished product.
1.1.8.3 Definitions / Interpretations
1 Client: A client means a person or an organisation or a company who seeks or accepts the
services of another person, organisation or company to carry out a project for him. The
Client can carry out the project himself.
2 Designer: Any person or organisation or company who in the course of a project or business
prepares or modifies a design; or arranges for or instructs any person under his control to do
so.
3 Design: Includes drawing, design details, specification, bills of quantities and calculations
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prepared for the purpose of designing all aspects of a structure or any products or electrical
or mechanical systems intended for a particular structure.
4 Construction work: Any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work. It
includes any of the following:
(a) any construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair,
upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance, cleaning (using water, abrasives at high
pressure, or the use of corrosive or toxic substances), decommissioning, demolition or
dismantling of a structure
(b) preparatory works including site clearance, exploration and investigation (but not site
survey) and clearance or preparation of the site or structure for use or occupation
(c) assembly of prefabricated structures or their disassembly
(d) demolition or dismantling of any structure and the removal of materials and waste.
(e) fabrication of elements which will form parts of offshore installations
(f) the construction of fixed offshore oil and gas installations at the place where they will
be used
(g) the installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair or removal of mechanical,
electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer or similar
services which are normally fixed within or to a structure.
5 The activities listed below have been defined as not being construction work. However,
given the complexities of many modern projects, thought may have to be given to how health
and safety is managed in connection with these activities where they form a part of the
project to which CDM otherwise applies:
(a) putting up and taking down tents
(b) normal maintenance of items of plant unless it is structural work, for example,
maintaining a large silo, chemical or nuclear reactor
(c) tree planting and general horticultural work
(d) work with removable lightweight
(e) partitions, such as those used to divide open-plan offices or to create exhibition stands
and displays
(f) erection of scaffolds for support or access in non-construction work
(g) surveying - this includes taking levels, making measurements and examining a
structure for faults
(h) work to or on vessels such as ships and mobile offshore installations
(i) off-site manufacture of items for later use in construction work (for example, roof
trusses, pre-cast concrete panels, bathroom pods and similar prefabricated elements
and components)
6 Engineer: Refer to QCS – Section 1 (General) – Part 1 (Introduction) – 1.4 (Terms and
Definitions).
7 Contractor: Refer to QCS – Section 1 (General) – Part 1 (Introduction) – 1.4 (Terms and
Definitions).
8 Sub-Contractor: means any person or organisation selected by the contractor for execution
or management of construction works. A sub-contractor works under the control of the
Contractor on site.
9 The construction phase starts when actual construction work on the project commences,
and normally ends on the transfer or handing over of the structure to the client. If there is
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more than one structure (or building), the construction phase does not end until the work on
the last structure is complete.
10 Construction Phase (Health & Safety) Plan: The Contractor must develop a plan suitable
for managing health and safety in the construction phase of the project, which includes
developing information provided by the client, designer and Engineer. This must be
completed, submitted and approved as suitable and sufficient by the client before
construction work on site can proceed.
The Construction Phase (Health & Safety)) plan is the foundation for good management and
clarifies:
? who does what
? who is responsible for what
? the hazards and risks which have been identified
? how the works are controlled
The plan should be regarded as a live document, reviewed at regular intervals and, where
necessary, amended to reflect changes in the scope of work or programme changes where
the planned interface of trades may alter.
11 Construction site: includes any place where construction work is being carried out or to
which the workers have access, but does not include a workplace within it which is set aside
for purposes other than construction work.
12 Principles of Prevention: means the hierarchy of hazard and risk control specified in
section 1.1.8.6 and which applied to every duty holder and everyone on a construction
project.
13 Project: means an undertaking (whether for profit or not) which includes or is intended to
include construction work and includes all planning, design, management or other work
involved in a project until the end of the construction phase.
14 Structure: This is defined as:
(a) any building, any masonry, timber, metal or reinforced concrete structure, railway line
or siding, dock, harbour, inland navigation, tunnel, shaft, bridge, viaduct, waterworks,
reservoir, pipe or pipe-line, cable, aqueduct, sewer, sewage works, gasholder, road,
airfield, sea defence works, drainage works, earthworks, lagoon, dam, wall, caisson,
mast, tower, pylon, underground tank, earth retaining structure or structure designed
to preserve or alter any natural feature, fixed plant and any structure similar to the
foregoing;
(b) any formwork, falsework, scaffold or other structure that provides temporary support or
access
1.1.8.4 Co-operation
1 These Regulations require that every duty holder involved in a project:
(a) seeks the co-operation of any other person involved in any project, whether on the
same or an adjoining site co-operates with all other persons involved in any project,
whether on the same or an adjoining site
2 So far as it is necessary for all persons involved in the project(s) to comply with their duties
or functions under these Regulations.
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3 Every person involved in a project, who is working under the control of another person, must
shall inform that person of anything believed to endanger the health or safety of himself or
others.
4 Common examples of co-operation are:
(a) one contractor allowing the workforce of another company to use their scaffold to
enable work at height to be carried out safely.
(b) site management on one site allowing oversailing by a tower crane on an adjacent
site.
(c) Designers of a project providing residual hazard and safety information to another
designer on an interfacing project.
1.1.8.5 Co-ordination
1 These Regulations require that every duty holder involved in a project co-ordinates their
activities with the activities with one another in a manner which ensure so far as is
reasonably practicable the health and safety of persons who are:
(a) carrying out construction work; and
(b) otherwise affected by the construction work
2 There are many examples of where the various contractors involved in a project can coordinate
their work activities, agreeing who works where and when so that construction work
runs smoothly and without the risks created by one set of workers endangering the health
and safety of other workers.
3 All construction projects require co-operation and co-ordination between all members of
the project team. For low risk projects, a low-key approach will be sufficient. In higher
risk projects, for example those involving demolition, a more rigorous approach to coordination,
co-operation and planning will be needed. Under the Regulations, any action
taken should be in proportion to the risk which the work creates. The architect, lead
designer or contractor who is carrying out the bulk of the design work should normally
co-ordinate the health and safety aspects of the design work; the main Contractor
should co-ordinate construction work.
4 It is vital that those doing the work understand the risks involved and what to do about
them. If the risks are low and the precautions well understood by those carrying out the
work, then there will be no need for a written health and safety plan. Where the risks are
higher, a written comprehensive construction phase health and safety plan will be
required. for example where the work involves:
(a) structural alterations;
(b) deep excavations, and those in unstable or contaminated ground;
(c) unusual working methods or safeguards;
(d) ionizing radiation or other significant health hazards;
(e) nearby high voltage power lines;
(f) a risk of falling into water which is, or may become, fast flowing;
(g) diving;
(h) explosives;
(i) heavy or complex lifting operations;
(j) demolition works.
5 A comprehensive construction phase health and safety plan will be required.
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1.1.8.6 Taking account of the general principles of prevention
1 These Regulations require that:
(a) Every person involved on a construction project, in relation to its design, planning
and preparation shall take account of the general principles of prevention in the
performance of those duties during at all the stages of the project.
(b) Every person involved on a construction project, in relation to the construction phase
of a project shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that the general
principles of prevention are applied in the carrying out of the construction work
2 When considering what precautions are necessary to control risks associated with a
project, everyone who has a duty under these Regulations must take account of the
general principles of prevention specified below:
(a) avoiding risks;
(b) evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;
(c) combating the risks at source;
(d) adapting the work to the individual, especially as regards the design of
workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and
production methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous work and
work at a predetermined work-rate and to reducing their effect on health;
(e) adapting to technical progress;
(f) replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous;
(g) developing a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology,
organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence of
factors relating to the working environment;
(h) giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures;
and giving appropriate instructions to employees.
1.1.8.7 Summary of the duties under these Regulations
A summary of the duties and how they are applied with respect to each duty holder is given
in the following table and chart:
All construction projects
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Clients
(a) Check competence and resources of all appointees
(b) Ensure there are suitable management arrangements for the project, including
welfare facilities
(c) Allow sufficient time and resources for all stages
(d) Provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors
(e) Appoint an Engineer
(f) Appoint Contractor
(g) Make sure that the construction phase does not start unless there are suitable:
? welfare facilities, and
? construction phase plan in place
(h) Provide information relating to the health and safety file to the Engineer
(i) Retain and provide access to the health and safety file
(j) (*There must be an Engineer and Contractor until the end of the construction phase)
Engineer
(a) Advise and assist the client with their duties
(b) Co-ordinate health and safety aspects of design work and co-operate with others
involved with the project
(c) Facilitate good communication between client, designers and contractors
(d) Liaise with Contractor about ongoing design
(e) Identify, collect and pass on pre-construction information
(f) Ensure that expert knowledge/advice is available in relation to highly hazardous
activities (e.g. explosives, cofferdams, caissons etc.)
(g) Prepare and update health and safety file
Designers
(a) Check that client is aware of their duties
(b) Eliminate hazards and reduce risks during design
(c) Provide information about remaining risks
(d) Check client is aware of duties and Engineer has been appointed
(e) Provide any information needed for the health and safety file
All construction work
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Contractor
(a) Plan, manage and monitor construction phase in liaison with sub-contractors
(b) Prepare, develop and implement a written plan and site rules. (Initial plan must be
completed before the construction phase begins. Plan is termed “Construction Phase
Health and Safety Plan”.
(c) Give sub-contractors relevant parts of the plan
(d) Make sure suitable welfare facilities are provided from the start and maintained
throughout the construction phase
(e) Check competence of all their appointees
(f) Ensure all workers have site inductions and any further information and training
needed for the work
(g) Ensure that expert knowledge/advice is available in relation to highly hazardous
activities (e.g. explosives, cofferdams, caissons etc.)
(h) Consult with the workers
(i) Liaise with Engineer regarding ongoing design
(j) Secure the site
Sub-Contractors
(a) Co-operate with Contractor in planning and managing work, including reasonable
directions and site rules
(b) Provide Contractor with details of any sub-contractors) engaged
(c) Provide any information needed for the health and safety file
(d) Inform Contractor of problems with the Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan
(e) Inform Contractor of reportable accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences
(f) Plan, manage and monitor own work and that of workers
(g) Check competence of all their appointees and workers
(h) Train own employees and provide information to their workers
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1.1.8.8 Duty holders under CDM
1 The following groups have specific duties under these Regulations:
(a) Clients
(b) Designers
(c) Engineers
(d) Contractors
(e) Sub-Contractors
1.1.8.9 Client’s Duties
1 Under these Regulations there is a greater focus on the client's responsibilities. The term
'client' excludes 'domestic' clients; people must be having construction work carried out as a
part of their business activities (whether for profit or not) to be classified as a client under
these Regulations. Clients must ensure that arrangements are made for managing the
projects and providing relevant information.
2 In relation to the arrangements for managing the project, the client must take reasonable
steps to ensure that:
(a) so far as is reasonably practicable, the project will be managed in such a way
(including the allocation of sufficient time and other resources) that the construction
work can be carried out without avoidable risks to health or safety of any person
(b) there are suitable welfare facilities for the people engaged in the construction work
(appendix 1)
(c) any structure which is to be built complies with the requirements of the latest revision
for QCS
(d) these standards are maintained and reviewed throughout the project.
3 In relation to the provision of information, the client's duties are to ensure that all
designers and contractors are promptly provided with relevant pre-construction information.
4 The pre-construction information must include all relevant information which is in the client's
possession, or can be reasonably obtained, including information that relates to:
(a) anything likely to affect the site or the construction work, for example the presence of
asbestos or underground services
(b) the proposed use of the structure as a workplace
(c) the minimum amount of time before the construction phase starts allowed for planning
and preparation (mobilisation)
5 The purpose of the provision of information by the client is to:
(a) secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of anyone who will:
(i) be involved in the construction work
(ii) be otherwise affected by the construction work
(iii) use the structure as a place of work
(b) assist the persons to whom information is provided to:
(i) perform their duties under these Regulations
(ii) determine the resources allocated to them to manage the project
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6 In situations where there are a number of organisations, any of which could be the client,
one of the organisations must elect in writing to take on the role of client. This needs to be by
agreement. In this case, none of the other organisations have any duties under these
Regulations.
7 The client has one of the biggest influences over the way a project is run. They have
substantial influence and contractual control and their decisions and approach determine:
(a) the time, money and other resources available for projects
(b) who makes up the project team, their competence, when they are appointed and
who does what
(c) whether the team is encouraged to co-operate and work together effectively
(d) whether the team has the information that it needs about the site and any existing
structures
(e) the arrangements for managing and co-ordinating the work of the team
8 Because of this, they are made accountable for the impact their approach has on the health
and safety of those working on or affected by the project. However, these Regulations also
recognise that many clients know little about construction health and safety, so clients are
not required or expected to plan or manage projects themselves. Nor do they have to
develop substantial expertise in construction health and safety, unless this is central to their
business. Clients must ensure that various duties are discharged, but are not normally
expected to do them themselves.
9 Those clients without construction expertise should rely on the engineer’s advice on how
best to meet their duties, but the engineer will need the client’s support and input to be able
to carry out their work effectively. The client remains responsible for ensuring that client
duties are met.
10 Clients can also, intentionally or unwittingly, take on additional responsibilities. If they specify
materials or methods of working they may well become designers in relation to those specific
matters. They will also be contractors if they directly manage or carry out construction work
on site.
11 Client shall ensure that the construction phase does not start unless:
(a) the contractor has prepared a construction phase plan which complies with
Section 1.1.8.32); and
(b) the contractor have made arrangements for suitable welfare facilities to be
provided from the start and throughout the construction phase
12 In addition to the duties set out above, clients must:
(a) appoint an Engineer to advise and assist with their duties and to co-ordinate the
arrangements for health and safety during the planning phase;
(b) appoint a Contractor to plan and manage the construction work preferably early enough
for them to work with the designer on issues relating to building safety issues, usability
and maintainability;
(c) ensure that the construction phase does not start until the Contractor has prepared a
suitable construction phase plan and made arrangements for suitable welfare facilities to
be present from the start of the work;
(d) make sure the health and safety file is prepared, reviewed, or updated ready
for handover at the end of the construction work. This must then be kept
available for any future construction work or to pass on to a new owner.
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13 Getting the right people for these roles and making early appointments is particularly
important for clients with little construction or health and safety expertise, as they will need to
rely on the advice given by the Engineer on matters relating to the competence of those who
they intend to appoint, and the adequacy of the management arrangements made by
appointees.
1.1.8.10 Who are clients?
1 A client is an organisation or individual for whom a construction project is carried out. Clients
only have duties when the project is associated with a business or other undertaking
(whether for profit or not). This can include for example, Qatar Ministry’s, Insurance
Companies or Private Developers.
1.1.8.11 Domestic clients
1 Domestic clients are people who have work done on their own home or the home of a
family member, that does not relate to a trade or business, whether for profit or not. It is
the type of client that matters, not the type of property.
2 Domestic clients have no client duties under CDM.
3 Designers and contractors working for domestic clients have to manage their own work
and co-operate with and co-ordinate their work with others involved with the project so
as to safeguard the health and safety of all involved in the project.
4 In some circumstances it may not be immediately obvious who is the client and there
can sometimes be more than one client involved in a project. To avoid confusion, this
needs to be resolved by those involved at the earliest stage possible. Take into
account who:
(a) ultimately decides what is to be constructed, where, when and by whom;
(b) commissions the design and construction work (the employer in contract
terminology);
(c) initiates the work;
(d) is at the head of the procurement chain;
(e) engages the contractors.
5 If there is still doubt, then all of the possible clients can appoint one of them as the only
client for the purposes of these Regulations. Someone will always be the client. It is in
the interests of all possible contenders to identify who it is. If not, they run the risk that all will
be considered to carry the client’s duties under these Regulations.
1.1.8.12 What clients must do for all projects
1 Clients must make sure that:
(a) designers, contractors and other team members that they propose to engage are
competent (or work under the supervision of a competent person), are adequately
resourced and appointed early enough for the work they have to do.
(b) they allow sufficient time for each stage of the project, from concept onwards;
(c) they co-operate with others concerned in the project as is necessary to allow other
duty holders to comply with their duties under these Regulations;
(d) they co-ordinate their own work with others involved with the project in order to
ensure the safety of those carrying out the construction work, and others who may
be affected by it;
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(e) there are reasonable management arrangements in place throughout the project
to ensure that the construction work can be carried out, so far as is reasonably
practicable, safely and without risk to health. (This does not mean managing the
work themselves, as few clients have the expertise and resources needed and it
can cause confusion);
(f) contractors have made arrangements for suitable welfare facilities to be provided
from the start and throughout the construction phase;
(g) any fixed workplaces (for example offices, shops, factories, schools and any other
structures which can be a place of work for end users including maintainers)
which are to be constructed will comply, in respect of their design and the
materials used, with any requirements of latest version for QCS
(h) relevant information likely to be needed by designers, engineer, contractors or
others to plan and manage their work is passed to them in order to comply with
these Regulations.
1.1.8.13 Co-operation, co-ordination, timeliness and resources
1 Co-operation between parties and co-ordination of the work are key to the successful
management of construction health and safety. Co-operation and co-ordination can only
be meaningful if the relevant members of the project team have been appointed early
enough to allow them to contribute to risk reduction. This is particularly important during
the design stage when both clients and contractors should contribute to discussions on
building safety issues, usability and maintainability of the finished structure. Clients
should seek to appoint those who can assist with design considerations at the earliest
opportunity so that they can make a full contribution to risk reduction during the planning
stages.
2 Unrealistic deadlines and a failure to allocate sufficient funds are two of the largest
contributors to poor control of risk on site. When engaging designers, contractors, and
appointing engineers, clients have to consider the resources (for example staff,
equipment and, particularly, time) needed to plan and do the work properly. Any
contractors who are being considered for appointment should be informed of the
minimum time period allowed to them for planning and preparation before construction
work begins on site. Contractors should be given sufficient time after their appointment
to allow them to plan the work and mobilise the necessary equipment (for example
welfare facilities) and staff to allow the work to proceed safely and without risk to health.
This is particularly important where the project involves demolition work - contractors
must be given sufficient time for the planning and safe execution of any demolition
activities.
3 Clients should consult with appointees (including the contractor) to find out how much
time they will need for planning and preparation before work is expected to start in order
that both parties can agree a suitable time period. Similarly, engineers will need
sufficient time after their appointment to carry out their duties under these Regulations.
Clients must then inform their appointees how much time the client has allowed for
planning and preparation before the work starts.
1.1.8.14 Arranging design work
1 Clients must only employ designers who are competent to carry out their CDM duties.
2 Clients often employ more than one designer, for example architects, civi l, structural and
services engineers. In such cases they all need to know who does what, and the timing
of the appointments needs to enable the design work to be co-ordinated from an early
stage. Nominating one designer as the ‘lead designer’ is often the best way to ensure
co-ordination and co-operation during work which involves a number of designers.
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1.1.8.15 Management Arrangements
1 Clients, particularly those who only occasionally commission construction work, will not
be experts in the construction process and for this reason they are not required to take
an active role in managing the work. Clients are required to take reasonable steps to
ensure that suitable management arrangements are in place throughout the life of the
project so that the work can be carried out safely and without risk to health. The
arrangements put in place should focus on the needs of the particular job and should be
proportionate to the risks arising from the work.
2 The client will need to ensure that arrangements are in place to ensure that:
(a) there is clarity as to the roles, functions and responsibilities of members of the
project team;
(b) those with duties under CDM have sufficient time and resource to comply with
their duties;
(c) there is good communication, co-ordination and co-operation between members
of the project team (for example between designers and contractors);
(d) designers are able to confirm that their designs (and any design changes) have
taken account of the requirements of their (designers’ duties), and that the
different design elements will work together in a way which does not create risks
to the health and safety of those constructing, using or maintaining the structure;
(e) that the contractor is provided with the pre-construction information.
(f) contractors are able to confirm that health and safety standards on site will be
controlled and monitored, and that welfare facilities will be provided by the
contractor from the start of the construction phase through to handover and
completion.
3 Most of these arrangements will be made by others in the project team, such as
designers and contractors. Before they start work, a good way of checking is to ask the
relevant members of the team to explain their arrangements, or to ask for examples of
how they will manage these issues during the life of the project. When discussing roles
and responsibilities, on simple projects all that may be needed is a simple list of who
does what.
4 When deciding whether management arrangements are suitable and maintained
throughout the project, clients will need to make a judgement, taking account of the
nature of the project and the risks that the work will entail. If this judgement is
reasonable and clearly based on the evidence requested and provided, clients will not
be criticised if the arrangements subsequently prove to be inadequate, or if the company
who has made the arrangements fails to implement them properly without the client’s
knowledge.
1.1.8.16 Providing the pre-construction information
1 Clients must provide designers and contractors who may be bidding for the work (or who
they intend to engage), with the project-specific health and safety information needed to
identify hazards and risks associated with the design and construction work (the preconstruction
information).
2 The information should be provided as part of the early procurement process or tendering,
and responses to the issues identified can be a real help when judging competence of
those tendering for the work. It therefore needs to be identified, assembled and sent out
in good time, so that those who need it when preparing to bid or when preparing for the
work can decide what resources (including time) will be needed to enable design,
planning and construction work to be organised and carried out properly. Where design
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work continues during the construction phase, the pre-construction information will need
to be provided to designers before work starts on each new element of the design.
Similarly, where sub-contractors are appointed during the construction phase, each subcontractor
(or those who are bidding for the work) must be provided with the preconstruction
information in time for them to take this into account when preparing their
bid, or preparing for work on the site.
3 Clients may already have all, or much of the information needed. However, where there
are gaps in this information, the client should ensure that these are filled by
commissioning surveys or by making other reasonable enquiries. Where no existing
information is available from the Client, designers shall identify and commission relevant
surveys to enable them to complete their design and prepare preconstruction
information that will be used to inform preparation and planning for construction. The
information shall consist of relevant health and safety information of anyone affected by
the design over the project life cycle.
4 The pre-construction information provided should be sufficient to ensure that significant
risks during the work can be anticipated and planned for. It should concentrate on those
issues that designers and contractors could not reasonably be expected to anticipate or
identify, and not on obvious hazards such as the likelihood that the project would involve
work at height.
5 The information needs to be in a form that is convenient, i.e. clear, concise and easily
understood, but it can be included in other documents, for example the specification,
providing the relevant health and safety issues are fully covered. Brief notes on ‘as built’
drawings are particularly useful, but should be checked in case significant alterations have
been carried out. will advise the client as to what is needed and arrange for relevant
information to be given to designers and contractors.
6 Clients are also required to tell Contractors who they engage to carry out construction work
the minimum notice that they will be given before they are expected to start construction
work. This is to ensure that Contractors have sufficient time to plan and prepare – for
example mobilise their workforce and equipment, and make arrangements for welfare
facilities to be provided.
1.1.8.17 Pre-construction information
1 When drawing up the pre-construction information, each of the following topics should
be considered. Information should be included where the topic is relevant to the work
proposed. The pre-construction information provides information for those bidding for or
planning work, and for the development of the construction phase plan. The level of
detail in the information should be proportionate to the risks involved in the project.
2 Description of project
(a) project description and programme details including:
(i) key dates (including planned start and finish of the construction phase), and
(ii) the minimum time to be allowed between appointment of the contractor and
instruction to commence work on site;
(b) details of client, designers, engineer and other consultants;
(c) whether or not the structure will be used as a workplace (in which case, the
finished design will need to take account of the relevant requirements of the latest
version for QCS).
(d) extent and location of existing records and plans.
3 Client’s considerations and management requirements
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(a) arrangements for:
(i) planning for and managing the construction work, including any health and
safety goals project,
(ii) communication and liaison between client and others,
(iii) security of the site,
(iv) welfare provision;
(b) requirements relating to the health and safety of the client’s employees or
customers or those involved in the project such as:
(i) site fencing requirements,
(ii) site transport arrangements or vehicle movement restrictions,
(iii) client permit-to-work systems,
(iv) fire precautions,
(v) emergency procedures and means of escape,
(vi) ‘no-go’ areas or other authorisation requirements for those involved in the
project,
(vii) any areas the client has designated as confined spaces,
(viii) smoking and parking restrictions.
4 Environmental restrictions and existing on-site risks
(a) Safety hazards, including:
(i) boundaries and access, including temporary access – for example narrow
streets, lack of parking, turning or storage space,
(ii) any restrictions on deliveries or waste collection or storage,
(iii) adjacent land uses – for example schools, railway lines or busy highways.
(iv) existing storage of hazardous materials,
(v) location of existing services particularly those that are concealed – water,
electricity, gas, etc,
(vi) ground conditions, underground structures or water courses where this
might affect the safe use of plant, for example cranes, or the safety of
groundworks,
(vii) information about existing structures – stability, structural form, fragile or
hazardous materials, anchorage points for fall arrest systems (particularly
where demolition is involved),
(viii) previous structural modifications, including weakening or strengthening of
the structure (particularly where demolition is involved),
(ix) fire damage, ground shrinkage, movement or poor maintenance which may
have adversely affected the structure,
(x) any difficulties relating to plant and equipment in the premises, such as
overhead gantries whose height restricts access,
(xi) health and safety information contained in earlier design, construction or
‘as-built’ drawings, such as details of pre-stressed or post-tensioned
structures;
(xii) Health hazards, including:
(xiii) asbestos, including results of surveys (particularly where demolition is
involved),
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(xiv) existing storage of hazardous materials,
(xv) contaminated land, including results of surveys,
(xvi) existing structures containing hazardous materials,
(xvii) health risks arising from client’s activities.
5 Significant design and construction hazards
(a) significant design assumptions and suggested work methods, sequences or other
control measures;
(b) arrangements for co-ordination of ongoing design work and handling design
changes;
(c) information on significant risks identified during design;
(d) materials requiring particular precautions.
The Health and Safety File
6 Description of its format and any conditions relating to its content.
7 The information needs to be in a form that is convenient, i.e. clear, concise and easily
understood, but it can be included in other documents, for example the specification,
providing the relevant health and safety issues are fully covered. Brief notes on ‘as built’
drawings are particularly useful, but should be checked in case significant alterations have
been carried out. Engineers will advise the client as to what is needed and arrange for
relevant information to be given to designers and contractors.
8 Clients are also required to tell contractors who they engage to carry out construction work
the minimum notice that they will be given before they are expected to start construction
work. This is to ensure that contractors have sufficient time to plan and prepare – for
example mobilise their workforce and equipment, and make arrangements for welfare
facilities to be provided
1.1.8.18 Welfare arrangements
1 Clients do not have to provide welfare facilities for construction workers, but if there are
particular constraints which make it difficult for facilities to be provided, the client should
co-operate with contractors and assist them with their arrangements.
1.1.8.19 Additional duties for clients
1 Refer to 1.1.8.9.
1.1.8.20 Appointment of the Engineer
1 The client must appoint a competent, adequately resourced engineer as soon as
practicable after initial design work or other preparations for construction work have
begun.
2 The engineer provides clients with a key project advisor in respect of construction health
and safety risk management matters. Their main purpose is to help clients to carry out
their duties; to co-ordinate health and safety aspects of the design work and to prepare
the health and safety file.
3 Early appointment is crucial for effective planning and establishing management
arrangements from the start. CDM requires the appointment to take place as soon as is
practicable after initial design work or other preparation for construction work has begun.
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This allows the client to appraise their project needs and objectives, including the
business case and any possible constraints on development to enable them to decide
whether or not to proceed with the project before appointing the engineer. The engineer
needs to be in a position to be able to co-ordinate design work and advise on the
suitability and compatibility of designs, and therefore they should be appointed before
significant detailed design work begins. Significant detailed design work includes
preparation of the initial concept design and implementation of any strategic brief. As a
scheme moves into the detailed design stage, it becomes more difficult to make
fundamental changes that eliminate hazards and reduce risks associated with early
design decisions.
4 Proper consideration of the health and safety implications of the design for those who
build and maintain the structure will make a significant contribution to reducing its whole
life cost, and will make delivery to time, cost and quality more likely.
5 The engineer can be an individual or a company. Engineers can be appointed
independently of any other role on the project team, or they may combine this work with
another role, for example, project manager, designer or contractor. Where the role is
combined, it is crucial that the engineer has sufficient independence to carry out their
tasks effectively. The tasks can be shared out, but when this happens it is important to
make sure that all of the duties are discharged. On simple projects, one person should
be able to provide all of the support that clients need, but a team approach will be more
common for larger or more complicated projects because of the workload and skills
required.
1.1.8.21 Appointment of the Contractor
1 Clients must appoint one competent, adequately resourced contractor to plan, manage
and monitor the construction work. The appointment needs to be in writing.
2 The contractor can be an organisation or an individual. A contractor’s key duties is to coordinate
and manage the construction phase to ensure the health and safety of
everybody carrying out construction work, or who is affected by the wor k.
3 The contractor must be appointed as soon as the client knows enough about the project
to select a suitable contractor. Early appointment allows the contractor and other
specialists, for example maintenance contractors and facilities management experts to
make a substantial contribution to ensuring the building safety issues and maintainability
of the structure under construction. This helps to eliminate and reduce risks to health
and safety, and to avoid interruptions, delays and other problems, which can add
significantly to the costs of a project.
4 Early appointment is essential for the contractor to have sufficient time to develop an
adequate construction phase plan and to arrange for appropriate resources, including
welfare facilities, to be available when work commences on site. (Ensuring that welfare
facilities are provided when work starts on site is a specific duty of the contractor, but the
client also has a duty to make sure that the contractor has done so). Contractors should
be told as part of the pre-construction information the minimum amount of time which
they will be given for planning and preparation before the construction work is expected
to start on site.
5 There can only be one contractor (the main Contractor of construction works and having
authority and control of the construction site) at any one time. To ensure continuity,
clients should normally keep the same contractor for the whole project from site
clearance and preparation to final completion. However, there may be exceptions, for
example where:
(a) preliminary works, for example involving demolition or site preparation work,
where there is a substantial delay between site clearance and the start of new
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construction work;
(b) separate projects for different clients, for example for a building shell and
subsequent fitting-out work.
(c) In these cases, any change in contractor should:
(d) be clear to, and agreed by all those involved, particularly in relation to the timing of
the change;
(e) be clearly recorded;
(f) provide the practical authority to enable the contractor to discharge his duties.
1.1.8.22 Management arrangements
1 Clients must appoint a competent engineer who will assist them with the assessment of
the adequacy of the management arrangements made by others in the project team.
Having appointed a competent engineer, the client is entitled to rely on their advice
when making these judgements.
1.1.8.23 Before the construction phase begins
1 Before construction work begins clients must check to ensure that suitable welfare
facilities have been provided, and that the construction phase plan has been prepared
by the contractor. With the help of the engineer, clients must ensure that the plan is
project-specific and suitable. Example content of the construction phase plan is:
1.1.8.24 Construction Phase (Health & Safety) Plan
1 When drawing up the construction phase plan, you should consider each of the
following topics. Information should be included in the plan where the topic is relevant to
the work proposed. The plan sets out how health and safety is to be managed during the
construction phase. The level of detail should be proportionate to the risks involved in
the project. Once the construction phase has begun, it is the responsibility of the
Contractor to update the Plan as per the development of the construction works.
2 Description of project
(a) project description and programme details including any key dates;
(b) details of client, engineer, designers, Contractor and other consultants;
(c) extent and location of existing records and plans that are relevant to health and
safety on site, including information about existing structures when appropriate.
3 Management of the work
(a) management structure and responsibilities
(b) health and safety goals for the project and arrangements for monitoring and
review of health and safety performance
(c) arrangements for;
(i) regular liaison between parties on site,
(ii) consultation with the workforce,
(iii) the exchange of design information between the client, designers, Engineer and
contractors on site,
(iv) handling design changes during the project,
(v) the selection and control of contractors,
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(vi) the exchange of health and safety information between contractors,
(vii) site security,
(viii) site induction,
(ix) on site training,
(x) welfare facilities and first aid,
(xi) the reporting and investigation of accidents and incidents including near misses,
(xii) the production and approval of risk assessments and written systems of work;
(d) site rules (including drug and alcohol policy);
(e) fire and emergency procedures.
(f) Arrangements for controlling significant site risks
(a) Safety risks, including:
(i) delivery and removal of materials (including waste) and work equipment taking
account of any risks to the public, for example during access to or egress from
the site,
(ii) dealing with services - water, electricity and gas, including overhead power lines
and temporary electrical installations,
(iii) accommodating adjacent land use,
(iv) stability of structures whilst carrying out construction work, including temporary
structures and existing unstable structures,
(v) preventing falls,
(vi) work with or near fragile materials,
(vii) control of lifting operations,
(viii) the maintenance of plant and equipment,
(ix) work on excavations and work where there are poor ground conditions,
(x) work on wells, underground earthworks and tunnels,
(xi) work on or near water where there is a risk of drowning,
(xii) work involving diving,
(xiii) work in a caisson or compressed air working,
(xiv) work involving explosives,
(xv) traffic routes and segregation of vehicles and pedestrians,
(xvi) storage of materials (particularly hazardous materials) and work equipment,
(xvii) any other significant safety risks;
(b) health risks, including:
(i) the removal of asbestos,
(ii) dealing with contaminated land,
(iii) manual handling,
(iv) use of hazardous substances, particularly where there is a need for health
monitoring,
(v) reducing noise and vibration,
(vi) work with ionising radiation,
(vii) exposure to UV radiation (from the sun),
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(viii) any other significant health risks.
4 The health and safety file
(a) layout and format;
(b) arrangements for the collection and gathering of information;
(c) storage of information.
5 Once the construction phase has begun, neither clients nor engineers have a duty to
check that the plan is updated; this is the responsibility of the contractor.
1.1.8.25 Completion and handover (all projects)
1 One of the most important stages in a project is when it nears completion and is handed
over to the client. It is rare for all construction work to be completed before handover.
Sometimes clients, in their eagerness to have things up and running, assume control
when a great deal of construction work remains.
2 Risks to employees and others not engaged in construction work can increase
substantially as they visit the site or spend more time there. The risks to the construction
workers can also increase, due to the presence and work of others not directly engaged
or experienced in construction work.
3 To minimise such risks, the management of this phase needs to be considered well in
advance to address:
(a) the nature, scope and duration of any finishing-off work;
(b) how this work will be managed and by whom;
(c) how the site will be split up, and access controlled, to safeguard construction
workers as well as clients’ employees and/or members of the public.
4 For simple projects these arrangements can be discussed and agreed between the
various parties. In more complex situations, the arrangements should be recorded as
part of the construction phase plan.
1.1.8.26 What clients don’t have to do
1 Clients are not required or expected to:
(a) plan or manage construction projects themselves; or
(b) specify how work must be done, for example requiring a structure to be
demolished by hand. Indeed they should not do so unless they have the expertise
to assess the various options and risks involved. (They should, of course, point
out particular risks that would inform this decision.)
(c) provide welfare facilities for those carrying out construction work (though they
should co-operate with the contractor to assist with his arrangements);
(d) visit the site (to supervise or check construction work standards) but it is good
practice for the client to appoint someone to ensure the contents of the
Construction Phase (H&S) Plan is being complied with. This may be in the form of
an appointed H&S advisor / consultant and / or the Engineer which may assist in
the resolution of any onsite design issues.
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1.1.8.27 The Engineer
Appointment of an Engineer
1 The role of engineer may be filled by an individual, an organisation or by a professional
practice such as an architect's practice or a specialist consultancy.
2 The more complex the project and hence the more construction disciplines involved, the less
likely it is that the role of engineer can be satisfactorily carried out by a single person.
3 The selection of a competent engineer should be based upon the complexity of the work and
the range of knowledge required.
4 The duties of the engineer are seen to be to:
(a) give suitable and sufficient advice and assistance to enable the client to comply with
the client's duties under these Regulations, in particular with regard to:
(i) taking reasonable steps to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made
for managing health and safety
(ii) the start of the construction phase as outlined previously in the client's duties
(b) ensure that suitable arrangements are made and implemented for the co-ordination of
health and safety measures during the planning and preparation phases of the project
with regard to:
(i) co-operation and co-ordination between all parties working on the project
(ii) the implementation of the general principles of prevention
(c) liaise with the contractor with regard to:
(i) the information required for the health and safety file
(ii) the information needed by the contractor for the preparation of the health and
safety plan
(iii) any design developments which may have an impact on the planning and
management of the work
(d) take all reasonable steps to identify and collect pre-construction information and
promptly provide it, as necessary, to designers and contractors
(e) take all reasonable steps to ensure that designers comply with their duties
(f) take all reasonable steps to ensure the co-operation between designers and the
contractor with regard to designs and any changes in design
(g) prepare the health and safety file and pass the file to the client at the end of the
construction phase
5 The purpose of the engineer is to provide the client with key project information about
construction health and safety risk-management matters.
6 They should assist and advise the client on:
(a) the appointment of competent contractors
(b) the adequacy of the arrangements for managing health and safety
(c) ensuring proper co-ordination of the health and safety aspects of the design process
(d) facilitating good communication and co-operation between all project team members
(e) preparing the health and safety file,
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7 Early involvement of the engineer with the client and designers should significantly contribute
to the reduction of risk to construction workers and to anyone who has to subsequently work
on the completed structure.
8 The role demands a comprehensive knowledge of the design process and construction
methods, plus a thorough understanding of construction health, safety and welfare issues.
9 It is suggested that if the position is filled by a competent person or organisation who/which
possesses the necessary range of knowledge, experience and resources, compliance with
the rest of these Regulations should flow relatively smoothly.
10 These Regulations require that the role of the engineer must be filled at all times by a
competent person. It has, therefore, to be accepted that the appointment of the engineer can
be terminated by the client if the duties are not being carried out satisfactorily, for example:
(a) the engineer has not generally displayed the required level of competence
(b) the job has reached a stage where it involves construction activities outside the scope
of the experience of the current engineer and a pre-planned handover to another
engineer takes place. For example, the original engineer is appointed for the ground
works and structural stage of a project, but another appointment is made for the fitting
out and commissioning stages.
11 The role of an engineer is to provide the client with a key project advisor in respect of
construction health and safety risk management matters. They should assist and advise
the client on appointment of competent contractors and the adequacy of management
arrangements; ensure proper co-ordination of the health and safety aspects of the
design process; facilitate good communication and co-operation between project team
members and prepare the health and safety file.
12 Through early involvement with clients and designers, an engineer can make a
significant contribution to reducing risks to workers during construction, and to
contractors and end users who work on or in the structure after construction.
Appointing the Engineer
13 Refer to 1.1.8.20.
1.1.8.28 What Engineers should do
1 An engineer should:
(a) give suitable and sufficient advice and assistance to clients in order to help them
to comply with their duties, in particular:
(i) the duty to appoint competent designers and contractors; and
(ii) the duty to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place for managing
the project;
(b) co-ordinate design work, planning and other preparation for construction where
relevant to health and safety;
(c) identify and ensure collection of the pre-construction information and advise the
client if surveys need to be commissioned to fill significant gaps;
(d) promptly provide in a convenient form to those involved with the design of the
structure; and to every contractor (including the contractor) who may
(e) be or has been appointed by the client, such parts of the pre-construction
information which are relevant to each;
(f) manage the flow of health and safety information between clients, designers
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(g) and contractors;
(h) advise the client on the suitability of the initial construction phase plan and the
arrangements made to ensure that welfare facilities are on site from the start;
(i) produce or update a relevant, user friendly, health and safety file suitable for
future use at the end of the construction phase.
Advising the client on competency of designers and contractors
2 Clients are responsible for appointing competent and adequately resourced designers
and contractors. A competent engineer will have the knowledge and expertise to assist
clients with these assessments.
Managing information flow
3 Co-operation and co-ordination can only be achieved if there is good communication
between all parties involved in a particular aspect of a project. During planning stages
the engineer needs to make sure that there are appropriate systems in place to
encourage communication and the sharing of relevant information, and engineers
should manage the flow of information between the team members. They may need to
convene special meetings if they are not satisfied there is sufficient co-operation
between designers or with other team members, or if adequate regard is not being given
to health and safety. It is, however, better for these issues to be addressed in routine
project meetings.
Providing information
4 Clients must provide designers and contractors who may be bidding for the work (or who
they intend to engage), with the project-specific health and safety information needed to
identify hazards and risks associated with the design and construction work. (The preconstruction
information). Clients are required to provide this information to the
engineer. The engineer should check the information to ensure that it is complete,
advise the client if there are any significant gaps or defects, and ensure these are filled
by commissioning surveys or by making other reasonable enquiries. The engineer
should then provide designers or contractors who may be bidding for, or preparing to
carry out construction work on site, with such parts of the pre-construction information
that are relevant to each.
Advising the client on adequacy of management arrangements
5 Clients must make sure that there are suitable (project-specific) arrangements for
managing each project so that the work can be carried out safely and without risk to
health. Most clients, particularly those who only occasionally commission construction
work, will not be experts in the construction process. These Regulations do not require
clients to take an active role in managing the work, but they do require clients to take
reasonable steps to ensure that suitable management arrangements are in place
throughout the life of the project.
6 The engineer should assist with the development of these arrangements, and should
advise clients on whether or not the arrangements are adequate. They should assist the
client with decisions about how much time a contractor will need to prepare before
construction work begins. When advising and assisting the client, the following issues
should be considered.
(a) Is the client aware of their duties and do they understand what is expected of
them?
(b) Has the client prepared relevant information about the site?
(c) Have the necessary appointments been made?
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(d) Is there an established project team who meet regularly to discuss and coordinate
activities in relation to the project?
(e) Are project team members clear about their roles and responsibilities?
(f) Are there arrangements in place for co-ordinating design work and reviewing the
design to ensure that designer’s duties are being addressed?
(g) Are there arrangements in place for dealing with late changes to the design, and
for co-operating with contractors, so that problems are shared?
(h) Has the contractor been given enough time to plan and prepare for the work, and
mobilise for the start of the construction phase?
(i) Has the contractor made arrangements for providing welfare facilities on site from
the outset, and have they prepared a construction phase plan that addresses the
main risks during the early stages of construction?
(j) Are there suitable arrangements for developing the plan to cover risks that arise
as the work progresses?
(k) Has the format for the health and safety file been agreed, and are arrangements
in place for collecting the information which it will contain?
(l) Has the contractor put in place suitable arrangements for consulting with workers
on site; for carrying out site induction and for ensuring that workers are adequately
trained and supervised?
7 Not all of these questions will need answers at the start of the project, and the
arrangements will need to evolve as the project develops. The key thing is to plan ahead
so that arrangements are in place before the risks that need managing materialise on
site.
1.1.8.29 Co-ordinating design work: Design reviews
1 The engineers responsibility in respect of design work only extends to health and safety
aspects of the design – checking that the requirements of the designers duties have
been addressed and that the different design elements work together without causing
danger. This is best achieved through design reviews during which health and safety
issues are addressed alongside practicality and cost in a wider review of the design’s
building safety issues, maintainability and usability.
2 When considering building safety issues, meetings should where possible include the
contractor(s) so that difficulties associated with construction can be discussed and
solutions agreed before the work begins. When discussing usability and maintainability,
involving the client or those who will be responsible for operating the building or
structure will mean that proper consideration can be given to the health and safety of
those who will maintain and use the structure once it has been completed. Doing this
during the design stage will result in significant cost savings for the client, as rectifying
mistakes after the structure has been built is always expensive.
3 As part of design reviews, engineers need to ensure that the designers have identified a
safe method for construction for unusual or complex designs, and that the designs
include the information needed by other designers and contractors to allow them to work
safely and without risk to health. This information needs to be clear and concise.
4 The timing of the reviews also needs careful consideration. Design needs to be far
enough developed for people to have a clear view of what is in mind, but not so far
developed that it is too late to modify the proposals, if necessary. Design is an iterative
process so it may need review at several different stages. The effort devoted to design
review should be in proportion to the risks and complexity.
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5 Engineers who identify important health and safety issues that have not been addressed
in the design must draw them to the attention of the designer.
1.1.8.30 The Engineer and the construction phase
1 Design often continues throughout a project and engineers have a continuing role during
the construction phase – ensuring that designers, including those engaged by a
contractor and contractors who carry out design work themselves, co-operate with each
other, and designs meet the requirements of these Regulations. Where design changes
and decisions during the construction phase have significant health and safety
implications, engineers should liaise with the contractor about any implications for the
construction phase plan.
2 The design of temporary works, such as falsework, formwork and scaffolding, falls within
the scope of CDM. Engineers have to take reasonable steps to ensure co-operation
between permanent and temporary works designers, in particular to ensure that
arrangements are in place to ensure that designs are compatible and that the
permanent works can support any loadings from temporary works.
3 Engineers need to pay particular attention to late designs or late changes to designs.
Examples would be revisions on architects’ instructions, when clients require changes or
when unforeseen problems are encountered on site. The engineer should make sure
that there are arrangements in place to ensure that such changes do not result in
significantly increased risks on site.
What Engineers don’t have to do
4 Engineers don’t have to:
(a) approve the appointment of designers, contractors, although they normally advise
clients about competence and resources;
(b) approve or check designs, although they have to be satisfied that the design
process addresses the need to eliminate hazards and control risks;
(c) approve the contractor’s construction phase plan, although they have to be able to
advise clients on its adequacy at the start of construction;
(d) supervise the contractor’s implementation of the construction phase plan - this is
the responsibility of the contractor; or
(e) supervise or monitor construction work – this is the responsibility of the contractor.
1.1.8.31 The health and safety file
1 Engineers must prepare a suitable health and safety file. It is important that they
discuss this with the client before work starts on site so that the format can be agreed,
along with who should provide what information and when. This requires the cooperation
of several duty holders, so engineers need to make sure that designers and
contractors know, early on in the project, what information they will need to provide
2 The health and safety file (‘the file’) is a source of information that will help to reduce the
risks and costs involved in future construction work, including cleaning, maintenance,
alterations, refurbishment and demolition. Clients therefore need to ensure that the file is
prepared and kept available for inspection in the event of such work. It is a key part of
the information, which the client, or the client’s successor, must pass on to anyone
preparing or carrying out work to which CDM applies.
3 Clients may need to provide incentives or include requirements in contracts to ensure
that the information is given to the engineer immediately after relevant design or
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construction work is completed. At the end of a project the engineer should give the
completed file to the client for safekeeping.
The contents of the health and safety file
4 When putting together the health and safety file, you should consider including
information about each of the following where they are relevant to the health and safety
of any future construction work. The level of detail should allow the likely risks to be
identified and addressed by those carrying out the work:
(a) a brief description of the work carried out;
(b) any residual hazards which remain and how they have been dealt with (for
example surveys or other information concerning asbestos; contaminated land;
water bearing strata; buried services etc);
(c) key structural principles (for example, bracing, sources of substantial stored
energy – including pre- or post-tensioned members) and safe working loads for
floors and roofs, particularly where these may preclude placing scaffolding or
heavy machinery there;
(d) hazardous materials used (for example lead paint; pesticides; special coatings
which should not be burnt off etc);
(e) information regarding the removal or dismantling of installed plant and equipment
(for example any special arrangements for lifting, order or other special
instructions for dismantling etc);
(f) health and safety information about equipment provided for cleaning or
maintaining the structure;
(g) the nature, location and markings of significant services, including underground
cables; gas supply equipment; fire-fighting services etc;
(h) information and as-built drawings of the structure, its plant and equipment (for
example, the means of safe access to and from service voids, fire doors and
compartmentalisation etc).
5 The file should be useful to:
(a) clients, who have a duty to provide information about their premises to those who
carry out work there;
(b) designers during the development of further designs or alterations;
(c) engineers preparing for construction work;
(d) contractors and sub-contractors preparing to carry out or manage such work.
6 The file should form a key part of the information that the client, or the client’s
successor, is required to provide for future construction projects. The file should therefore
be kept up to date after any relevant work or surveys.
7 The scope, structure and format for the file should be agreed between the client and
engineer at the start of a project. There can be a separate file for each structure, one for
an entire project or site, or one for a group of related structures.
What you must do
8 Clients, designers, contractors, other sub-contractors and engineers all have duties in
respect of the health and safety file:
(a) Engineers must prepare, review, amend or add to the file as the project
progresses, and give it to the client at the end of project;
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(b) clients, designers, contractors and other sub-contractors must supply the
information necessary for compiling or updating the file;
(c) clients must keep the file to assist with future construction work; and
(d) everyone providing information should make sure that it is accurate, and provided
promptly.
9 The client should make sure that the engineer compiles the file. In some cases, for
example design and build contracts, it is more practical for the contractor to obtain the
information needed for the file from the specialist contractors. In these circumstances
the contractor can assemble the information and give it to the engineer as the work is
completed.
10 The file does not need to include things that will be of no help when planning future
construction work, for example:
(a) the pre-construction information, or construction phase health and safety plan
(b) construction phase risk assessments, written systems of work and COSHH
assessments
(c) details about the normal operation of the completed structure
(d) construction phase accident statistics
(e) details of all the contractors and designers involved in the project (though it may be
useful to include details of the contractor and engineer)
(f) contractual documents
(i) information about structures, or parts of structures, that have been demolished
unless there are any implications for remaining or future structures, e.g. voids
(ii) information in other documents, but relevant cross-references should be
included.
Storing the file after the work is complete
11 To be useful the file needs to be kept up to date, and retained for as long as it is relevant
– normally the lifetime of the structure. It may be kept electronically (with suitable
backup arrangements), on paper, on film, or any other durable form.
12 Where clients dispose of their entire interest in a structure, they should pass the file to
the new owners and ensure that they are aware of the nature and purpose of the file.
Where they sell part of a structure, any relevant information in the file should be passed
or copied to the new owner.
1.1.8.32 Designers
1 Designs develop from initial concepts through to a detailed specification, often involving
different teams and people at various stages. At each stage, designers from all disciplines
can make a significant contribution by identifying and eliminating hazards, and reducing
likely risks from hazards where elimination is not possible.
2 Designers’ earliest decisions fundamentally affect the health and safety of construction
work. These decisions influence later design choices, and considerable work may be
required if it is necessary to unravel earlier decisions. It is therefore vital to address
health and safety from the very start.
3 Designers have duties regardless of whether the client is a domestic or non-domestic Client.
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Designer's duties
1 Designers are in a unique position at an early stage of a project to reduce the potential risks
to health and safety that could arise during the construction phase or at a later stage such as
during maintenance of the completed structure.
2 Designers have duties regardless of whether the client is at work or is a domestic client.
3 No designer shall commence work in relation to a project unless any client for the project is
aware of his duties under these Regulations.
4 Every designer shall in preparing or modifying a design avoid foreseeable risks to the health
and safety of any person
(a) carrying out construction work;
(b) liable to be affected by such construction work;
(c) cleaning any window or any transparent or translucent wall, ceiling or roof in or on a
structure;
(d) maintaining the permanent fixtures and fittings of a structure; or
(e) using a structure designed as a place of work.
5 In discharging their duties, the designer shall
(a) eliminate hazards which may give rise to risks; and
(b) reduce risks from any remaining hazards,
6 and in so doing shall give collective measures priority over individual measures
7 The duties on designers are:
(a) no design work should be carried out unless the client is aware of their duties under
these Regulations.
(b) not carry out detailed design work until an Engineer has been appointed.
(c) designers must ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that their designs avoid
foreseeable health and safety risks to anyone who is:
(i) carrying out the construction work
(ii) liable to be affected by the construction work
(iii) cleaning any window or other transparent or translucent surfaces
(iv) maintaining the permanent fixtures and fittings
(v) using the structure as a place of work.
8 It will include aspects of design such as positioning a vehicle loading bay to ensure that
delivery vehicles are routed safely away from pedestrians. The intention is that all designers
consider the implications of their designs with regard to the structures being built and
maintained reasonably safely.
9 In discharging their duties, designers:
(a) must so far as is reasonably practicable:
(b) eliminate hazards that give rise to risks, and
(c) reduce the risk from any hazards that remain
(d) give collective protection measures priority over individual protective measures.
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10 An example of hazard elimination is to design out the use of fragile roofing materials or the
installation of fragile roof-lights in an otherwise load-bearing roof.
11 Reducing risk can be achieved by reducing the likelihood of harm occurring, the severity of
any incident that does occur, the number of persons exposed to the harm and the frequency
or duration of the exposure to harm.
12 Designers must ensure that any structure designed for use as a workplace conforms to the
requirements latest edition of QCS with regard to the design and the materials used.
13 In designing any structure for use as a workplace the designer shall ensure that the design
conforms to the requirements latest edition of QCS with regard to the design and the
materials used.
14 Designers must take all reasonable steps to provide sufficient information about the aspects
of the design or its construction or maintenance to adequately assist the following to comply
with their duties:
(a) the client;
(b) the Engineer;
(c) other designers;
(d) contractors;
(e) Sub-contractors;
(f) Other consultant/interfacing organisations identified as relevant
15 Historically, risks were created at the design stage as a result of an attitude by some
designers that it 'is someone else's problem to build/clean/maintain' the structure once it has
been designed. CDM is emphatically not trying to stifle creative design, but merely ensuring
that the practicalities of carrying out any of the above activities are considered during the
design process.
16 Having completed their design, designers are obliged to pass on information about the risks
that they have not been able to design out. For example, having designed an external
overhead pipe run for a factory, the engineer consults the client's maintenance team about
the need for access. The designer establishes that the maintenance team will only need to
access the pipe-run every 4 years and that they can quite safely use a scissor lift for the
task.
17 The designer then simply passes on the information as to how the risk of working at height
during maintenance can be carried out in a safe manner.
18 Designers’ responsibilities extend beyond the construction phase of a project. They also
need to consider the health and safety of those who will maintain, repair, clean, refurbish
and eventually remove or demolish all or part of a structure as well as the health and
safety of users of workplaces. For most designers, building safety issue considerations
and ensuring that the structure can be easily maintained and repaired will be part of their
normal work, and thinking about the health and safety of those who do this work should
not be an onerous duty. Failure to address these issues adequately at the design stage
will usually increase running costs, because clients will then be faced with more costly
solutions when repairs and maintenance become necessary.
19 Where significant risks remain when they have done what they can, designers should
provide information with the design to ensure that the engineer, other designers and
contractors are aware of these risks and can take account of them.
20 In addition to the duties outlined above designers should:
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(a) ensure that the client has appointed an Engineer;
(b) ensure that they do not start design work other than initial design work unless
an Engineer has been appointed;
(c) co-operate with the Engineer, Contractor and with any other designers or
contractors as necessary for each of them to comply with their duties. This
includes providing any information needed for the pre-construction information
or health and safety file.
21 Early appointment of the Engineer is crucial for effective planning and establishing
management arrangements from the start. These regulations require the appointment to
take place as soon as is practicable after initial design work or other preparation for
construction work has begun.
22 Once the Engineer has been appointed, the designer will need to co-operate with them
and provide the information which the Engineer needs to comply with their duties.
Who are designers?
23 Designers are those who have a trade or a business which involves them in:
(a) preparing designs for construction work, including variations. This includes
preparing drawings, design details, specifications, bills of quantities and the
specification (or prohibition) of articles and substances, as well as all the related
analysis, calculations, and preparatory work; or
(b) arranging for their employees or other people under their control to prepare
designs relating to a structure or part of a structure.
24 It does not matter whether the design is recorded (for example on paper or a computer)
or not (for example it is only communicated orally).
25 Designers therefore include:
(c) architects, civil and structural engineers, building surveyors, landscape architects,
other consultants, manufacturers and design practices (of whatever discipline)
contributing to, or having overall responsibility for, any part of the design, for
example drainage engineers designing the drainage for a new development;
(d) anyone who specifies or alters a design, or who specifies the use of a particular
method of work or material, such as a design manager, quantity surveyor who
insists on specific material or a client who stipulates a particular layout or material
for a new structure;
(e) building service designers, engineering practices or others designing plant which
forms part of the permanent structure (including lifts, heating, ventilation and
electrical systems), for example a specialist provider of permanent fire
extinguishing installations;
(f) those purchasing materials where the choice has been left open, for example
those purchasing building blocks and so deciding the weights that bricklayers
must handle;
(g) contractors carrying out design work as part of their contribution to a project, such
as an engineering contractor providing design, procurement and construction
management services;
(h) temporary works engineers, including those designing auxiliary structures, such
as formwork, falsework, façade retention schemes, scaffolding, and sheet piling;
(i) interior designers who also develop the design;
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(j) those determining how buildings and structures are altered, for example during
refurbishment, where this has the potential for partial or complete collapse.
26 Manufacturers supplying standardised products that can be used in any project are not
designers under CDM. The person who selects the product is a designer and must take
account of health and safety issues arising from its use. If a product is purpose-made for
a project, the person who prepares the specification is a designer under CDM, and so is
the manufacturer who develops the detailed design.
What designers should do for all projects
27 Designers should:
(a) make sure that they are competent and adequately resourced to address the
health and safety issues likely to be involved in the design;
(b) check that clients are aware of their duties;
(c) When carrying out design work, avoid foreseeable risks to those involved in the
construction and future use of the structure, and in doing so, they should eliminate
hazards (so far as is reasonably practicable, taking account of other design
considerations) and reduce risk associated with those hazards which remain;
(d) provide adequate information about any significant risks associated with the
design;
(e) co-ordinate their work with that of others in order to improve the way in which risks
are managed and controlled.
28 In carrying out these duties, designers need to consider the hazards and risks to those
who:
(a) carry out construction work including demolition;
(b) clean any window or transparent or translucent wall, ceiling or roof in or on a
structure or maintain the permanent fixtures and fittings;
(c) use a structure designed as a place of work;
(d) may be affected by such work, for example customers or the general public.
When do these duties apply?
29 These duties apply whenever designs are prepared which may be used in construction
work in Qatar. This includes concept design and relevant work carried out as part of
feasibility studies.
Making clients aware of their responsibilities
30 Designers are often the first point of contact for a client, and CDM requires them to
check that clients are aware of their duties under these Regulations
Preparing a design
31 Designers have to weigh many factors as they prepare their designs. Health and safety
considerations have to be weighed alongside other considerations, including cost,
fitness for purpose, aesthetics, building safety issues, maintainability and environmental
impact. CDM allows designers to take due account of other relevant design
considerations. These Regulations do not prescribe design outcomes, but they do
require designers to weigh the various factors and reach reasoned, professional
decisions.
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32 Designers are required to avoid foreseeable risks ‘so far as is reasonably practicable, taking
due account of other relevant design considerations’. The greater the risk, the greater the
weight that must be given to eliminating or reducing it. Designers are not expected to
consider or address risks which cannot be foreseen, and these Regulations do not
require zero risk designs because this is simply impossible. However, designers must
not produce designs that cannot be constructed, maintained, used or demolished in
reasonable safety.
33 Designers should critically assess their design proposals at an early stage, and then
throughout the design process, to ensure that health and safety issues are identified,
integrated into the overall design process and addressed as they go along. It is pointless
to complete the design first, then try to address the risks which the design has
introduced. By then, all of the key decisions are likely to have been taken and no one
will be willing to make any changes because of the time and cost involved.
34 The first thing that designers need to do is eliminate hazards (things with a potential to
cause harm) from their designs so far as is reasonably practicable, taking account of
other design considerations. Examples would be to design out things like fragile roofing
materials or products; eliminating roof lights from areas where roof access is needed;
positioning plant which needs regular maintenance at ground level so there is no need
for work at height or providing permanent safe access for work at height. Eliminating
hazards removes the associated risk, and is therefore the best option and should always
be the first choice.
35 It is not always reasonably practicable to eliminate hazards, and where this is the case
consideration should be given to incorporating design solutions which reduce the overall
risk to an acceptable level. This can be done by reducing the:
(a) likelihood of harm (injury or adverse health effect);
(b) potential severity of the harm;
(c) number of people exposed to the harm; and
(d) frequency or duration of exposure to harm.
36 The amount of effort put into eliminating hazards and reducing risks should depend on
the degree of risk. There is little point in spending a lot of money, time and trouble on
low risk issues. There is also little to be gained by detailed comparison of construction
techniques that present similar risks, for example whether to specify a steel frame or
concrete portal building. The focus should be on issues that are known to have the
potential to cause significant harm, and where there are known solutions that reduce the
risks to everyone exposed.
37 Designers also need to take account of other relevant health and safety requirements
when carrying out design work. Where the structure will be used as a workplace, (for
example factories, offices, schools, hospitals and any other structures which can be a
place of work for end users including maintainers) they need to take account of the
provisions of the latest version for QCS requirements.
Providing information
38 Designers must provide information that other project team members are likely to need
to identify and manage the remaining risks. This should be project specific, and
concentrate on significant risks which may not be obvious to those who use the
design. For example, providing generic risk information about the prevention of falls is
pointless, because competent contractors will already know what needs to be done, but
if the design gives rise to a specific and unusual fall risk which may not be obvious to
contractors, designers should provide information about this risk.
39 Designers also need to provide information about aspects of the design that could
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create significant risks during future construction work or maintenance. If in doubt about
the level of information needed, the best way to find out is to ask those who will use it.
40 Significant risks are not necessarily those that involve the greatest risks, but those,
including health risks that are:
(a) not likely to be obvious to a competent contractor or other designers;
(b) unusual; or
(c) likely to be difficult to manage effectively.
41 Information should be brief, clear, precise, and in a form suitable for the users. This can
be achieved using:
(a) notes on drawings – this is preferred, since the notes will then be immediately
available to those carrying out the work. They can refer to other documents if
more detail is needed, and be annotated to keep them up to date;
(b) written information provided with the design - this should be project specific, and
should only contain information which will be useful to those constructing or
maintaining the structure;
(c) suggested construction sequences showing how the design could be erected
safely, where this is not obvious, for example suggested sequences for putting up
pre-cast panel concrete structures. Contractors may then adopt this method or
develop their own approach.
42 It is not always possible to provide all the information at the same time, particularly when
design work is continuing whilst construction work is underway. In these circumstances
information should be released as the design develops, but construction work should not
be allowed to proceed unless all the information necessary for the work to be carried out
safely has been provided.
Co-operation
43 Designers must co-operate with the client, and other designers and contractors,
including those designing temporary works. This is to ensure that incompatibilities
between designs are identified and resolved as early as possible, and that the right
information is provided in the pre-construction information.
44 For smaller projects where most of the work is done by a single designer, this can be
achieved through discussion with those who use or are affected by the design. For
larger projects or those involving significant risks, a more managed approach will be
necessary.
45 Co-operation can be encouraged by:
(a) setting up an integrated team involving designers and contractor.
(b) the appointment of a lead designer, where many designers are involved.
(c) agreeing a common approach to risk reduction during design;
(d) regular meetings of all the design team (including the engineer) with contractors,
and others;
(e) regular reviews of developing designs;
(f) site visits, through which designers can gain a direct insight into how the risks are
managed in practice.
46 Regular reviews of the design involving all members of the design team are part icularly
important in making sure that proper consideration is given to building safety issues,
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usability and maintainability. When considering building safety issues, meetings should
include the contractor so that difficulties associated with construction can be discussed
and solutions agreed before the work begins. When discussing usability and
maintainability, involving the client or those who will be responsible for operating the
building or structure will mean that proper consideration can be given to the health and
safety of those who will maintain and use the structure once it has been completed.
Doing this during the design stage will result in significant cost savings for the client, as
rectifying mistakes after the structure has been built is always expensive.
What designers don’t have to do
47 Under CDM, designers don’t have to:
(a) take into account or provide information about unforeseeable hazards and risks;
(b) design for possible future uses of structures that cannot reasonably be anticipated
from their design brief;
(c) specify construction methods, except where the design assumes or requires a
particular construction or erection sequence, or where a competent contractor
might need such information;
(d) exercise any health and safety management function over contractors or others;
or
(e) worry about trivial risks.
48 Designers are not required to keep records of the process through which they achieve a
safe design, but it can be useful to record why certain key decisions were made. Brief
records of the points considered, the conclusions reached, and the basis for those
conclusions, can be very helpful when designs are passed from one designer to
another. This will reduce the likelihood of important decisions being reversed by those
who may not fully understand the implications of doing so.
49 Too much paperwork is as bad as too little, because the useless hides the necessary.
Large volumes of paperwork listing generic hazards and risks, most of which are well
known to contractors and others who use the design are positively harmful, and suggest
a lack of competence on the part of the designer.
1.1.8.33 The Contractor
Contractor
1 Under these Regulations, the duties of the contractor are to:
(a) plan, manage and monitor construction work to ensure so far as is reasonably
practicable that it is carried out without risks to health and safety, including ensuring:
(i) that there is adequate co-operation and co-ordination between all parties
involved in the project
(ii) that the general principles of prevention are applied
(b) liaise with the engineer with regard to ensuring the co-operation between designers
during the construction phase
(c) ensure that adequate welfare facilities are provided in accordance with Appendix 1
(d) where necessary in the interests of health and safety, draw up site rules which are
appropriate to the site and the activities that will be carried out on it
(e) give reasonable directions to sub- contractors to enable the contractor to fulfil their
duties under these Regulations
(f) ensure that all sub-contractors are informed of the minimum amount of time that will
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be allowed to them for planning and preparation, before their construction work starts
(g) where necessary, consult with sub-contractors before finalising the parts of the
construction phase plan that are relevant to the work to be undertaken by each subcontractor
(h) ensure that before each sub-contractor's work begins, the sub-contractor is given
sufficient time to access the parts of the health and safety plan that are relevant to the
sub-contractor's work and that the relevant parts of the plan contain sufficient detail for
the sub-contractor's needs
(i) ensure that before each contractor's work begins, the contractor is given sufficient
time to enable them to prepare such information as they need with regard to:
(i) the prompt provision of welfare facilities
(ii) carrying out their work without risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably
practicable
(j) identify to each sub-contractor the information needed by the engineer for the health
and safety file and to ensure that the information is promptly provided
(k) take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to the site
(l) take all reasonable steps to ensure that all workers are provided with a suitable site
induction and other information and training as may be necessary
2 There is an emphasis on trying to keep documentation to a minimum. This is based on the
idea that a competent workforce only needs to be told about site-specific risks and working
practices.
3 While these requirements might seem onerous they are all principles of good management
of health, safety and welfare and many companies have been implementing them for a long
time.
4 The avoidance of accidents and the prevention of ill health by the use of good management
techniques have proven to result in significant benefits, not least to the 'bottom line'.
5 Good management of health and safety on site is crucial to the successful delivery of a
construction project. The key duty of contractors is to properly plan, manage and coordinate
work during the construction phase in order to ensure that the risks are properly
controlled. Contractors must also comply with the duties placed on all contractors under
these Regulations.
6 This allows the management of health and safety to be incorporated into the wider
management of project delivery. This is good business practice as well as being helpful
for health and safety purposes.
Co-operation and co-ordination
7 Good co-operation and co-ordination of work between all of the parties involved in a
project is essential if risks are to be identified early on and properly controlled.
Contractors should take the lead and actively encourage co-operation and co-ordination
between sub-contractors from an early stage. A team approach involving the client,
designers, contractors and even manufacturers who work closely together will often
produce the best results. This allows the client, designers, contractors and facilities
management experts, together, to identify the best solution for the client’s needs, taking
account of the practicalities of construction work, maintenance and use. Even on
projects where it is not practical to formally establish an integrated team, the client,
designer, contractors and others involved in the project still need to work together.
8 If there are other projects on the same or neighbouring sites then the co-operation and
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co-ordination needs to extend to those involved with such projects. If this need can be
identified early on, the risks that one project may cause for the other can also be
identified and addressed in the early stages of project planning. If potential problems are
not identified until the actual work has started they can be much more difficult to
address.
9 Good, timely communication is essential to co-operation and co-ordination of activities.
Information about risks and precautions needs to be shared sensibly (i.e. relevant
information, not everything) when it is needed to plan and manage work. Drawings can
be used to highlight hazards or unusual work sequences identified by designers, with
advice on where to find more information, if required. Induction training and toolbox talks
help to ensure workers understand the risks and precautions, and are a good
opportunity to inform workers of site rules or any special risks relating to the project.
How many Contractors can there be for each project?
10 There can only be one main contractor for a project at any one time. However,
sometimes two or more projects take place on a site at the same time. This can occur if
different clients commission adjacent work, or if a client procures two truly independent,
unrelated packages of work which do not rely upon one another for their viability or
completion.
11 Where overlapping projects are running on a single construction site, it is best to appoint
one Contractor for them all. If this is not done, all the contractors must co-operate, and
their plans must take account of the interfaces – for example in traffic management.
Planning and managing health and safety in the construction phase
12 Contractors must plan, manage and co-ordinate work during the construction phase
taking account of the information contained in the pre-construction information provided
by the client, and any other information provided by sub- contractors.
13 The effort devoted to planning and managing health and safety should be in proportion
to the risks and complexity associated with the project.
14 The Contractor should work with other sub-contractors to identify the hazards and
assess the risks related to their work, including the risks they may create for others.
Using this information and applying the general principles of prevention the Contractor,
in discussion with the sub-contractors involved, must plan, manage and co-ordinate the
construction phase. This includes supervising and monitoring work to ensure that it is
done safely and that it is safe for new activities to begin.
15 Where the project involves high-risk work, for example alterations that could result in
structural collapse, work on contaminated land, specialist advice is likely to be needed at
the planning stage.
The construction phase plan
16 The way in which the construction phase will be managed and the key health and safety
issues for the particular project must be set out in writing in the construction phase plan.
This plan should set out the organisation and arrangements that have been put in place
to manage risk and co-ordinate the work on site. It should not be a repository for
detailed generic risk assessments, records of how decisions were reached or detailed
method statements, but it may, for example set out when such documents will need to
be prepared. It should be well focused, clear and easy for sub-contractors and others to
understand – emphasising key points and avoiding irrelevant material. It is crucial that
all relevant parties are involved and co-operate in the development and implementation
of the plan as work progresses.
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17 The plan must be tailored to the particular project. Generic plans that do not contain
the information relevant to the particular risks associated with the work will not satisfy
the requirements of CDM. Photographs and sketches can greatly simplify and shorten
explanations. It should also be organised so that relevant sections can easily be made
available to designers and sub-contractors.
18 Often the design and preparation for later work is not complete at the start of the
construction phase. Nevertheless, the plan for the initial phase of the construction work
must be prepared before any work begins. It should also address later activities that will
require careful planning. It may only be practical to address such activities in outline
form before work starts and most will require revision in the light of developments.
Implementing and monitoring the plan
19 A plan is no use if it is treated as merely a paper exercise and gathers dust. To improve
Qatar standards, it must be a practical aid to the management of health and safety on
site. Contractors and other sub-contractors have a particular role in both implementing
and monitoring the plan to ensure that it works in practice. Monitoring arrangements will
need to be discussed and agreed with the client as they form part of the management
arrangements.
20 The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that the precautions described in the
construction phase plan are appropriate and followed in practice. Where contractors do
not work safely or comply with the plan, Contractors must take appropriate action to
deal with the risk.
21 The contractor is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of everyone on site.
Everyone on site (including the client, anyone working for the client and workers of utility
companies) must co-operate with the contractor to enable them to comply with their duties.
22 The plan needs to be routinely reviewed, revised and refined by the contractor as the
project develops. For example, where the plan is not being followed, and health and
safety is put at risk, those involved must take appropriate action to deal with the risk.
Monitoring may show the plan has shortcomings and needs to be modified. Any
significant changes in the plan should be brought to the attention of all those affected.
Site rules
23 Contractors should include any necessary rules for the management of construction
work in the construction phase plan, which others on the site have to follow. These may
cover issues such as restricted areas, permit-to-work systems, hot work and emergency
plans. In order to avoid cluttering the plan with detailed arrangements for implementing
site rules, the plan should refer to other documents or put detailed arrangements in
appendices. Site rules should be:
(a) set out in writing;
(b) understandable to those who have to follow them;
(c) brought to the attention of everyone who has to follow them;
(d) enforced by the Contractor
24 Copies of the site rules should be displayed on site in a place where they can be seen
by those who work there.
Controlling access onto sites
25 A contractor must take reasonable steps to prevent access by unauthorised persons to
the construction site. Only people who are explicitly authorised, individually or
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collectively, by the contractor, should be allowed access. The authorisation may cover
the whole site or be restricted to certain areas. Authorised people should have relevant
site rules explained to them and undertake any necessary site induction, and should
comply with site rules and co-operate with the contractor. Some authorised visitors may
need to be supervised or accompanied while on site or visiting specific areas.
26 How access is controlled depends on the nature of the project, the risks and location.
The boundaries of all sites should be physically defined, where necessary, by suitable
fencing. The type of fencing should reflect the nature of the site and its surroundings.
Special consideration is needed where:
(a) rights of way cross sites;
(b) sites are in, or next to, other work areas;
(c) new houses are being built on a development where some houses are already
occupied; or
(d) there are children or other vulnerable people nearby.
27 The effectiveness of the arrangements needs to be reviewed in the light of experience.
In particular, their adequacy should be carefully reviewed if there is evidence of children
playing on, or near the site.
Site induction, training and information
28 Site induction, training and information are vital to securing health and safety on site.
The Contractor has to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that every worker has:
(a) a suitable induction; and
(b) any further information and training needed for the particular work.
29 This does not mean that the contractor has to train everyone on the site - this will be the
responsibility of individual sub-contractors.
Induction
30 Inductions are a way of providing workers with specific information about the particular
risks associated with the site and the arrangements that have been made for their
control. Induction is not intended to provide general health and safety training, but it
should include a site-specific explanation of the following:
(a) senior management commitment to health and safety
(b) the outline of the project
(c) the individual’s immediate line manager and any other key personnel
(d) any site-specific health and safety risks, for example in relation to access,
transport, site contamination, hazardous substances and manual handling
(e) Control measures on the site, including;
(i) any site rules,
(ii) any permit-to-work systems,
(iii) traffic routes,
(iv) security arrangements,
(v) hearing protection zones,
(vi) arrangements for personal protective equipment, including what is needed,
where to find it and how to use it,
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(vii) arrangements for housekeeping and materials storage,
(viii) facilities available, including welfare facilities,
(ix) emergency procedures, including fire precautions, the action to take in the
event of a fire, escape routes, assembly points, responsible people and the
safe use of any fire-fighting equipment;
(f) arrangements for first aid
(g) arrangements for reporting accidents and other incidents
(h) details of any planned training, such as ‘toolbox’ talks
(i) arrangements for consulting and involving workers in health and safety, including
the identity and role of any:
(i) safety representatives,
(ii) safety committees;
(j) information about the individual’s responsibilities for health and safety.
1.1.8.34 Sub-Contractor
1 Sub-contractors and those actually doing the construction work are most at risk of injury
and ill health. They have a key role to play, in co-operation with the contractor, in
planning and managing the work to ensure that risks are properly controlled.
2 All sub-contractors (including utilities, specialist contractors, contractors nominated by
the client and the self-employed) have a part to play in ensuring that the site is a safe
and healthy place to work. The key to this is the proper co-ordination of the work,
underpinned by good communication and co-operation between all those involved.
3 Anyone who directly employs, engages construction workers or controls or manages
construction work related tasks is a sub-contractor for the purposes of these
Regulations. This includes companies that use their own workforce to do construction
work on their own premises. The duties on contractors apply whether the workers are
employees or self-employed and to agency workers without distinction.
What sub-contractors must do on all projects
4 For all projects sub-contractors must:
(a) check clients are aware of their duties;
(b) satisfy themselves that they and anyone they employ or engage are competent
and adequately resourced;
(c) plan, manage and monitor their OWN work to make sure that workers under their
control are safe from the start of their work on site;
(d) ensure that any sub-contractor who they appoint or engage to work on the project
is informed of the minimum amount of time which will be allowed for them to plan
and prepare before starting work on site;
(e) provide workers under their control (whether employed or self-employed) with any
necessary information, including about relevant aspects of other contractors’ work,
and site induction (where not provided by a contractor) which they need to work
safely, to report problems or to respond appropriately in an emergency;
(f) ensure that any design work they do complies with these Regulations
(g) co-operate with others and co-ordinate their work with others working on the
project;
(h) ensure the workforce is properly consulted on matters affecting their health and
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safety; and
(i) obtain specialist advice (for example from a structural engineer or occupational
hygienist) where necessary when planning high-risk work – for example
alterations that could result in structural collapse or work on contaminated land or
carrying out modification works on an existing structure.
Planning and managing construction work
5 Sub-contractors should always plan, manage, supervise and monitor their own work and
that of their workers to ensure that it is carried out safely and that health risks are also
addressed. The effort invested in this should reflect the risk involved and the experience
and track record of the workers involved. Where sub-contractors identify unsafe
practices, they must take appropriate action to ensure health and safety.
Site induction, information and training
6 Contractors must not start work on a construction site until they have been provided with
basic information. This should include information from the client about any particular
risks associated with the project (including information about existing structures where
these are to be demolished or structurally altered), and from designers about any
significant risks associated with the design.
7 Sub-contractors must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that every worker has:
(a) a suitable induction; and
(b) any further information and training needed for the particular work
8 Site induction should be provided by the contractor, and the sub-contractor must cooperate
with the contractor to ensure that an adequate site induction is provided.
9 Where sub-contractors are involved in design work, including for temporary works, they
also have duties as designers.
10 Sub- contractors must also:
(a) co-operate with the contractor, the Engineer and others working on the project
or adjacent sites;
(b) inform the contractor about risks to others created by their work;
(c) provide details to the contractor of any supply chain or specialist sub-contractor
whom he engages in connection with carrying out the work;
(d) comply with any reasonable directions from the main contractor, and with any
relevant rules in the construction phase plan;
(e) inform the contractor of any problems with the plan or risks identified during
their work that have significant implications for the management of the project;
(f) inform the contractor about accidents and dangerous occurrences;
(g) provide information for the health and safety file.
Reporting incidents
11 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) requires the
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‘responsible person’ to notify any death, reportable injury, disease or dangerous
occurrence to the Qatar Administrative Authority. The responsible person is the
employer or, for the self-employed, the contractor.
12 Sub-contractors must co-operate with the contractor, and assist them in the
development of the construction phase plan and its implementation. Where subcontractors
identify shortcomings in the plan, the contractor should inform the contractor.
13 Sub-contractors must promptly inform the contractor about risks to other site workers or
members of the public resulting from their work. This includes anything, for example
from risk assessments and written systems of work, which might justify a review or
update of the construction phase plan. Sub-contractors must also provide details to the
contractor of any other sub-contractors who they engage to assist in the carrying out of
the work. Contractors must be in a position to know who is working on the site.
Contractors also have duties relating to the provision of information to sub-contractors,
and they will not be in a position to discharge these duties if they are not told that such
sub-contractors have been engaged.
14 Sub-contractors must also provide information about RIDDOR incidents to contractors
so that they can monitor compliance with health and safety standards and, if necessary,
review the arrangements for the management of health and safety.
Site Specific Duties (Contractors/Sub-contractors)
15 Every contractor and subcontractor carrying out construction work shall comply with the
regulatory requirements of this section insofar as they affect him or any person carrying out
construction work under his control or relate to matters within his control.
16 Every person (other than a contractor carrying out construction work) who controls the way
in which any construction work is carried out by a person at work shall comply with the
regulatory requirements under this section insofar as they relate to matters which are within
his control.
17 Every person at work on construction work under the control of another person shall report to
that person any defect which he is aware may endanger the health and safety of himself or
another person.
Safe places of work
18 There must be, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe access to and egress from a place
of work and to any other place provided for the use of any person at work. Such means of
access must be properly maintained.
19 Places of work must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be maintained without risk to health
or safety of the person(s) who will work there.
20 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,
that no-one gains access to any place which does not comply with the requirements of these
Regulations
21 Every place of work must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be of sufficient size and be
arranged so that it is suitable for any person who has to work there, taking account of any
work equipment used.
Good order (Housekeeping)
22 Every part of a construction site shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be kept in good
order and every part of the site which is used as a place of work shall be kept in a
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reasonable state of cleanliness.
23 Where it is necessary in the interests of health and safety, the perimeter of the site shall be
identified by suitable signs so that the arrangements and extent of the site is readily
identifiable, or fenced off, or both.
24 No timber or other material with projecting nails or other similar sharp objects shall be used
in any work or be allowed to remain in any place where the nails will be a source of danger
to any person.
Stability of structures
25 All practicable steps must be taken to ensure that any structure or part of a structure which
may become unstable or weak due to construction work does not collapse.
26 Any buttress, temporary support or temporary structure:
(a) must be installed and maintained to withstand any strains and stresses that may be
imposed on it
(b) only be used for the purposes for which it was designed, installed and maintained.
27 No part of a structure may be loaded in such a way that it becomes unsafe.
28 The client is responsible for providing reasonable information, and issues relating to the
stability of the structure would fit into that category.
Demolition or dismantling
29 The demolition or dismantling of any structure must be planned and carried out in such a
way as to prevent danger, or reduce the danger so far as it is reasonably practicable to do
so.
30 Demolition or dismantling must not be carried out unless the arrangements for ensuring that
is carried out in a safe manner have first been recorded in writing.
31 The demolition or dismantling of any structure must be planned and carried out as safely as
possible, under the supervision of a competent person. Demolishing buildings and structures
remains high risk work.
32 It will normally be impossible for the contractor to comply with these Regulations without
reports such as an asbestos survey, information on underground services and structural
surveys.
Explosives
33 So far as is reasonably practicable, explosives must be stored, transported and used safely
and securely.
34 Explosives may only be used when steps have been taken to ensure that there is no danger
from the explosion, projected or flying materials.
35 Any blasting would categorically be considered high risk work and a written method
statement required.
Excavations
36 All practicable steps, such as the provision of supports or battering, must be taken where
necessary to prevent danger to any person, to ensure that:
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(c) no part of an excavation collapses
(d) any accidental fall or dislodgement of material is prevented
(a) no person is buried or trapped by the fall or dislodgement of any material.
37 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent the fall of any person, equipment or
material into the excavation.
38 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent, where necessary, any part of an
excavation or ground adjacent to it from being overloaded by work equipment or material.
39 Work must not be carried out in any excavation where supports or battering have been
provided, unless:
(a) the excavation and any equipment and materials which affect its safety have been
inspected by a competent person.
(b) the person who inspected it is satisfied that work can be carried out in it safely.
40 Work must not be carried out in any excavation if an inspection reveals any defect rendering
the excavation unsafe, until that defect has been rectified.
(a) The decision as to whether or not to install shoring must be made with regard to the
circumstances prevailing at the time. Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to
prevent any person working in an excavation from becoming trapped or buried by a
fall of materials.
41 Excavations must be supported as soon as possible by the provision of sufficient and
suitable materials. Such supports must only be installed, altered or dismantled under the
supervision of a competent person and without the person(s) installing the supports being
put at risk.
Cofferdams and caissons
42 Every cofferdam or caisson must be:
(a) of suitable design and construction and have sufficient strength and capacity for the
purpose for which it is being used
(b) equipped to enable workers to gain shelter or escape, if water or materials should
enter it
(c) properly maintained.
43 Work must not be carried out in any cofferdam or caisson unless:
(a) it and any work equipment or materials which affect its safety have been inspected:
(i) before any person carries out any work at the start of every shift, and
(ii) after any event likely to affect the strength or stability of the cofferdam or
caisson or any part of it
(b) the person who inspected it is satisfied that work can be carried out in it safely.
44 Work must not be carried out in any cofferdam or caisson if any inspection reveals any
defect rendering the cofferdam or caisson unsafe, until that defect has been rectified.
Reports of inspections
45 Where a statutory inspection of an excavation, cofferdam or caisson has been carried out,
the person carrying out the inspection must, before the end of the shift during which the
inspection was carried out:
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(a) inform the person for whom the inspection was carried out of any matter that renders
the excavation or caisson unsafe as a place of work
(b) prepare a written report.
46 Note: The report must contain the particulars listed in Appendix 2.
47 The person who prepares the written report must provide a copy of the report within 24 hours
to the person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out.
48 The employer Contractor of the person authorised to carry out inspections, or the person in
control, must ensure that the inspections are only carried out by persons who are authorised
to do so.
49 The report or a copy of it must be kept available for inspection by a Administrative Authority
Workplace Inspector
(a) on the site until the project is completed, and thereafter
(b) for a period of three months (at the company offices)
50 No report of a cofferdam or caisson inspection is required if one has been written within the
previous seven days.
Energy distribution installations
51 Where it is necessary to prevent danger, every energy distribution installation must be
located, checked and clearly identified.
52 Where there is a risk from electric power cables, in order of priority, they must be;
(a) repositioned out of the area of risk, or
(b) made dead by cutting off the current, or
(c) where it is not reasonably practicable to carry out the above actions erect warning
notices and:
(i) barriers, or
(ii) a suspended means of protection where vehicles have to pass beneath
overhead cables, or
(iii) other measures which provide an equivalent or better level of protection.
53 Construction work must not be carried out where there is a risk of danger from damaging or
disturbing underground services unless suitable and sufficient steps have been taken so far
as is reasonably practicable.
54 Whilst electrical cables are specifically mentioned, the title indicates that the general
requirement outlined in the first paragraph applies to all sources of energy, for example
hydraulic and pneumatic distribution systems.
Prevention from drowning
55 Where any person is liable to drown from falling into water or any other liquid, suitable and
sufficient steps must be taken to:
(a) prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, a person falling
(b) minimise the risk of a person drowning in the event of a fall
(c) ensure that suitable rescue equipment is provided, maintained and properly used so
that anyone who falls into the water may be promptly rescued.
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56 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to ensure the safety of any person transported to
their place of work by water.
57 Any vessel used to convey a person to or from a place of work, by water, must not be
overcrowded or overloaded.
Traffic routes
58 Every construction site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be organised in such a way
that pedestrians and vehicles can move about safely and without risk to health.
59 Traffic routes must be suitable for persons or vehicles using them, sufficient in number, in
suitable places and of sufficient size.
60 To be suitable, each traffic route must:
(a) enable pedestrians and vehicles to use it without causing danger to persons who are
near it
(b) doors or gates used by pedestrians which lead into a traffic route must be adequately
separated from that route so that pedestrians may see approaching vehicles
(c) provide sufficient separation between vehicles and pedestrians to ensure safety, or,
where that is not reasonably practicable, provide:
(i) other means of protecting pedestrians and
(ii) an effective means of warning any at-risk pedestrian of the approach of any
vehicle
(d) have at least one exit in any loading bay for the exclusive use of pedestrians
(e) provide one or more pedestrian-only gates, clearly marked and kept free of
obstructions where it is unsafe for pedestrians to use a gate intended primarily for
vehicles.
61 Traffic routes must be:
(a) identified by suitable signs, where necessary
(b) regularly checked and
(c) satisfactorily maintained.
62 No vehicle must be permitted to drive on a traffic route unless, so far as is reasonably
practicable, the route is free from obstructions and permits sufficient clearance.
63 All traffic routes must be indicated where necessary.
Vehicles
64 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent the unintended movement of any
vehicle.
65 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to ensure that persons who are in control of
vehicles give warning to other persons who may be endangered by the movement of the
vehicle.
66 Any vehicle being used for construction work must be:
(a) driven, operated or towed in a safe manner
(b) loaded in such a way that it can be driven, operated or towed in a safe manner.
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67 No person shall ride or be required to ride on any vehicle unless they are in a safe place that
is purposely provided (i.e. the vehicle is designed to carry passengers).
68 No person may remain or be required to remain on any vehicle while it is being loaded or
unloaded with any loose material unless a safe place of work is provided for them and
maintained as necessary.
69 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent the vehicle from falling into an
excavation or pit, or into water, or over the edge of an embankment or earthwork.
Prevention of risk from fire
70 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable,
the risk of injury to any person during the carrying out of construction work arising from any
fire or explosion, flooding, or any substance that is liable to cause asphyxiation.
Emergency procedures
71 Where necessary, in the interests of health and safety, suitable and sufficient arrangements
must be prepared and, where necessary, implemented to deal with any foreseeable
emergency, and such arrangements must include procedures for evacuation of the site, or
any part of it.
72 When making these arrangements, account must be taken of:
(a) the type of work being carried out
(b) the characteristics and size of the site and the number of work locations on it
(c) the work equipment being used
(d) the number of persons likely to be present on the site at any one time
(e) the physical and chemical properties of any substances or materials likely to be on the
site
73 Such arrangements must be communicated to all persons on site and tested at suitable
intervals.
Emergency routes and exits
74 Sufficient emergency routes and exits must be provided to enable any person to quickly
reach a place of safety in the event of danger.
75 Any emergency route or exit must lead directly, or as directly as possible, to an identified
safe area.
76 Any emergency route or exit must be kept clear of obstructions and, where necessary,
provided with emergency lighting so that it can be used safely at any time.
77 All emergency routes and exits must be indicated by suitable signs.
Fire detection and fire-fighting
78 Where necessary in the interests of health and safety, suitable fire-fighting equipment,
together with fire alarms and fire detection systems, must be installed in suitable locations.
79 A fire risk assessment will be required for the site including storage areas, with particular
emphasis on the storage highly flammable or explosive substances, and site welfare
facilities.
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80 Fire-fighting equipment and fire detection/alarm systems must be properly maintained and
subjected to periodic tests and examination so as to ensure that the equipment remains
effective.
81 Any fire-fighting equipment that is not designed to operate automatically must be easily
accessible.
82 Every person at work on a construction site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be
instructed in the use of any fire-fighting equipment that it may be necessary for them to use.
83 Where any work activity gives rise to a particular risk of fire, no person shall be authorised to
carry out such work unless that person has received suitable instructions.
84 All fire-fighting equipment must be indicated by suitable signs.
Fresh air
85 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,
that every workplace or approach to it has sufficient fresh or purified air to ensure that the
place or approach is safe and without risk to health.
86 Where plant is used for the purpose of providing fresh or purified air, it must be equipped
with an effective device to give visible and audible warning of the failure of the plant.
Temperature and weather protection
87 Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken during working hours to ensure, so far as is
practicable, that the temperature at any indoor place of work is reasonable, having regard for
the purpose for which the place is being used.
88 Every place of work outdoors must, where necessary to ensure the health and safety of the
people at work there, be arranged so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide adequate
protection from adverse weather, having regard for the purpose for which the place is used
and any protective clothing or work equipment provided.
Lighting
89 Every place of work, every approach to it and every traffic route must be provided with
suitable and sufficient lighting. The lighting should, as far as is reasonably practicable, be
natural lighting.
90 The colour of any artificial lighting must not adversely affect or change a perception of any
sign or signal that is provided for the purposes of health and safety.
91 Secondary or emergency lighting must be provided where there may be a risk to the health
and safety of any person in the event of the failure of any primary artificial lighting.
1.1.8.35 Competence and training
92 This section gives guidance about assessing the competence of organisations and
individuals engaged or appointed under CDM – engineers; designers; contractors and
sub-contractors.
93 Assessments should focus on the needs of the particular project and be proportionate to the
risks, size and complexity of the work.
94 To be competent, an organisation or individual must have:
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(a) sufficient knowledge of the specific tasks to be undertaken and the risks which the
work will entail.
(b) sufficient experience and ability to carry out their duties in relation to the project; to
recognise their limitations and take appropriate action in order to prevent harm to
those carrying out construction work, or those affected by the work.
95 Organisations and individuals will need specific knowledge about the tasks they will be
expected to perform, and the risks associated with these tasks. This will usually come
from formal or ‘on the job’ training.
96 Appropriate experience is also a vital ingredient of competence. People are more likely
to adopt safe working practices if they understand the reasons why they are necessary,
and past experience should be a good indicator of the person’s/ company’s track record.
97 The development of competence is an ongoing process. Individuals will develop their
competence through experience in the job and through training which is part of ‘life -long
learning’. Professionals such as designers, engineers and advisors should be signed up
to a ‘Continuing Professional Development’ CPD programme either through their
company or professional institution membership schemes. This will allow them to remain
‘up to date’ with changes in best and professional practice. Construction trades workers
and labourers should also receive refresher training or regular training updates either
through an in-house planned programme of learning and development, or a more formal
skills-based training programme.
What you must do
98 All those with duties under CDM must satisfy themselves that businesses that they
engage or appoint are competent. This means making reasonable enquiries to check
that the organisation or individual is competent to do the relevant work and can allocate
adequate resources to it. Those taken on to do the work must also be sure that they are
competent to carry out the required tasks before agreeing to take on the work.
99 A key duty of the engineer is to advise clients about competence of designers and
contractors.
100 Doing an assessment requires you to make a judgement as to whether the organisation or
individual has the competence to carry out the work safely. If your judgement is reasonable,
taking into account the evidence that has been asked for and provided, you will not be
criticised if the organisation you appoint subsequently proves not to have been competent
to carry out the work.
How to assess the competence of organisations
101 Competency assessments of organisations (including contractors, sub-contractors,
designers and engineers) should be carried out as a two-stage process:
102 Stage 1: An assessment of the company’s organisation and arrangements for health
and safety to determine whether these are sufficient to enable them to carry out the
work safely and without risk to health.
103 Stage 2: An assessment of the company’s experience and track record to establish that
it is capable of doing the work; it recognises its limitations and how these should be
overcome and it appreciates the risks from doing the work and how these should be
tackled.
104 In order to provide more consistency in the way in which competency assessments of
companies are carried out, a set of ‘core criteria’ is set out below.
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Competence chart
105 Core criteria for demonstration of competence:
106 Companies, contractors, engineers and designers
107 You need to meet the standards set out in the core criteria table on the next page.
108 Column 1 of the table lists the elements which should be assessed when establishing
whether or not a company is competent for the work which they will be expected to do.
109 Column 2 lists the standards against which the assessment should be made. Column 3
gives some examples of how a company might demonstrate that it meets these standards.
110 Companies do not have to produce all of the evidence listed in column 3 to satisfy the
standard - they simply need to produce enough evidence to show that they meet the
standard in column 2, taking account of the nature of the project and the risks which the work
entails. This requires you to make a judgement as to whether the evidence provided meets
the standard to be achieved. If your judgement is reasonable, and clearly based on the
evidence you have asked for and been provided with, you will not be criticised if the
company you appoint subsequently proves not to be competent when carrying out
the work.
111 Remember that assessments should focus on the needs of the particular job and should be
proportionate to the risks arising from the work. Unnecessary bureaucracy associated with
competency assessment obscures the real issues and diverts effort away from them.
112 'contractor', 'designer' and 'engineer' relate to your function, not to the type of organisation.
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Criteria Standard to be achieved
Examples of the evidence that you could use to
demonstrate you meet the required standard
Stage 1 assessment
1
Health and safety policy and
organisation for health and
safety
You are expected to have and implement an
appropriate policy, regularly reviewed, and signed off
by the managing director or equivalent.
The policy must be relevant to the nature and scale of
your work and set out the responsibilities for health and
safety management at all levels within the organisation.
A signed, current copy of the company policy (indicating when
it was last reviewed and by whose authority it is published).
2
Arrangements
These should set out the arrangements for health and
safety management within the organisation and should
be relevant to the nature and scale of your work. They
should set out how the company will discharge their
duties under CDM. There should be a clear indication
of how these arrangements are communicated to the
workforce.
A clear explanation of the arrangements which the company
has made for putting its policy into effect and for discharging
its duties under CDM .
3
Competent advice -corporate
and construction related
Your organisation, and your employees, must have
ready access to competent health and safety advice,
preferably from within your own organisation.
The advisor must be able to provide general health and
safety advice, and also (from the same source or
elsewhere) advice relating to construction health and
safety issues.
Name and competency details of the source of advice, e.g. a
safety group, trade federation, or consultant who provides
health and safety information and advice.
An example from the last 12 months of advice given and
action taken.
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4
Training and information
You should have in place, and implement, training
arrangements to ensure your employees have the skills
and understanding necessary to discharge their duties
as contractors, designers or Engineers. You should
have in place a programme for refresher training, e.g. a
continuing professional development programme or life
long learning which will keep your employees updated
on new developments and changes to legislation or
good health and safety practice. This applies
throughout the organisation - from board or equivalent
to trainees.
Headline training records.
Evidence of a health and safety training culture including
records, certificates of attendance and adequate health and
safety induction training for site-based workforce.
Evidence of an active learning programme. Sample 'tool box
talks'.
5
Individual qualifications and
experience
Employees are expected to have the appropriate
qualifications and experience for the assigned tasks,
unless they are under controlled and competent
supervision.
Details of qualifications and/or experience of specific
corporate post holders, e.g. board members, health and
safety adviser etc. Other key roles should be named or
identified and details of relevant qualifications and experience
provided.
FOR CONTRACTORS: details of number/percentage of
people engaged in the project that have passed a
construction health and safety assessment and hold industry
qualifications.
For professionals, details of qualifications and/or professional
institution membership.
Evidence of a company-based training programme suitable
for the work to be carried out.
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5 Individual qualifications and
experience (cont'd)
FOR DESIGN ORGANISATIONS: details of
number/percentage of people engaged in the project who
have passed a construction health and safety assessment
Details of any relevant qualifications and/or professional
institution membership and any other specific qualifications
such as NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent.
FOR ENGINEERS: details of number/percentage of people
engaged in the project who have passed a construction health
and safety assessment. Evidence of health and safety
knowledge such as NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent.
Details of professional institution membership and any other
specific qualifications.
Evidence of a clear commitment to training and the continuing
professional development of staff.
6 Monitoring, audit and review You should have a system for monitoring your
procedures, for auditing them at periodic intervals, and
for reviewing them on an ongoing basis.
Could be through formal audit or discussions/reports to senior
managers.
Evidence of recent monitoring and management response.
Copies of site inspection reports.
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7
Workforce involvement
You should have, and implement, an established
means of consulting with your workforce on health and
safety matters.
Evidence showing how consultation is carried out.
Records of health and safety committees
Names of safety representatives.
8
Accident reporting and
enforcement action; follow up
investigation
You should have records of all RIDDOR reportable
events for at least the last three years. You should also
have in place a system for reviewing all incidents, and
recording the action taken as a result.
You should record any enforcement action taken
against your company over the last five years, and the
action which you have taken to remedy matters subject
to enforcement action.
Evidence showing the way in which you record and
investigate accidents and incidents.
Records of the last two accidents/incidents and the actions
taken to prevent recurrence.
Records of any enforcement action taken over the last five
years, and what action was taken to put matters right.
For larger companies, simple statistics showing incidence
rates of major injuries, over three-day injuries, reportable
cases of ill-health and dangerous occurrences for the last
three years.
Records should include any incidents that occurred whilst the
company traded under a different name, and any incidents
that occur to direct employees or Labour-only subcontractors.
9
Subcontracting/ consulting
procedures (if applicable)
You should have arrangements in place for appointing
competent subcontractors/ consultants.
You should be able to demonstrate how you ensure
that subcontractors will also have arrangements for
appointing competent subcontractors or consultants.
You should have arrangements for monitoring
subcontractor performance.
Evidence showing how you ensure subcontractors are
competent.
Examples of subcontractor assessments you have carried
out.
Evidence showing how you require similar standards of
competence assessment from subcontractors.
Evidence showing how you monitor subcontractor
performance.
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10
Hazard elimination and risk
control (Designers only)
You should have, and implement, arrangements for
meeting your duties under CDM
Evidence showing how you:
? ensure co-operation and co-ordination of design work
within the design team and with other
designers/contractors
? ensure that hazards are eliminated and any remaining
risks controlled
? ensure that any structure which will be used as a
workplace will meet relevant requirements of the
latest revision for QCS.
Examples showing how risk was reduced through design. A
short summary of how changes to designs will be managed.
(Note: the emphasis here should be on practical measures
which reduce particular risks arising from the design, not on
lengthy procedural documentation highlighting generic risks.)
11
Risk assessment
leading to a safe
method of work
(Contractors only)
You should have procedures in place for carrying out risk
assessments and for developing and implementing safe
systems of work/method statements.
Evidence showing how the company will identify significant
health and safety risks and how they will be controlled.
Sample risk assessments or safe systems of work or method
statements.
The identification of health issues is expected to feature
prominently in this system.
This will depend upon the nature of the work, but must reflect
the importance of this risk area.
12 Co-operating with
others and coordinating
your work
with that of other
contractors (Subcontractors)
You should be able to illustrate how co-operation and coordination
of your work is achieved in practice, and how you
involve the workforce in drawing up method statements/safe
systems of work.
Evidence could include sample risk assessments, procedural
arrangements, project team meeting notes.
Evidence of how the company co-ordinates its work with other
trades.
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13 Welfare provision
(Contractors)
You should be able to demonstrate how you will ensure that
appropriate welfare facilities will be in place before people start
work on site.
Evidence could include, for example, health and safety policy
commitment; contracts with welfare facility providers; details
of type of welfare facilities provided on previous projects.
14
Engineers duties You should be able to demonstrate how you go about
encouraging co-operation, co-ordination and communication
between designers.
The evidence should be in the form of actual examples rather
than by generic procedures.
Criteria Standard to be achieved Examples of the evidence that you could use to
demonstrate you meet the required standard
Stage 2 assessment
1
Work experience
You should give details of relevant experience in the field of work
for which you are applying.
A simple record of recent projects or contracts should be kept,
with the phone numbers and addresses of contacts who can
verify that work was carried out with due regard to health and
safety.
This should be sufficient to demonstrate your ability to deal
with the key health and safety issues arising from the work you
are applying for.
Where there are significant shortfalls in your previous
experience, or there are risks associated with the project which
you have not managed before, an explanation of how these
shortcomings will be overcome.
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113 Organisations who are bidding for work should put together a package of information
that shows how their own policy, organisation and arrangements meet these standards.
If regularly updated, this information should then be used each time they are asked to
demonstrate competence as part of a tender process.
114 Where the project is much larger than any that the organisation being assessed has
worked on before, or where the work will involve them managing new risks, this should
not automatically rule them out for consideration for the work.
115 The assessor should look for an appreciation of these risks; an understanding of how
they will be managed, and some indication of how any shortcomings in their current
arrangements for managing such risks will be addressed.
116 It may be that an organisation is weak in certain areas. This can be addressed by
putting arrangements in place to cover these weaknesses, or by employing people wi th
particular expertise for relevant parts of the contract. What really matters is that the
organisation has access to the expertise which it needs, and the ability to control the
risks which arise from the work.
117 Remember that assessments should focus on the needs of the particular project and be
proportionate to the risks, size and complexity of the work. Unnecessary bureaucracy
associated with competency assessment can obscure the real issues and divert effort
away from them.
How to assess the competence of High Hazard Activities
118 These regulations require clients to ensure that their proposed project engineers, designers,
contractor and sub contractors (including their employees) are competent, adequately
resourced and appointed early enough for the work they have to do. In turn, these duty
holders must assess their own competency and that of their employees and other duty
holders (except in the case of a client where the test does not apply) as they cannot accept
an appointment unless they are competent to do so.
119 In every case, a client must assess the competency of the organisations to be appointed for
high hazard activities.
120 The client must assess the competence of an organisation using a two-stage process:
121 Stage 1: Procedures and arrangements for ensuring health and safety (a client should ask
for evidence of written health and safety policies and these must in turn be checked for
relevance); and
122 Stage 2: Experience and track record.
123 Organisations should provide information as to their competence with reference to the above
when tendering for work. In the case of high specialist activities such as:
(a) Use of explosives
(b) Cofferdams and caissons
(c) Work in compressed air
(d) Tunnelling and underground works
124 Clients are required when reviewing competences of specialist contractors who are
tendering for construction projects involving high hazard activities to appoint consultant
health and safety advisers with specialist knowledge pursuant to the high hazard activities.
The appointed consultants experience will aid the clients to discharge their responsibilities
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when reviewing duty holders tender and competence documentation.
125 The list of high hazard activities listed above is not definitive and when projects are out of the
scope of their internal health and safety advisors capability, the appointment of an external
consultant must take place to aid in establishing the competence of construction tendering
contractors.
How to assess the competence of individuals
126 The information in this section will help clients, engineers or others who control the way
in which construction work is carried out to assess the competence of key individuals.
127 Remember that assessments should focus on the needs of the particular job and should be
proportionate to the risks arising from the work.
128 As with organisations, assessing the competence of an individual should be a two-stage
process:
(a) Stage 1: An assessment of the person’s task knowledge to determine whether this
is sufficient to enable them to carry out the work safely and without risk to health;
(b) Stage 2: An assessment of the individual’s experience and track record to
establish that they are capable of doing the work; they recognise their limitations
and how these should be overcome and they appreciate the risks from doing the
work and how these should be controlled.
129 Stage 1 assessments will look at an individual’s qualifications and training records, and
arrangements which have been made for their Continuing Professional Development or
lifelong learning. This will include an assessment as to whether the individual has a basic
understanding of the risks arising from construction work which is essential for all people
who work on or regularly visit sites.
130 Stage 2 assessments should concentrate on the person’s past experience in the type of
work which you are asking them to do. Where the work is more complex than any that
the person has done before, or where the work will expose them to new risks, this
should not automatically rule them out for consideration for the work. In these
circumstances, the assessor should look for an appreciation of these risks; an
understanding of how they will be managed, and some indication of how any
shortcomings in their current knowledge will be addressed. Working under the
supervision of someone who is competent and familiar with the work is one way in which
people can learn how to do work safely.
1.1.8.36 Worker engagement and communication
1 Involving the workforce in identifying and controlling risks is crucial to reducing the high
accident rate associated with construction work. The workforce has first-hand
experience of site conditions and is often the first to identify potential problems. Worker
engagement is the participation by workers in decisions made by those in control of
construction activities, in order that risks on site can be managed in the most effective
way.
2 Participation will be most effective when the workforce has sufficient knowledge and
confidence to provide feedback, and can identify risks and explain their importance.
People have the confidence to do this when they are properly trained, know how to
report their concerns, and see prompt action being taken as a result. Training should
include, where necessary, the skills required to participate in decision-making
processes, and consultation with managers.
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What you are required to do for all projects
Providing information
3 All those in control of construction work are required to provide workers (including the
self-employed) under their control with any information that worker needs to carry out
the construction work safely and without risk to health.
4 All workers should be provided with a suitable site-specific induction to inform them of
the arrangements for health, safety and welfare at their work site. This should include
any relevant findings resulting from a risk assessment, including risks arising from the
activities of other workers working nearby. If contractors have site rules these should be
explained, along with the procedures to be followed in the event of any worker finding
themselves in a position of serious and imminent danger. Contractors must
communicate to their workers the identity of the person who is responsible for
implementing health and safety procedures on site. Every worker has a duty under CDM
to report anything, which is likely to endanger the health and safety of himself or others.
5 To ensure involvement of the entire workforce, contractors may need to make special
arrangements for workers who have little or no understanding of Arabic and or English,
or who cannot read Arabic and or English. These could include providing translation,
using interpreters or replacing written notices with clearly understood symbols or
diagrams.
6 Arrangements for worker engagement on smaller sites should always be tailored to the
size and nature of the project and risks involved. On smaller sites informal arrangements
for collecting workers’ views can be effective. An effective way of achieving this is to
arrange reviews of method statements immediately before the work itself is being
carried out. Those workers who will be involved in the work can then comment directly
on the risks and the ways in which these are being controlled.
Worker representatives
7 Employers must consult their workers on matters relating to their health and safety. This
can often be done most effectively through worker representatives.
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Requirements for welfare facilities
1.1.8 Appendix 1
The Contractor must provide:
Sanitary conveniences
1 Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences must be provided or made available at
readily accessible places. So far as is reasonably practicable, the rooms containing
sanitary conveniences must be;
(a) adequately ventilated and lit
(b) kept in a clean and orderly condition.
Welfare facilities
1 Suitable and sufficient washing facilities including showers, if required by the nature of
the work or for health reasons, must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided or
made available at readily accessible places.
2 Washing facilities must be provided:
(a) adjacent to sanitary conveniences, whether or not provided elsewhere
(b) adjacent to changing rooms, where provided, whether or not provided elsewhere.
3 Washing facilities must include:
(a) a supply of clean hot and cold (or warm) water, which so far as is reasonably
practicable shall be running water
(b) soap or other suitable skin cleansers
(c) towels or other suitable means of drying.
4 Rooms containing washing facilities must be lit and sufficiently ventilated.
5 Washing facilities and the rooms containing them must be kept in a clean and orderly
condition.
6 Except for washing facilities which are intended for the washing of hands and forearms
only, separate rooms must be provided for men and women except where they:
(a) are in a room, the door of which can be locked from the inside and
(b) the room is intended to be used by one person at a time.
Drinking water
7 An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, conspicuously marked with the
appropriate sign, should be provided or made available at readily accessible places.
8 Sufficient cups or other drinking vessels must be provided, unless the water supply is in
the form of a jet (drinking fountain) from which a person can easily drink.
Changing rooms and lockers
9 Suitable facilities must be provided or made available at readily accessible places if:
(a) the worker has to wear special clothing for the purposes of work, and,
(b) for reasons of health or personal privacy, changing cannot be carried out
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elsewhere.
10 Where necessary, in the interests of personal privacy, separate changing rooms for men
must be provided.
11 Changing rooms must:
(a) be provided with seating
(b) include, where necessary, facilities to dry clothing and personal effects
(c) include, where necessary, facilities for locking away:
(i) special clothing that is not taken home
(ii) a person's own clothing which is not worn at work
(iii) their personal effects (property).
Facilities for rest
12 Suitable and sufficient facilities for rest must be provided at readily accessible places.
They must:
(a) include suitable arrangements to protect non-smokers from the discomfort caused
by tobacco smoke
(b) be equipped with an adequate number of tables and adequate seating (with
backs)
(c) where necessary, include facilities for any pregnant woman and nursing mother to
rest, lying down
(d) where necessary, include a means of boiling water and suitable arrangements to
ensure that meals can be prepared and eaten
(e) be maintained at an appropriate temperature
13 An 'enclosed' workplace is one which has a roof or ceiling and, except for passageways,
doors and windows, is wholly enclosed, whether on a temporary or permanent basis.
14 A 'substantially enclosed' workplace is one which has a roof or ceiling but there are
permanent openings in the walls, the combined area of which is less than 50% of the
total wall area. When calculating the total 'open area' of any workplace, doors and/or
windows which can be closed must not be counted.
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Particulars to be included in a report of inspection
1.1.8 Appendix 2
1 Name and address of the person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out.
2 Location of the place of work inspected.
3 Description of the place of work or part of that place inspected (including any work
equipment and materials).
4 Date and time of the inspection.
5 Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk to the health or safety of any
person.
6 Details of any action taken as a result of any matter identified in paragraph 5 above.
7 Details of any further action considered necessary.
8 Name and position of the person making report.
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Occupational Health and Safety – Construction Site Safety
1.1.9 Safety Inspections and Auditing
1.1.9.1 Key points
1 Inspections of the workplace, from a health and safety point of view, can form a productive
part of the consultation between management and the workforce.
2 There are several forms of workplace inspection described in this section.
3 While they are often carried out by a safety professional, they do not have to be.
4 The successful outcome of any inspection is that remedial actions are put in place where
shortcomings have been identified.
5 Workplace inspections should be carried out against a predetermined checklist incorporating
some method of recording the findings.
6 Whereas workplace inspections tend to be a 'snapshot in time', an audit is a thorough
examination not only of the site conditions prevailing at any one time but also of:
(a) the commitment of management to health and safety;
(b) the procedures that underpin the health and safety management system.
7 Contractors being able to demonstrate their competence in matters of health and safety
management potentially puts a greater importance on them being able to show that audits
are carried out and acted upon.
Note: Section 1, Part 21 covers inspections and handovers.
1.1.9.2 Introduction
1 It is well-established and documented that accidents can be prevented by:
(a) identifying the hazards which employees face within the workplace
(b) understanding how accidents are caused by unsafe acts, unsafe systems of work and
unsafe conditions on site
(c) taking steps to control the activity of the worker, the work method and the workplace.
2 Contractors, managers, supervisors and safety representatives all have equally important
roles to play. By obtaining and providing information through the inspection, investigation
and examination of the workplace, they can help provide a basis for effective management
action to promote safer and healthier workplaces, and induce a greater awareness of health,
safety and welfare on the part of all concerned.
1.1.9.3 Safety inspections
Regular and random inspections
1 Formal inspections at reasonably regular intervals should augment the site manager's dayto-
day checks, inspections and examinations which occur as part of any job task. These
should involve safety representatives using a properly designed safety checklist for a
systematic inspection of the workplace.
2 An example of such a checklist can be found in Appendix 1.
3 The advantages of regular safety inspections are that they ensure that good housekeeping is
maintained within the workplace and that awareness is developed, amongst employees at all
levels, of the need to promote and maintain safety standards. The disadvantage or danger of
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regular inspections is that they may become a rather mechanical routine for all concerned,
and that their impact might be lessened.
4 Random inspections, however, carried out without any prior notice to the workforce, on
different days of the week, at irregular intervals and at different times of the day, avoid the
shortcomings of a predictable inspection and help to encourage a continuous interest in
safety by all personnel.
5 In practice, a combination of the two approaches of both regular and random inspections is
probably the best course of action.
1.1.9.4 Remedial actions
1 A clear understanding of what remedial actions are required to eliminate or less the risks to
health and safety, and when those actions should be taken, is an essential part of health and
safety management.
2 The following lists suggest how shortcomings, as highlighted during health and safety
inspections, should be prioritised for remedial action.
3 Items requiring immediate action:
(a) the contravention of this Regulatory Document
(b) the occurrence of accidents or incidents which produce situations of immediate danger
to the health and safety of employees or other people, including members of the public
(c) the risk of financial liabilities, as a result of damage to plant and equipment, or
compensation to workers or members of the public
(d) the risks of fire, explosion or other hazards involving electricity, toxic materials or
substances
(e) the existence of unsafe working practices and unsafe places of work
(f) any shortages of correct and adequate personal protective clothing and equipment
(g) any accident or incident that is reportable under RIDDOR
4 Items requiring prompt action:
(a) any potential hazards which may exist, but which do not cause any imminent or
immediate danger
(b) any signs of inadequate information, instruction or supervision, which should have
been provided by either the management or others
(c) any first aid facilities and training that fall short of statutory requirements
(d) occasions when new plant, new work methods, new equipment, or different materials
are to be introduced into the workplace.
5 Items requiring short-term action:
(a) where there is a lack of planning and control affecting safety within the workplace,
either directly or indirectly, e.g. through the inadequate supply of materials and
equipment to enable the workforce to carry out their tasks satisfactorily and safely
(b) where there are signs of inadequacies in the personal skills, knowledge and
experience of the workforce, which may have an adverse effect on safety.
6 Items requiring long-term planning and action:
(a) where there is a lack of certain categories of safety skills and trained personnel
amongst the workforce
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(b) where there is a need for the training of safety advisers, supervisors and safety
representatives
(c) where there is a need for training to take place to keep abreast of the future needs of
the company and its employees
(d) where there is a need for the improvement of standards of health, welfare and safety
within the company.
1.1.9.5 Safety tours
1 Managers, engineers, foremen, supervisors and operatives should have the opportunity to
take note of safety conditions prevailing within the workplace during normal construction
work. Production, however, will often be their first priority and this need to get the job done
may adversely affect their judgement on safety matters. Familiarity with certain activities and
hazards may further cause them to overlook, fail to recognise or ignore real or potential
dangers which are present at the workplace.
2 For these reasons, safety tours (general inspections of the workplace) made by safety
advisers, supervisors and safety representatives should take place at regular intervals.
3 In attempting to reach agreement with Contractors on the frequency of safety tours, the
following factors should be considered:
(a) the size of the site to be inspected, the number of people employed and the number of
types of activity which are carried out on that site
(b) the categories of skill and the experience of the operatives
(c) the existing safety policy and safety organisation within the company
(d) the accident record of the site, company or organisation
(e) the degree of risk to employees in carrying out specific activities or to groups of other
people.
1.1.9.6 Safety sampling
1 Safety sampling of a particular work activity, process or work area may be necessary in the
following circumstances:
(a) where the activity, process or work area presents particular health and safety
concerns
(b) where there have been changes to an activity, process or work area that are relevant
to health and safety
(c) where there is a need to improve the safety performance of the company in a
particular area of operations
(d) where there have been changes in Qatar legislation or safety standards which affect
the operations of the company
(e) where there are high accident rates or increasing accident rates
(f) where there are areas of high labour turnover.
2 Safety sampling should be carried out by someone totally familiar with the work activity,
process or work area under inspection.
1.1.9.7 Safety surveys
1 These are general inspections which are carried out at longer intervals (yearly or once every
two years) to assess the current safety standards and activities of the company, and to
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compare these with other sites of the same company, or other companies within the industry.
2 The survey should be used to determine the future safety objectives and activities of the
company, in the light of planned requirements.
3 It provides an opportunity to:
(a) compare the current safety performance of the company against previous years
(b) review safety objectives and determine the future objectives and safety policy of the
company
(c) examine current levels of safety activity and training within the company to decide
whether they are adequate and suitable
(d) decide where changes, if any, need to be made, and to make recommendations to the
company as to where and how those changes may be implemented
(e) improve procedures, records, communications and information supplied by and to the
Contractors or their representative
(f) determine whether any additional resources are required to enable the company's
operations to be carried out more safely and effectively
(g) decide whether the numbers of existing safety staff (including safety representatives)
are adequate.
1.1.9.8 Hazard-spotting exercises
1 Hazard-spotting exercises are a modified version of the safety sampling method, where a
particular department, section, work area or work activity is singled out for a closer and more
thorough examination.
2 The exercises should be arranged by the safety adviser, in conjunction with the company
management. It should involve supervisors, safety representatives and operatives.
3 Observers may include first line or senior managers, but there should be at least an equal
number of operatives. Some management may prefer a predominant number of operatives
up to chargehand/ganger level in the party, thereby encouraging workers to take an active
interest in safety and accident prevention at the workplace.
1.1.9.9 Hazard-spotting party
1 Members of the proposed hazard-spotting party should have had some previous training or
experience in safety matters and be able to:
(a) recognise any unsafe acts of people at work
(b) recognise unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions of work or methods of work.
2 One person should be appointed leader, and their functions should include:
(a) the collection of the written findings of the members of the party
(b) the study of these findings and the summary of unsafe acts and conditions which have
been observed during the tour
(c) the preparation of a brief report, setting out the unsafe acts and conditions which were
observed during the tour and making recommendations for action by
(d) the management or their representative to rectify any situation that may have been
observed
(e) noting and recording the response of the line or senior management, satisfying
themselves that action will be taken by management to rectify any situations observed
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(f) reporting back, to members of the party, what action will be taken by the line manager
concerned.
3 The participants should be informed in advance of their involvement in the hazard-spotting
exercise, given a time and place to meet, and told who is the leader of the party to whom
they should report.
4 They should be:
(a) briefed on which work processes and activities are to be inspected and the hazards
which they will be looking for
(b) informed that they can ask any questions, but not interfere with the normal work
processes and activity
(c) instructed in the use of any checklists or forms which are to be used to record their
findings. See examples in Appendix 2
(d) asked to differentiate between unsafe acts and unsafe conditions
(e) instructed to record their findings independently, without fear of recrimination or
interference.
5 The leader of the party spots at the same time as everyone else and is responsible for
seeing that the inspection tour is completed within the agreed timescale.
6 Employees working in the section to be inspected should be informed of the intent to inspect,
but not of the date or time when the inspection will be carried out.
1.1.9.10 Hazard-spotting programme
1 A set and properly structured programme of inspections and sampling will ensure that all of
the main activities of a company are continuously under scrutiny. Hazard-spotting exercises
should be used not only where there is seen to be a need to ensure the safety and health of
people at work, but also as a continuing monitoring exercises.
1.1.9.11 Inspection reports
1 Supervisors and safety representatives should record the findings of their inspections.
Commercially produced versions of inspection report forms are often multi-copy, and 'self
duplicating', with each copy on a different colour paper to identify the intended recipient.
These are called PAD format.
2 See an example of a report form in Appendix 3.
3 Whatever the type of checklist or form used, it should provide a record of any action
requested to remedy conditions and working practices considered to be unsafe. Space
should be provided on the form to record the date and place of the inspection and details of
the action taken or, if no action was taken, an explanation of why this was so.
1.1.9.12 Investigation at the workplace
4 Safety representatives are expected to;
(a) investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences at the workplace
(b) carry out inspections where there has been a RIDDOR accident, occurrence or
disease at the workplace
(c) investigate any complaints by employees relating to health and safety
(d) make representations to the Contractors on behalf of the workforce on general and
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specific matters relating to the health and safety of employees at the workplace.
5 These functions do not affect a Contractors rights and obligations to manage an enterprise
or site as they should wish, or to investigate any type of accident or occurrence.
1.1.9.13 Safety auditing
1 Many clients are now asking for detailed safety management information, such as that
gathered during safety auditing, as part of their pre-qualification procedures. This will be part
of the client's competence assessment of contractors, as required under CDM. Such
information has the potential to indicate a proactive approach to safety management and
whether or not identified issues are satisfactorily dealt with.
What is a safety audit, and what is in it for you?
2 A safety audit is a demonstration of the management's commitment to improve the overall
safety of the workplace. The typical definition of an auditing system is a systematic, critical
examination of an operation in its entirety to identify hazards and levels of risk, to detect
falling standards and to ensure that operations are performed in an efficient and safe way in
accordance with the policies and procedures laid down by the organisation.
3 Therefore, the key requirements of a safety audit include:
(a) a critical examination of the whole operation
(b) an assessment of how the risks to health and safety are being handled
(c) the identification of the efficient and safe performance of people
(d) the detection and identification of falling standards, ineffective company procedures,
and non-compliance with industry standards and Qatar legal requirements
(e) the use of meaningful standards consistent with the organisation's operations.
4 Health and safety auditing should also be seen as an integral part of the overall monitoring of
health and safety within an organisation.
5 The aim of such an audit is to identify problem areas that may exist, so that you can make
improvements to your standard of safety. The audit should look at the interaction of all the
activities of your company, as well as at the activities themselves.
6 An audit supports the company's safety policy; it measures performance against it and will
help management to judge just how well safety is being managed and, if carried to its logical
conclusion, will prompt the question: 'What caused this accident to happen?'
7 By adopting safety auditing, the Contractors will be acting to identify problems and possible
causes of accidents before they happen.
8 If any are identified, the Contractors will be able to change the health and safety
management system, improve working practices, identify health and safety training needs
and strengthen other weaknesses. These changes will help ensure that no unsafe actions
occur, thereby preventing accidents, and may include the setting of new standards of health
and safety performance by managers and employees.
9 The aim of any health and safety auditing system should be to constructively assist site
management to safely organise the company's construction activities. The application of a
well thought out auditing system will undoubtedly repay the time and money that the
company initially invests in developing it.
10 There is an additional benefit to the company
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11 The result of safety audits carried out correctly is an improved safety performance so that the
ultimate of NO ACCIDENTS is achieved.
12 A good audit will benefit everyone from senior management to the youngest employee, and
will hopefully be accepted on its merits as the resultant changes bring improvements in
safety performance.
13 The health and safety audit should be carried out, as far as possible, by independent
auditors. This overcomes the problems faced by line managers auditing their own area of
work, or even a second line manager being critical of their peers. Auditing must be carried
out objectively and with a high degree of honesty when identifying non-compliance with
management systems and techniques.
14 The frequency of safety audits should ensure that the health and safety management system
of the organisation does not degrade over time or through changes in the company
organisation, personnel or the activities it carries out.
1.1.9.14 Benchmarking
1 One of the most difficult things about auditing is deciding whether the measured
performance is satisfactory. Within health and safety, experienced external auditors will
typically audit against two parameters:
(a) performance against internal systems
(b) performance against legal standards.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.9 Appendix 1
Observation checklist
The worker
1 Is the worker able to obtain and correctly wear personal protective equipment, such as:
(a) gloves
(b) clothing
(c) boots
(d) helmets
(e) goggles
(f) ear defenders?
2 Is the worker aware of safeguards which exist in relation to:
(a) use of: safety signs and signals
(i) machine and equipment guards
(ii) warning notice
(iii) barriers
(b) alarm systems
(c) safety equipment
(d) first aid training?
3 Is the worker aware that they must exercise good behaviour at work whilst paying attention
to the following:
(a) avoiding messing around
(b) distractions
(c) staying out of prohibited areas
(i) use of: machinery
plant
power tools
hand tools
transport
access equipment
working platforms
hazardous activities?
4 When handling materials, does the worker take into account the following:
(a) good manual handling and lifting techniques, including wearing appropriate PPE
(b) mechanical methods available
(c) proper stacking
(d) correct storage
(e) transporting and moving loads
(f) loading and unloading
(g) dangerous materials?
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5 If required to work in hazardous areas, is the worker competent to work:
(a) at heights
(b) above or near to water
(c) near live electrical conductors
(d) in confined spaces
(e) in excavations, tunnels and shafts
(f) in other hazardous environments?
6 Is the worker aware of, and using, welfare facilities which are provided relating to:
(a) first aid
(b) changing rooms
(c) canteen
(d) washing
(e) seating
(f) toilets
(g) drinking water
(h) drying facilities
(i) workspace
The workplace and the work method
7 Is the working environment satisfactory in relation to:
(a) ventilation
(b) temperature
(c) lighting
(d) noise
(e) dust
(f) fumes
(g) welfare facilities?
8 Is the condition of machinery, plant and equipment, tools and materials acceptable as far as
the following are concerned:
(a) machinery, transport, plant
(b) workplace
(c) working platforms
(d) tools, equipment, appliances
(e) hazardous work areas?
9 Are adequate fire precautions in place including:
(a) exits and emergency escape routes
(b) extinguishers
(c) alarms
(d) procedures?
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10 Are safety notices displayed, relating to:
(a) warning notices
(b) general health and safety signs
(c) colour codings
(d) work methods
(e) adequacy of: information
instruction
supervision
work procedures?
11 Is good housekeeping a part of normal procedures when considering:
(a) general layout
(b) site conditions
(c) ground, floor conditions
(d) storage areas
(e) gangways, walkways
(f) access, egress?
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.9 Appendix 2
Observation report
Unsafe acts
Unsafe conditions
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6.
6.
7.
7.
8.
8.
9.
9.
10. 10.
Location.......................................................................
Name........................................................................... Date.........................................................
Comments:
This illustration constitutes only an example of the kind of form which could be used during a hazardSouth
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spotting exercise of the workplace. Contractors may choose to use this example or create their own.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.9 Appendix 3
Health, Safety and Welfare Inspection Report
Company..................................................................................Report no....................................................................
Workplace....................................................................................................................................................
Welfare Storage areas
1 Canteens 18 Tidiness 34 Services
2 Rest rooms 19 Flammables 35 Security
3 Changing rooms 20 Gases 36 Fire precautions
4 First aid training 21 Fuels, lubricants 37 Electrical
5 First aid facilities 22 Fire precautions 38 Hoists
6 Washing 23 Tools & equipment 39 Tower cranes
7 Sanitation 24 Access equipment 40 Mobile cranes
8 Protective clothing 25 Timber 41 Lifting gear
9 Protective equipment or
substances
26 Dangerous materials 42 Excavations
27 Stores procedures 43 Transport
44 Other plant
Offices Construction site
10 Accident records 28 Scaffolding 45 Machinery
11 Statutory forms, 29 Ladders, trestles 46 Power tools
registers, etc. 30 Working platforms 47 Hand tools, equipment
12 General cleanliness 31 Access/egress 48 Tidiness
13 Fire precautions 32 Signs & notices 49 Noise levels
14 Environmental factors 33 Accommodation 50 Traffic management
15 Seating 51 Restricted area
16 Access/egress
17 Alarms, notices
Action required for items.......................................................................................................................................
(Details on reverse of form)
Signature(s)................................................................. Date of inspection.......................................................
(Safety representative(s)
Circulation: Original (pink) to safety officer / supervisor
1st copy (blue) to site manager / agent
2nd copy (white) to be retained by auditor
3rd copy (yellow) for management action and return
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.9 Appendix 4
Contractor NCR Template
SAFETY NON-CONFORMANCE REPORT
Contract Name: Contract Number:
Contractors Name:
NCR No: Date Opened: Date Closed:
Work Area / Location:
CONSULTANT /ENGINEER
REP*
*Delete as applicable
PART A: DETAILS OF NON-CONFORMANCE:
Details:
Classification of Defect:
Critical Major Minor Unknown
Cause of Non-conformance:
Material Process Equipment Documentation
Documentation Reference (QCS, Local Legislation, Other Specification / Standard etc.):
Name & Signature: Title: Date:
CONTRACTOR
PART B: PROPOSED REMEDIAL / CORRECTIVE & PREVENTIVE ACTION:
Details:
Reject/Replace Re-work Repair Use as-is
Target Date to Close NCR:
Name & Signature: Title: Date:
CONSULTANT
PART C: CONSULTANT ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACTORS PROPOSALS IN PART B:
- Contractors proposals are acceptable and remedial work / Corrective & Preventive Action may proceed.
- Contractors proposals are unacceptable for the following reasons. (Contractor should revise & resubmit):
Name & Signature: Title: Date:
CONTRACTOR
PART D: REMEDIAL WORKS / CORRECTIVE & PREVENTIVE ACTION PROPOSED IN PART B ARE
COMPLETE & READY FOR INSPECTION:
Name & Signature: Title: Date:
ENGINEER REP.
PART E: FOLLOW UP & CLOSE-OUT:
- Remedial Works / Corrective & Preventive Action have been undertaken and are acceptable. This NCR may be
closed out.
- Remedial Works / Corrective & Preventive Action undertaken by the Contractor are not acceptable for the
following reasons and this NCR may not be closed out. (Contractor must address these issues):
Name & Signature: Title: Date:
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NOTES AND ATTACHMENTS (Photographs, Sketches etc.):
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.10 Safety at Street Works and Road Works
1.1.10.1 Key points
1 Will someone coming along the road or footway from any direction understand exactly what
is happening and what is expected of them?
2 These Regulations specifies minimum safety requirements for:
(a) signage and lighting
(b) working on different classes of roads
(c) methods of traffic control
(d) speed control of passing traffic
(e) works near to tramways and railway level crossings.
(f) Operatives who carry out work on the highway must be competent to do so,
particularly anyone involved in laying out the site, positioning signage or lighting,
implementing traffic control measures and undertaking similar jobs.
Note: Section 1, Part 3 of the QCS covers traffic safety management. Section 1, Part 16
of the QCS covers traffic diversions. Section 6 of the QCS covers roadworks..
1.1.10.2 Introduction
Health and Safety at Work (Construction Sites)
1 This places a duty of care on Contractors, employees and the self-employed. It requires not
only the safety of employees to be considered, but also the safety of those affected by the
work i.e. members of the public using the highway.
1.1.10.3 Commencement of work
1 When you give notice that you intend to start work, they will inform the other utility service
providers in an attempt to co-ordinate works so that the utilities may each carry out their
work during one excavation in order to avoid the same piece of roadway being continually
excavated.
1.1.10.4 Measures necessary where apparatus is affected by major works
(diversionary works)
1 Definition: Apparatus is any pipe or ducting buried within the highway or pavement which is
owned by one of the utilities. It may take the form of gas pipes, water mains, sewers,
electricity cables, telephone cables and, where installed, cable TV cables.
1.1.10.5 Major works
1 The term major works covers works carried out by the Civil Engineering Department
Ministry of Public Works such as:
(a) the reconstruction or widening of the highway
(b) works on dual carriageways and at roundabouts
(c) other similar major works
(d) the construction of vehicle crossings over footways and verges.
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1.1.10.6 Diversionary works
1 The term diversionary works covers:
(a) works to protect apparatus on site
(b) works to relocate apparatus elsewhere.
1.1.10.7 Construction risk factors
1 Construction factors to be considered in deciding whether apparatus is at risk include:
(a) the removal of the footway or carriageway construction
(b) construction plant crossing or working in the vicinity of apparatus
(c) the undermining or removal of side support to apparatus
(d) any deep construction adjacent to apparatus
(e) piling or ground consolidation operations.
1.1.10.8 Vehicle crossings
1 The construction of vehicle crossings is included because the works put apparatus at risk in
a number of ways, such as:
(a) the majority of 'service' apparatus is located in footways
(b) the footway construction layers must normally be excavated to accommodate thicker
construction layers
(c) the new construction may no longer provide adequate cover to apparatus
(d) the vehicular loading may be greater than the apparatus can withstand
(e) vibrations from vehicles may weaken joints over a period of time.
1.1.10.9 Minimising construction risks
1 To minimise construction risks, you should:
(a) provide suitable and safe vehicle crossing and access points.
(b) temporarily move apparatus to a safe location, during any construction work.
(c) protect or temporarily support apparatus in situ.
Note: Methods of supporting apparatus during excavation form part of the assessment
process incorporated within the relevant operative and supervisor qualifications.
1.1.10.10 Safety of gas apparatus
Depth of cover
1 The normal minimum depth of cover for gas mains operating in the low and medium
pressure ranges is:
(a) 600 mm in footway or verges
(b) 750 mm in carriageways
2 although these figures may vary, as each area gas companies can have its own standards.
3 In certain circumstances, depending upon the mains material, operating pressure and depth
of cover, it may be acceptable for the mains to remain in situ when only subjected to light
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traffic, e.g. a vehicle layby or crossing.
4 It is not generally permissible to allow cast iron mains previously in the footway or verge to
be subjected to vehicular traffic.
Risks during construction
5 Liaison with the gas services provider during the planning stage is essential because existing
mains, specifically older materials such as cast iron, cannot be raised, lowered or moved
laterally even for a few millimetres without risk. Gas apparatus must not be undermined and
certain apparatus is particularly vulnerable to deep excavations adjacent to the apparatus.
6 Any proposals to dig deep trenches may mean that gas apparatus will have to be diverted.
1.1.10.11 Safety of water apparatus
1 Decisions on the protection or diversion of water mains are likely to be influenced by
considerations of access to mains for repair purposes.
Depth of cover
2 The minimum depth of cover for the three types of water mains, i.e. trunk mains, distributor
mains and service pipes, will vary according to its type.
3 Further information can be found by consulting with the Qatar General Electricity & Water
Company.
Risks during construction
4 Construction plant and lorries travelling over water apparatus with temporarily reduced cover
can be an unacceptable risk. Therefore, diversions may be necessary unless protective
measures are practicable.
5 Factors influencing the decision to divert water pipes must include:
(a) the maintenance of the continuity of supply and the water quality
(b) material types and condition
(c) the inability to raise, lower or slew pipes
(d) the possible loss of ground support to pipes with the consequential risk of damage.
1.1.10.12 Safety of telecommunications apparatus
1 The need for the rigorous exclusion of moisture from telecommunication cables and joints
places constraints on what can be done to older cables, in respect of their movement during
works.
2 For maintenance purposes there is the added need for vehicles to have access and be
located at or near jointing chambers.
Preferred depth of cover
3 Varying depths of cover may be found with this type of equipment, depending on the types
and design of the cables. As a rough guide, television and telecom cabling can be found at
depths varying from 250 mm in the verge or footway up to 900 mm in the carriageway.
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Risks during construction
4 According to circumstances, the apparatus may be left in situ if ducts are adequately
protected from construction plant and vehicles by the use of metal plates or tracks.
5 In some cases, it may be possible to accommodate small temporary or permanent
alterations in the line of a duct track by bodily slewing, raising or lowering a nest of ducts with
the cables in situ.
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1.1.10.13 Overhead telecommunication lines
1 Poles must be positioned to:
(a) minimise the risk of damage to cables by vehicles
(b) give the minimum inconvenience to pedestrians
(c) avoid obstructing access to premises.
2 Road alterations may necessitate the replacement of poles if the clearance under the cables
becomes inadequate.
3 Minimum heights above ground for overhead telecommunication lines are typically:
(a) 6.1 m at any point over a street
(b) 6.1 m on bus routes
(c) 6.5 m on designated roads.
1.1.10.14 Safety of electrical apparatus
1 The following factors should be considered when protecting cables in situ or diverting
apparatus.
Underground cables
(a) The need to protect and support potentially hazardous equipment from mechanical
impact, damage, strain and vibration during and after road works.
(b) A requirement to maintain the security of supply if alternative circuits are not available.
(c) The operating voltage of the apparatus. Depth of cover
2 The depth at which electricity cables or ducts are usually laid in the ground is decided by the
need to avoid undue interference or damage.
3 Dependent on the type of cable and the power that it may be carrying, the depth of cover
may vary from 450 mm up to 900 mm. It is common to find electrical cables much shallower
than these depths, particularly over bridges or culverts and extreme caution must be
exercised.
4 In all cases where the depth of cover is likely to increase or decrease, the apparatus owner
must be consulted.
Overhead lines
(a) The supports and stays of overhead lines may have to be relocated.
(b) Ground clearance may be affected.
(c) Earth wires from supports may have to be re-sited.
(d) Buried pilot wires may be associated with the route of overhead lines.
Height above ground of overhead lines
1 The minimum height of overhead lines above ground varies according to the voltage of the
cable and as directed by the service provider. They can be as low as 5.2 m for lines carrying
33 kV, up to 6.7 m for lines carrying 132 kV.
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Risks during construction
(a) Additional protection or temporary diversion may be necessary to prevent damage to
any apparatus during the construction stage.
(b) The hazards of accidental electrical contact by persons on site must be fully assessed.
(c) Damage to underground cables can, in certain circumstances, cause widespread loss
of electrical supplies for a long period.
1.1.10.15 Signs and equipment
1 Traffic signs and other apparatus for the control of traffic must comply with relevant Qatar
Work Zone Traffic Management Guide – latest revision.
1.1.10.16 Basic principles of signing
Fix signs properly
Visibility of signs
Traffic on two-way roads
Surplus signs
Clearing up
Refer to Qatar Work Zone Traffic Management Guide – latest revision.
Be seen
1 Whether working on site or just visiting, all personnel must wear a high visibility jacket or
waistcoat to BS EN 471 at all times. Ensure the garment is in good condition and is properly
fastened at the front.
2 Refer to Section 11 – Part 1(RD) – 1.2.2 – (PPE) Personnel Protective Equipment.
3 Refer to Section 11 – Part 2 (SAMAS) – 2.3.9 – (PPE) Personnel Protective Equipment.
1.1.10.17 Site layout definitions
1 Refer to Qatar Work Zone Traffic Management Guide – latest revision.
1.1.10.18 Signs for Street Works and Road Works
1 Refer to Qatar Work Zone Traffic Management Guide – latest revision.
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1.1.10.19 Foamed concrete for reinstatement (FCR)
FCR hazards
1 Cement-based materials that can be poured into an excavation to any required depth without
the need for compaction are called FCRs.
2 Because FCRs are fluid, they present a hazard for children and animals. Reinstatements
must therefore be guarded until a sufficient set has occurred.
3 Like all cement-based materials, FCRs should be handled with care because:
(a) excessive contact with mixed FCRs can cause contact dermatitis or skin burns
(b) excessive exposure to cement dust when FCRs are mixed on site can lead to
respiratory problems.
Precautions
4 Use barrier creams on hands and wear gloves.
5 Wear long-sleeved shirts, full length trousers and Wellington boots.
6 Cement on skin should be washed off immediately.
1.1.10.20 Reinstatement
1 All utilities that have carried out work upon a highway or pavement, or have employed a
contractor to carry out work on their behalf, are responsible for the satisfactory reinstatement
of the highway or pavement.
2 Any interim reinstatements must be made permanent within six months.
1.1.10.21 Reinstatement faults
Settlement
1 This is the most common and obvious fault, and has implications for the short-term
acceptability of the reinstatement to the public, and the long-term cost of maintaining the
highway.
2 If the reinstatement material is soft in comparison with the surrounding undisturbed material,
the latter will tend to move laterally towards the excavation and downwards until equilibrium
is reached.
3 The area at risk on each side of the excavation is roughly equal to the thickness of the poorly
compacted material, regardless of the vertical position of such material.
Crowning
4 The practice of deliberately filling the reinstatement high is an acknowledgement that
settlement is going to occur.
5 The same processes of adjacent ground movement, and road structure cracking that
accompany settlement can also be present with crowning, since they are a function of poor
compaction and little influenced by surface profile.
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Edge cracking
6 If the vertical edges between the reinstatement and original surfacing have not been sealed
properly with bitumen, water can enter the joint, freeze, and open up a crack.
7 Alternatively, relative movement between the reinstatement and the original surface can
cause fretting, initiating a crack which is subsequently worsened by the ingress of water.
Lateral spread in the surfacing
8 This can be caused by too soft a binder being used in the surfacing which then spreads due
to traffic and temperature.
Bleeding or fatting up
9 In hot weather the binder softens. If the binder is soft initially, it may rise to the surface and
either be picked up by vehicles or lie on the surface. If this is not rectified, the binder will
harden during the colder months and form a very smooth, slippery surface.
Crazing
10 The development of fine surface cracks not accompanied by settlement results from fatigue
of the material under traffic loading.
Fretting
11 This is defined as the loss of aggregate particles from the surface of bituminous materials.
12 A variety of causes can be identified, including inadequate compaction, low bitumen content,
and an excessive degree of fluxing for the conditions.
13 The most serious consequence is the increased risk of skidding on the freshly exposed
bitumen and loose particles of aggregate.
Cracking
14 Cracking in reinstatements remote from the edges is generally due to the tensile strain
produced by settlement.
15 Another contributing factor is the use of thin surfacing layers which are consequently
overstressed and suffer fatigue cracking.
Open texture
16 Delayed set materials need to be open textured to some degree so that fluxing oils can
evaporate through the air passages.
17 By the same token, water can also soak down through the material into the underlying
material.
18 Open textured materials should be replaced or surface sealed as soon as possible after they
have hardened, especially in winter.
Lateral spread due to trenches in the edge of the carriageway
19 This happens in carriageways where the foundations of edge of the carriageway are
weakened. Consequently they give way and allow the full depth of construction to spread.
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1.1.10.22 Surface profile
1 The following requirements apply to the immediate, interim and permanent reinstatements of
all service providers excavations.
2 If at any time during the immediate, interim or permanent guarantee periods the surface
profile of a reinstatement exceeds any of the intervention limits, remedial action must be
carried out in order to return the surface profile of the reinstatement to the as-laid condition.
As-laid profile
3 The reinstatement of any surface must be completed so that the edges of the reinstatement
are flush with the adjacent surfaces and the reinstatement does not show any significant
depression in between.
4 The maximum allowable tolerance at the edge of the reinstatement between the levels of the
reinstatement and the adjacent surface must not exceed + 6 mm.
Edge depression - intervention
5 An edge depression is an essential vertical step or trip at the interface of the reinstatement
and the existing surface.
6 Intervention is required where the depth of any edge depression exceeds 10 mm over a
continuous length of more than 100 mm.
Edge depression limits
Surface depression - intervention
7 A surface depression is a depressed area within the reinstatement. It generally has smooth
edges and gently sloping sides forming a shallow dish.
8 Intervention is required where the height of any area of surface crowning spanning more
than 100 mm in any plan dimension exceeds the limits shown in the table.
Surface depression limits
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Intervention limits - surface depression
Reinstatement width
W (mm)
Intervention limit X
(mm)
up to 400 10
over 400 to 500 12
over 500 to 600 14
over 600 to 700 17
over 700 to 800 19
over 800 to 900 22
over 900 25
Surface crowning - intervention
9 Surface crowning is an upstand of the reinstatement above the mean level of the existing
adjacent surfaces.
10 Intervention is required where the height of any area of surface crowning spanning more
than 100 mm in any plan dimension exceeds the limits shown in the table.
Surface crowning limits
Intervention limits - surface crowning
Reinstatement width
W (mm)
Intervention limit Z
(mm)
up to 400 10
over 400 to 500 12
over 500 to 600 14
over 600 to 700 17
over 700 to 800 19
over 800 to 900 22
over 900 25
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1.1.10.23 Inspections
1 During work and after completion, personnel from the Civil Engineering Department Ministry
of Public Works will inspect work being carried out by services providers.
2 There are two distinct inspections:
(a) sample inspections
(b) defect inspections.
1.1.10.24 Sample inspections
1 These are routine inspections of random samples of services providers work at various
stages of excavation and reinstatement and after reinstatement.
2 It enables the Civil Engineering Department Ministry of Public Works to monitor the level of
compliance with prescribed standards including:
(a) applicable reinstatement specification
(b) the requirements for signing, lighting and guarding of works in progress
(c) verification that requirements for qualified supervisors and operatives are met.
1.1.10.25 Defect inspection
1 This is a procedure for dealing with individual reinstatements which fail to comply with the
reinstatement specification.
2 A special procedure applies to non-complying reinstatements which are causing a danger to
persons using the street.
1.1.10.26 Types of sample inspection
1 Five stages of inspection have been identified for monitoring purposes:
Type Category
During excavation 1
Whilst reinstating (including
interim phase)
2
Immediately after permanent
reinstatement (within 1 month)
3
Between 6 and 9 months after
permanent reinstatement
4
During one month preceding end
of guarantee period
5
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1.1.10.27 Inspection checklists
1 Two standard forms are used to report on the inspection carried out and include entries on
whether the items checked were acceptable or non-acceptable.
2 The form for categories 1 and 2 covers signing and guarding requirements in addition to
excavation and reinstatement works.
3 The form for categories 3, 4 and 5 cover performance requirements of the finished surface.
4 Sample forms are provided in Appendices 3 and 4.
1.1.10.28 Types of defect
1 Defective reinstatements may be identified:
(a) as a result of sample inspections
(b) by members of the public
(c) by routine inspections by the Civil Engineering Department Ministry of Public Works
2 Reinstatements that are found to be defective are divided into two types:
1.1.10.29 Non-complying reinstatements not causing danger
1 These are reported to the party undertaking the work and normally require remedial action to
be taken within seven days.
1.1.10.30 Non-complying reinstatements causing danger to pedestrians &
vehicles
1 Where the Civil Engineering Department Ministry of Public Works considers a defect to be
causing danger, the overriding aim is to remove the danger as soon as possible. The exact
procedure may differ in and out of normal working hours.
2 The Civil Engineering Department Ministry of Public Works may make the site safe by
signing, lighting and guarding and request the attendance of the service provider.
3 Reported defects trigger a further two inspections.
1.1.10.31 Qualifications
1 Contractors must ensure that:
(a) the execution of street works is supervised by a person having a prescribed
qualification as a supervisor
(b) there is on site at all times, whilst work is in progress, at least one person having a
prescribed qualification as a trained operative
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Construction Site Safety
1. 1.10 Appendix 1
Safety checklist for the supervisor
Before work starts
1 Has a site-specific risk assessment been carried out?
2 Have you planned how you will sign and guard the works?
3 Have all the appropriate authorities been notified?
4 Is everyone on the site wearing high-visibility clothing?
5 What are the correct positions for the first warning sign?
6 What other signs are needed approaching the works?
7 What signs are needed at the works?
8 What length of coned taper is required?
9 How many lamps and cones will be needed?
10 What width of carriageway can be kept open and will it be enough for two-way traffic?
11 What width of footway can be kept open and will it be enough?
12 What form of traffic control is needed?
13 Have any misleading permanent signs been covered?
When work is in progress
14 If circumstances change, have you altered the signs, cones and lamps to suit?
15 Are signs, cones and lamps being regularly inspected, cleaned, maintained or replaced?
16 Has authorisation been obtained to accommodate any changed circumstances?
17 When traffic control changes are made at night or weekends, have the warning signs been
changed?
18 Are traffic control arrangements reviewed and changed to reduce delays as works change?
19 Are the works adequately signed, guarded and lit for the overnight period?
20 Have you cleared away any mud that may have spread onto the surrounding road or
footway?
When work is complete and before you leave
21 Have all signs, cones and lamps been removed?
22 Have all permanent signs been restored?
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23 Have appropriate authorities been notified that work is complete?
24 Have you cleared away any mud that may have spread onto the surrounding road or
footway?
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.10 Appendix 2
Situations where further advice may be needed
Examples of situations where an operative will need to consult a supervisor
1 Where the Civil Engineering Department Ministry of Public Works restricts work to certain
times of the day.
2 When the roadworks make it impossible for drivers to follow the permanent traffic signs.
3 At times of poor visibility or bad weather conditions, when additional signs may be required
or work suspended.
4 When stronger than normal barriers are needed for deeper excavations.
5 Whether traffic control is needed at a site and which type would be appropriate for the
circumstances.
6 Where it is intended to use portable traffic signals, as the traffic authority must give approval
if these signals are to be used at a site which contains a junction.
7 When tailbacks occur at portable traffic signals.
8 Where a width of at least 3.25 metres cannot be provided on both sides of a site which is in
the middle of a two-lane single carriageway road.
9 When the works affect a pedestrian crossing, in which case the traffic authority should be
told in advance of the works. This is particularly important in the case of pelican crossings.
10 Where work affects tramways.
11 Where Stop/Go boards are proposed to be used in a shuttle lane containing a junction.
12 Where it may be necessary to close a road and therefore provide a diversion route.
13 When work on the approach to a traffic signalled junction disrupts the traffic flow through the
junction.
14 If work has to be undertaken at permanent traffic signals on a road with a speed limit of 64
km/h or more.
15 Where works are located at roundabouts.
16 Where mobile works are located in the centre of carriageways.
17 Where mobile lane closure techniques are to be used.
18 Where works are to be undertaken within 200 metres of a level crossing or are likely to
cause congestion in the area around a level crossing or where ramps as part of the works
may cause long low vehicles to ground.
19 Where the works are near the junction of roads joining and leaving high speed roads.
20 Where works are located on three-lane single carriageway roads.
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21 Where work is to be carried out over the carriageway and the headroom is reduced.
22 When work is likely to affect any bus route or bus stop.
23 Where work is located near to schools.
24 Where works are located near buildings likely to be used by large numbers of elderly or
disabled people, e.g. old people's homes.
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Construction Site Safety
1.10 Appendix 3
Service Provider works
Inspections checklist
FOR USE ON INSPECTIONS 1 AND 2 DATE
Authority reference Service Providers reference
Location o/s of or from __________________________to __________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Time taken for inspection ____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
1. Signing & guarding and excavation Insert inspection number
2. Signing & guarding and backfill and reinstatement
Signing & guarding Acceptable Unacceptable Unseen/inapplicable
Correct type
Distance
Safety zones
Barriers
Traffic control
Pedestrian control
Other
Excavation
Backfill & reinstatement
Surround to apparatus
Backfill material
Compaction
Sub-base
Roadbase
Basecourse
Wearing course
State reasons for unacceptability
Name Signature Date
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.10 Appendix 4
Service Provider works
Inspections checklist
FOR USE ON INSPECTIONS 3, 4 AND 5 DATE
Authority reference Services Providers reference
Location o/s of or from __________________________to __________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Time taken for inspection ____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. Immediately after permanent reinstatement (within 1 month) Insert inspection number
4. Intermediate (between 6 and 9 months)
5. One month preceding end of guarantee period
Acceptable Unacceptable
Edge depression/trips
Surface depressions
Surface crowning
Edge cracking
Texture depth
Surface regularity
Other
State reasons for unacceptability
Name Signature Date
State reasons for unacceptability
Name Signature Date
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.10 Appendix 5
Size and siting distance: details of signs and cones and safety zone dimensions
Type of road
Minimum and
normal maximum
siting distance (D)
of first sign in
advance of lead-in
taper (meters)
Minimum
clear visibility
to first sign
(metres)
Minimum size
of signs (mm)
Minimum
height of
cones
(mm)
Sideways
safety zone
(S)
Details of lead-in cone tapers (but
see Notes below) Recommended
lengths
Width of Hazards (metres) including safety zones(s)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Single carriageway road,
restricted to 48 km/h or less 20 to 45 60 600 450 0.5m
Length of taper (T) in metres
Minimum number of cones
Minimum number of lamps at night
13
4
3
26
4
3
39
6
5
52
7
6
65
9
8
78
10
9
91
12
11
Single carriageway road,
restricted to speeds of 49 to
64 km/h inclusive
45 to 110 60 750 450 0.5m
Length of taper (T) in metres
Minimum number of cones
Minimum number of lamps at night
20
4
3
40
6
5
60
8
7
80
10
9
100
13
12
120
15
14
140
17
16
All-purpose dual
carriageway road, restricted
to 64 km/h or less
110 to 275 60 750 450 0.5m
Length of taper (T) in metres
Minimum number of cones
Minimum number of lamps at night
25
4
3
50
7
6
75
10
9
100
13
12
125
15
14
150
18
17
175
21
20
Single carriageway road,
with speed limit of 80 km/h
or more
275 to 450 75 750 450 1.2m
Length of taper (T) in metres
Minimum number of cones
Minimum number of lamps at night
25
4
3
50
7
6
75
10
9
100
13
12
125
15
14
150
18
17
175
21
20
All-purpose dual
carriageway road, with
speed limit of 80 km/h or
more
725 to 1600 105 1200 750 1.2m
Length of taper (T) in metres
Minimum number of cones
Minimum number of lamps at night
32
5
4
64
9
8
96
121
1
128
16
15
160
19
18
192
23
22
224
26
25
Speed limit (km/h) 48 or less 64 80 95 112
Minimum longways
clearance (L) metres 1/2 15 30 60 100
Notes:
1. Lead-in tapers used with traffic control, and all exit tapers, shall be at about 45° to the kerb line with cones spaced 1.2 metres apart.
2. The maximum spacing distance of cones in longitudinal lengths of coning shall be 9 metres, but no fewer than 2 cones shall be used in any length between tapers.
3. In certain circumstances on congested roads with speed limits of 48 km/h or under, the taper may also be reduced to 45°.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.11 Setting Up Site
1.1.11.1 Key points
1 Consideration must be given to the initial design, creation and layout of a site, and its effect
upon the people who work on it, visit it, or live nearby.
2 The footprint of the structure(s) to be erected will dictate what space remains for other
purposes, which must be used to its best advantage.
3 Consideration should be given to early contact with local residents, local schools, adjacent
properties etc. prior to, or at the start of, setting up a site.
4 Time and effort put into properly planning and setting up a site has the distinct potential to
forestall problems as the job progresses.
Note: Section 1, Part 1 of the QCS covers setting up a site and site management.
1.1.11.2 Introduction
1 CDM places a legal duty upon the client for any project to ensure that every person involved
in the design process and every Contractor is provided with adequate and relevant
information about the site to enable the health and safety of anyone engaged in the
construction phase to be secured. This information should be included in the health and
safety plan which then enables decisions to be taken with regard to setting up the site.
2 The health and safety plan should give the Contractor details of specific issues that will need
to be considered when setting up a site. These, together with the contracts and architects'
drawings and specifications, will give information about specific factors to be incorporated. It
is likely that the responsibility for setting up the site will in many cases be delegated to the
site manager.
3 Contractors are require to plan, manage and monitor the construction phase (which includes
setting up a site) to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, it can be carried out
without risks to health and safety.
4 Suggested factors to be considered when setting up a site can be found in the appendix at
the end of this section.
1.1.11.3 Temporary works
1 By the nature of construction, much work will not be left in place at the end of the project but
still requires the same care and attention that the main structure attracts. Many accidents
occur through poor planning, design and installation of temporary works which begin as soon
as site set up commences.
2 These include, but are not confined to:
(a) Foundation assessment for new porta cabin install, and in particular multi-storey
complexes.
(b) Excavation support assessment to be carried out for below ground service
connections.
(c) Services may require protection to prevent damage during site set up. Also material
storage areas should be sited away from shallow services that may be susceptible to
damage.
(d) Site hoardings and gates to be designed to withstand wind loadings. Particular
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attention should be taken with swing gates, and ensuring that these can be managed
by an individual under high wind conditions.
(e) Any supporting structures on a cabin set-up must be designed, e.g. cabins elevated to
provide parking below on congested city sites.
(f) Generally there will always be a need for craneage on site, so ground bearing
capacities require checking for outrigger loadings on and around the site.
(g) Any temporary access roads on site should be assessed to ensure that they are
suitable to withstand loadings that may occur during site works.
(h) Site establishments that are at risk of objects falling from above should be protected
with the use of designed crash decks or fans.
(i) Where site establishments are close to the public highway or temporary haul roads
where heavy plant is to be used, there must be suitable barriers in place to protect the
office from collision damage.
(j) When crane lifts are required from a neighbouring street then the temporary works
engineer must be aware of any below ground services, including basements and
subways and so on, and their proximity to the crane.
1.1.11.4 Human factors
Competence
1 These Regulations require that:'No person may arrange or instruct a
worker to carry out or manage design or construction work unless the
worker is:
(a) competent, or
(b) under the supervision of a competent person.'
2 This is now the fundamental requirement of the requirement for health and safety in
construction. Competence has been defined as: 'possessing practical and theoretical
knowledge, which combined with actual experience so as to enable errors, faults and
weaknesses to be detected and their importance accurately assessed'.
3 Depending upon the nature of the site and the type of work to be undertaken, the
competence of people who will come on to the site might be an issue for the person setting
up the site. It may be necessary, for example, to check the competence of those who will;
(a) erect, alter or dismantle scaffolds
(b) operate site plant
(c) dig excavations and install the supports
(d) install traffic management systems.
4 In any case the most likely competence required early on is that of a crane coordinator to
ensure the planning and management of lifts associated with site cabins and welfare units.
Consultation
5 Contractors are required to consult on matter of health and safety. Generally, this may be
summarised as:
(a) Contractors must consult their employees, or their representatives on issues of heath
and safety
(b) employees must be able to raise any concerns they have over health and safety with
the Contractors either directly or through their health and safety representative
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6 As part of the process of setting up a site, consideration must be given to how effective
Contractors/employee consultation on matters of health and safety will be achieved.
Co-operation
7 CDM requires that everyone concerned in a construction project, whether a contractor, selfemployed
person or an individual worker, must- co-operate with each other in the interests of
health and safety.
8 How such co-operation can be effectively achieved, must be decided at the stage where a
site is being set up.
Contact with the emergency services
9 It is advisable:
(a) to inform the emergency services of the location of the site, particularly if it is difficult
to locate
(b) particularly to inform the fire and rescue service if materials that represent a significant
fire risk will be present on site
(c) if considered necessary, to display in the site office a road map showing the quickest
route to the nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency Department in the site
office
(d) on larger sites, to identify the position of emergency controller to oversee site actions
and communication with emergency services.
1.1.11.5 Site features and facilities
Existing buildings, features and ground conditions
1 Consider the current and past uses of the site.
2 This could involve issues such as:
(a) the existence of contaminated ground and the possible need for extensive site
transport movements, both within and off site
(b) ground water levels and/or underground water sources and the prevention of their
contamination
(c) the previous storage of dangerous goods or hazardous substances in buildings,
cellars or tanks
(d) the location of underground services and whether they have been, or need to be,
isolated or protected from surcharging, for example stockpiling heavy materials over
shallow services
(e) the location of overhead cables and whether they need to be isolated or repositioned
(f) the need for equipment to create barriers and goalposts where overhead cables cross
or border the site and remain live
(g) if working on an existing structure, whether the electrical distribution system is still live
and whether or not it should be
(h) the condition of existing buildings -strength/condition of roofs, floors, stairs, hand-rails,
walls and structural members. Advice from a structural engineer may be required to
assess the suitability of a structure for its intended use
(i) the possible presence of asbestos (where existing surveys exist these should be
included)
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(j) the possible presence of other hazardous substances, viruses and organisms such as
lead, leptospirosis and anthrax
(k) the possible need for demolition
(l) the possible need for site lighting
(m) the existence of a health and safety file for work on existing structures.
1.1.11.6 Site security
1 Ideally, the site boundary will be secured immediately on possession, with lockable gates
and suitable fencing or hoarding to prevent unauthorised access by the general public,
particularly children, and to prevent the unauthorised tipping of waste. Where it is not
possible to secure the whole site, adequate steps must be taken to ensure that potential
locations of hazardous operations can be appropriately secured.
2 Gates and hoardings should be designed and able to withstand wind loadings. Particular
attention should be given to swing gates to ensure they can be operated by one person and
stops should be in place to prevent gates swinging into pedestrian/public areas.
3 In many cases it will be necessary to make separate provision for the security of individual
items of equipment and plant.
1.1.11.7 Pedestrian/traffic routes, movement of plant and people
1 Access will be needed not only for plant, other vehicles and equipment, but also for people,
therefore segregation is the safest method. Ideally traffic routes will be organised so that
pedestrians are not put at risk by incorporating such measures as:
(a) site entrances and exits positioned so as not to cause a traffic hazard on the public
road
(b) segregated traffic and pedestrian routes and, if practical and necessary, segregated
site entrances
(c) one-way systems
(d) turning areas to avoid the need to reverse
(e) speed limits that must be enforced as necessary
(f) reversing vehicles being under the control of a qualified signaller
(g) the need for published traffic priorities where site vehicles and private traffic both use
site roads
(h) the need for the provision of traffic control measures (e.g. traffic lights), both on and off
site
(i) the provision of parking areas for delivery vehicles which are waiting to unload; if
necessary, for example tightly-bound city centre sites, this may need to be off site
(j) the provision of a car park for privately owned vehicles which preferably:
(i) is entered directly from a public road without having to pass through
construction areas
(ii) does not permit access to the construction area by private vehicles
(iii) is connected to the site offices and welfare facilities by a safe, segregated
pedestrian route
(k) the possible need for a vehicle wheel wash where there is the potential for mud or
other debris to be deposited on public roads
(l) the possible need for a mechanical road sweeper to keep site and public roads clear
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of mud or other debris
(m) the provision of a secure vehicle compound.
2 When planning traffic/pedestrian routes, consideration should also be given to the possible
need for rapid emergency evacuation of the site and/or the attendance of the emergency
services.
3 Refer to Qatar Work Zone Traffic Management Guide – latest revision.
1.1.11.8 Materials storage and lay-down areas
1 Provision must be made for the safe storage of materials and equipment. Consideration
should be given to:
(a) ensuring that site roads and any access road to the site are kept clear of obstructions
(b) where possible avoiding 'double handling' by arranging for items (particularly heavy
items that may have to be moved by hand) to be stored close to where they will be
needed
(c) the provision of proper storage facilities for flammable substances such as bottled
gases and fuels
(d) ensuring that materials that are delivered on pallets are stored in stable stacks, with a
safe limit on the height of each
(e) ensuring that there is no chance of stored materials toppling and breaching the site
boundary
(f) the possible need for access by lifting equipment such as telehandlers, mobile and
tower cranes.
1.1.11.9 Utility services
1 Where necessary, early consideration must be given to the need for the installation of utility
services to support the running of the welfare facilities and other site accommodation. This
could include:
(a) a 230 volt (mains) supply (or a 415 volt, 3-phase supply where there will be heavy
electrical loads such as a tower crane)
(b) a supply of fresh water. This should be tested to ensure it is of suitable quality for
drinking and, if a new connection, should only be made by Qatar General Electricity &
Water Company
(c) the drainage of surface and foul water. New connections should only be made with the
knowledge of the local authority. Particular attention should be given if hydrocarbons
are to be used extensively near to watercourses. Petrol interceptors may be required,
as are discharge consents if discharging into rivers
(d) the provision of gas or oil for heating
(e) appropriate telecommunication links
(f) the provision of a stand-by generator and the appropriate fuel.
1.1.11.10 110 volt power system
1 Whilst not strictly speaking a 'utility', consideration must be given to whether a 110 volt
distribution system will be required, and if so:
(a) is there a live 230/415 volt system to power it?
(b) who will design and install it?
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(c) who will test and inspect to ensure it meets British (BS) or other International
standards?
1.1.11.11 Work at height
1 If work at height is to be carried out, it must be done so safely using the most appropriate
access equipment.
2 If scaffolds (including alloy towers) are to be used, they must:
(a) only be erected, altered or dismantled by a competent person, or someone who is
under the direct supervision of a competent person
(b) be periodically inspected by a competent person
3 If mobile elevating platforms are to be used, they must be suitable for the job and only
operated by competent persons.
4 Ladders should only be used in situations where the findings of a risk assessment show it is
not reasonably practicable to use other safety access equipment.
1.1.11.12 Excavations
1 If excavations are to be dug, which by virtue of their depth, size or position could lead to an
injury if a person, material or vehicle fell into them, suitable equipment such as guard-rails
will be required to form an effective barrier around each such excavation.
2 Where the sides of excavations have to be supported to prevent the fall of soil, rock or other
material, the system of support must be designed by a competent person.
3 Usually the competent person, a temporary works co-ordinator, will gather such information
as required including ground reports and liaise with designers to ensure adequate support is
designed and installed.
4 A safe means of access and egress must be provided for the people who will work in
excavations. Where dictated by the depth, this will usually be a ladder.
5 If vehicles have to approach excavations for any reason, for example to tip material, the
vehicle should be under the control of a qualified signaller and suitable anchored stop-blocks
(or a similar device) must be employed to prevent vehicles getting too near the edge. This
must be communicated to the temporary works co-ordinator to ensure the design considers
this activity.
1.1.11.13 The site office
1 It is acknowledged that, depending upon the size of the site and the nature of the project, the
term 'site office' can cover office accommodation ranging from a single portable cabin to an
office complex comprising multiple-cabins on more than one level in which non-construction
workers, such as administrative staff, are employed.
2 Administrative staff, and others who may not usually carry or wear PPE, should ideally have
access to site offices from outside the site via a safe route that does not entail passing
through the construction area.
3 The site office should offer reasonably comfortable accommodation for all types of weather
and normal ranges of temperature.
4 When setting up the site office the following must be considered:
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(a) a suitable and safe form of heating, including the safe location of LPG cylinders if used
(b) the need for an electrical supply (with each circuit protected by a residual current
device [RCD]) and telecommunications
(c) obtaining a suitable, fully stocked first-aid kit unless first-aid facilities are located
elsewhere
(d) obtaining a suitable accident book
(e) displaying information on how to identify and contact site first aider(s), where the firstaid
box is located and the actions to take in an emergency
(f) displaying a copy of the Contractors Health and Safety Policy
(g) obtaining and displaying as necessary appropriate company-specific information
(h) obtaining registers for the recording of statutory inspections, for example inspections
of excavations and scaffolds
(i) compiling registers for other purposes, for example:
(i) portable electrical appliance (PAT) testing
(ii) tests of the fire alarm and other emergency procedures
(iii) a site-visitors' log
1.1.11.14 Welfare facilities
1 Workers will need clean and hygienic portable buildings or suitably protected areas where
they can change and securely store clothing, make a hot drink, heat and eat their meals, and
take shelter in the event of bad weather.
2 Workers will also need access to clean, well maintained toilets and appropriate washing
facilities with hot and cold or warm water, soap and towels, for example basins or sinks large
enough to wash their faces, hands and forearms in. In appropriate circumstances it will be
necessary for showers to be provided.
3 Where there will be males and females on site appropriate provision must be made in
relation to:
(a) toilets
(b) washing (and if necessary shower) facilities
(c) changing rooms
(d) rest facilities.
1.1.11.15 First aid
1 The appropriate number of qualified first aiders and/or appointed persons for the job will be
required. Details of the first aider(s) and the location of first-aid kit(s), with details of
emergency telephone numbers, must be displayed and given out during site induction.
2 Where justified by the size of the site, or in a small number of cases the type of work being
carried out, it may be decided that it would be beneficial to establish a first-aid room staffed
by a qualified nurse at all times that work is being carried out.
1.1.11.16 Fire safety
1 Consideration must be given to the level of fire risk arising out of the work to be undertaken
(not forgetting the masses of paperwork, drawings etc. that can accumulate in site offices)
and the nature of any other flammable substances that may be stored and used.
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2 A sufficient number of fire extinguishers appropriate to the type of fire which may occur
should be obtained and located in highly visible fire points in appropriate places, including
office and welfare accommodation.
3 Fire exit and emergency escape route signs must be obtained and displayed and must, in
the interests of health and safety, be illuminated in periods of darkness, as necessary.
4 An early decision must be made with regard to whether smoking will be allowed in any area
of the site. If smoking is to be allowed in certain areas, those areas must be equipped with
signs that clearly indicate the extent of the 'smoking area'. Equipment must be provided for
the safe disposal of spent smoking materials. Official signs indicating that smoking is not
permitted must be clearly displayed at the entrance(s) to all site accommodation.
1.1.11.17 Emergency plans
1 During the setting up of a site provision must be made for dealing with emergency situations
which may involve evacuation of the site. It is likely that this will be simpler for an open site
than, say, for the refurbishment of a multi-floor structure.
2 Liaison with the Civil Defence (Fire Department) may be useful in identifying a fire-fighting
strategy within the plan and locations of fire-fighting cores and dry riser locations.
3 Emergency escape routes must be determined, identified by appropriate signs and
communicated to all on site. On larger, more complex sites it may be necessary to:
(a) compile a fire safety/emergency evacuation plan, which may or may not as
appropriate, be a part of the construction health and safety plan
(b) appoint evacuation wardens who have responsibility for ensuring that particular areas
of the site has been totally evacuated.
4 The location of a suitable assembly point, which can accommodate the maximum number of
people expected on site and is a safe distance from the potential hazard, must be
determined. On larger sites it may be considered appropriate to designate more than one
assembly point.
5 However, unless the evacuation procedure is well thought out and effectively communicated
to all on site, this has the potential to make accounting for everyone more difficult.
6 Information must be displayed regarding actions to be taken in the event of an emergency,
for example:
(a) what the fire/evacuation alarm sounds like
(b) the days/times that tests will be carried out
(c) where the fire assembly point(s) is/are.
7 Suitable arrangements should also be provided for dealing with environmental emergencies
and incidents such as the accidental release of oils or fuels. The site must consider the type
and location of spill kits and any necessary training in their proper use and disposal.
1.1.11.18 Personal protective equipment
1 Contractors have a legal duty to provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
for their employees. Depending upon the type of work that will be undertaken and other
control measures that are in place, it is quite likely that a stock of appropriate PPE will be
required at the time the site is set up.
2 It may be necessary to discuss with a reputable PPE supplier the standards of PPE required
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where there is a choice, for example when purchasing:
(a) respiratory protective equipment
(b) eye protection
(c) hearing protection
(d) gloves
1.1.11.19 Signs and notices
1 It is usual to post one or more signs at site entrances to inform all persons who enter of the
health and safety requirements of the site. It is usual for these to specify:
(a) the minimum standard of personal protective equipment required (usually safety
helmet, safety boots and hi-vis waistcoat)
(b) that all visitors must report to the site office.
(c) Other signs that must be obtained for display are:
(d) a selection of appropriate, mandatory, warning, prohibition and safe condition signs
(e) appropriate traffic-management signs
(f) if appropriate, signs to indicate the presence of liquid petroleum gases and other
flammable substances, particularly vehicle fuels
(g) other fire safety signs as are necessary, for example to indicate the location of fire
points.
1.1.11.20 Waste disposal
1 Consideration must be given to the quantities and types of waste (possibly including food
waste) that might be generated and arrangements made for its lawful disposal.
1.1.11.21 Environmental considerations
1 Much construction work has the potential to impose a severe impact upon the environment.
Measures must be taken to prevent environmental damage including:
(a) defining responsibilities on site for managing the environmental issues
(b) making everyone on site aware of the project environmental issues through inductions
and briefings
(c) identifying and protecting any water courses and drainage systems
(d) implementing measures that will avoid the spillage of harmful fluids, but where spillage
does occur, preventing it from seeping into the ground and contaminating water
courses, including sources of drinking water
(e) the appropriate handling, storage and disposal of construction waste and other types
of waste
(f) adequately protecting the site against theft and damage
(g) identifying and dealing with the existence of protected species of mammals, insects,
plants etc.
(h) reducing noise pollution as far as it is reasonable to do so, which may involve
restricting some construction processes to certain times of the day
(i) providing well-maintained haul routes to reduce dust, mud and noise
(j) reducing the amount of substances used that give off environmentally damaging
vapours or fumes
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(k) paying appropriate attention to other sources of nuisance to neighbouring properties
and the public in general
(l) not leaving the engine of any item of construction plant running when it is not in use
(m) maintaining good housekeeping to prevent wind-blown debris or waste leaving the site
and to reduce damage and waste to materials
(n) turning off other power sources when the equipment is not in use.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.11 Appendix
Setting up site checklist
This checklist suggests the common factors that should be checked when setting up a site; the list is
not exhaustive. If necessary, refer back to the main text of this section, or other sections that cover
specific topic areas, for greater detail.
Human factors
Competencies
1. Have measures been put in place for accurately assessing the competency
of everyone who will come on to the site? In particular, attention to
competence should be applied to:
Y N N/A
1.1 carrying out risk assessments and extracting the significant findings
1.2 writing method statements and disseminating the content
1.3 raising, monitoring compliance with and cancelling permits to work
1.4 carrying out any type of training
1.5 designing, erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolds (including alloy
tower scaffolds)
1.6 carrying out scaffold inspections
1.7 raising scaffold hand-over certificates
1.8 planning, supervising and working at height, using any means of access
1.9 designing and installing excavation support systems
1.10 carrying out the inspection of excavations
1.11 the identification and isolation (as necessary) of buried services
1.12 operating all types of construction plant
1.13 carrying out inspections and examinations of construction plant
1.14 planning and supervising lifting operations
1.15 inspecting and examining lifting equipment and accessories
1.16 planning, supervising and carrying out work in confined spaces
1.17 carrying out rescues from confined spaces
1.18 the use of any power tool or hand tool that has the potential to be
harmful if not properly maintained, inspected and/or used
1.19 assessing exposure to noise and/or vibration
1.20 the use of any flammable or hazardous substance
1.21 any work on the public highway
1.22 designing temporary works for site establishment
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continued from previous page
The spaces below are for competences, not included above, to be added.
1.23
1.24
1.25
1.26
1.27
1.28
1.29
1.30
Consultation
2. Have measures been put in place to ensure effective two-way consultation
and communication on matters of health and safety?
Co-operation
3. Have measures been put in place to ensure effective co-operation between
everyone who will be on site?
Contact with the emergency services
4. Has contact been made with the relevant emergency services to ensure
that they have sufficient information to deal with any foreseeable
emergency that might arise?
Site features and facilities
Existing buildings, features and ground conditions
Y N N/A
1. Have checks been made of the previous use of existing structures and the
land?
2. Have checks been carried out for land that may be contaminated, for
example, by leakage of fuels or oils?
3. Have the appropriate authorities been asked for details of water levels
and/or underground water sources?
4. Is there evidence of previous storage in buildings, cellars or tanks of
dangerous goods or hazardous substances?
5. Has all information, relating to any underground services, been provided?
6. Have the appropriate measures been taken to prevent an electrical hazard
from overhead cables?
7. Has the existing electrical distribution system been made safe?
8. With regard to buildings on the site, is the strength/condition of roofs, floors,
stairs, guard-rails, walls and structural members known?
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9. Have checks been made to establish whether or not asbestos is present?
10. Have checks been made to establish the presence of other hazardous
agents, such as chemicals, gases, viruses or organisms?
11. Will any demolition required be carried out by competent contractors?
12. Has the delivery and installation of site-lighting been arranged?
13. Has the Health and Safety File for any existing structure(s) been consulted?
Site security
Y N N/A
1. Has the delivery and erection of materials to form a secure site boundary
been arranged?
2. Have those people who will be on site as it is set up been informed of the
security arrangements?
3. Have out-of-hours contact details been displayed at the site entrance?
4. Have separate security measures been put in place to prevent theft and to
prevent access into identified hazardous areas?
5. Is a plan in place that outlines the actions that should be taken to deal with
unauthorised visitors?
Management of vehicular and pedestrian traffic
Y N N/A
1. Have traffic routes been designed to segregate vehicles from pedestrians?
2. Have site entrances and exits been positioned so as not to cause a traffic
hazard on the public road?
3. Have traffic management measures such as one-way systems, speed limits
and turning areas been implemented?
4. Are there clear priorities, for example using traffic lights, where site transport
and private vehicles use the same routes?
5. Has a safe area been designated for delivery vehicles waiting to unload?
6. Has a car-park for private vehicles, with a safe entrance and exits (separate
exit for pedestrians), been established?
7. Have measures been taken to prevent mud and debris from accumulating on
public roads?
8. Has a secure construction plant compound been established?
9. Have haul roads been designed to prevent blind spots and prevent build up
at pedestrian crossings?
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Materials storage and lay-down areas
Y N N/A
1. Have these areas been planned so that traffic and pedestrian routes will not
be obstructed?
2. Have these areas been positioned to avoiding the 'double handling' of heavy
items that may have to be moved by hand?
3. Have proper storage areas been created for flammable substances, such as
bottled gases?
4. Are palletised materials stored safely, with stacks of materials stable and
limited in height?
5. Are storage areas located away from site boundaries, particularly in areas
where the general public have access to the other side?
Utility services
Y N N/A
1. Have arrangements been made for the installation and commissioning of a
suitable electrical supply?
2. Is a supply of fresh drinking water available?
3. Have arrangements been made for the installation and commissioning of
drainage systems for surface and foul water?
4. Have arrangements been made for the supply of other types of heating
fuel?
5. Have arrangements been made for the installation of the required number
of telephone lines and other forms of telecommunication links?
6. Have appropriate measures been taken for the supply of stand-by power?
7. Have arrangements been made for the design and installation of a 110 volt
distribution system?
Working at height
Y N N/A
1. Have arrangements been made for scaffolds to be erected, altered and
dismantled by a competent person?
2. Have arrangements been made for the statutory inspection of scaffolds to
be carried out by a competent person?
3. Will all work at height be planned, supervised and carried out by a
competent person?
4. In all cases, will work at height be carried out using the most appropriate
means of access to height?
5. Have arrangements been made to ensure that competent operators will be
available for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS)?
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6. Has consideration been given to whether the ground conditions are suitable
for the use of MEWPs?
7. Will a survey be carried out to investigate the existence of cellars, drains and
other underground voids?
8. Has consideration been given to the possible existence of overhead power
lines or other high-level hazards?
9. Will the use of ladders be restricted to tasks where it is not reasonably
practicable to use an alternative, safer means of access?
Excavations
Y N N/A
1. Has suitable equipment been obtained to form an adequate barrier (for
example guard-rails) around each excavation into which a fall could cause a
person to be injured?
2. Where installed, will the system of supporting the sides of all excavations
be designed and installed by a competent person?
3. Will a safe method of installing the supports, that does not involve anyone
going into an unsupported trench, be employed?
4. Will a safe means of access/egress be provided (where necessary) for each
excavation?
5. Where vehicles have to approach an excavation:
5.1 will they be under the control of a trained signaller?
5.2 will anchored stop-blocks (or a similar device) be installed to prevent the
vehicle over-running?
6. Have arrangements been made for the statutory inspections of excavations
to be carried out by a competent person?
7. If the sides of the excavation are sloped or battered, is the angle of batter
sufficient to prevent collapse?
8. Has consideration been given to the possibility of any excavation affecting
the stability of neighbouring structures?
9. Will materials, spoil or plant be stored away from the edges of the
excavation, to reduce the likelihood of collapse?
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The site office
Y N N/A
1. Have arrangements been made for the delivery and siting of adequate
office accommodation, including carrying out any enabling work?
2. Is the site office located so that it can be accessed without the need to wear
PPE?
3. Does the site office have a safe form of heating, with the fuel stored in a
safe manner?
4. Are the electrical circuits in the office protected by an RCD and regularly
tested and inspected?
5. Is there a suitable, fully stocked first-aid kit in the office?
6. If the answer to 5 is 'NO', have alternative provisions been made for first
aid?
7. Is information on how to locate and identify first aiders displayed?
8. Is a copy of the company Health and Safety Policy displayed?
9. Have registers been set up for recording statutory inspections?
10. Have other registers, as may be necessary, been set up?
12. Are emergency plans and routes to the nearest hospital available?
Welfare facilities
Y N N/A
1. Are adequate welfare facilities available in respect of:
1.1 toilets which are adequately ventilated and lit?
1.2 washing facilities (including showers if necessary), which are
equipped with hot and cold (or warm) water, soap and towels or a
means of drying?
1.3 rest areas (including facilities for a female person who is pregnant, or
a nursing mother, to lie down)?
1.4 drying and/or changing rooms with secure lockers?
1.5 where necessary, separate facilities for men and women?
1.6 the cleaning and keeping in good order of welfare facilities?
1.7 a supply of fresh drinking water complete with suitable cups, unless
from a 'water fountain' or similar?
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1.8 a means of preparing hot food?
1.9 arrangements to enable food to be eaten in reasonable comfort (an
adequate number of tables and chairs with backs)?
1.10 a means of boiling water?
First aid
Y N N/A
1. Have sufficient and suitable first-aid kits been obtained?
2. Has an assessment been made as to whether more extensive first-aid
facilities are required?
3. Have 'travelling first-aid' kits been obtained for site vehicles and anyone who
works in a remote location?
4. Are sufficient qualified first aiders available?
5. Are sufficient 'appointed persons' available?
6. Has initial or refresher first-aid training been arranged as necessary?
7. Has a scheme whereby first aiders can be quickly located and identified
been implemented?
8. Has an adequate number of first-aid signs been obtained and displayed?
9. Has an accident book been obtained and made available?
Fire safety
Y N NA
1. Has an adequate number of serviceable fire extinguishers of the
appropriate type(s) been obtained?
2. Has an appropriate number of site-staff been trained in the selection and
use of hand-held fire extinguishers?
3. Are fire extinguishers located at well-signed and easy to find fire-points?
4. Has an effective fire alarm system been devised?
5. Will everyone on site be made aware of what the fire alarm sounds like?
6. Has a means of preventing the accumulation of flammable waste material
been established?
7. Have suitable and sufficient fire safety signs been obtained and displayed?
8. Have proper storage areas for flammable substances like LPG been
established?
9. Will smoking be allowed in well-defined safe areas of the site and/or
welfare facilities?
10. Have signs been erected to clearly define the boundaries of the areas in
which smoking is allowed?
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11. Has equipment been obtained and positioned to enable the safe disposal
of spent smoking materials?
12. Has a time been set each day, after which smoking is not allowed?
Emergency procedures
Y N N/A
1. Has an emergency evacuation plan been drawn up and communicated to all
on site?
2. Will a nominated person monitor the evacuation plan and ensure that it is
always up to date?
3. Has an adequate number of 'evacuation wardens' been appointed and
informed of their duties?
4. Have one or more assembly points, which are a safe distance from the
potential hazard, been selected?
5, Have 'assembly point' signs been obtained and clearly displayed?
6. Has everyone on site been informed of:
6.1 the location of the assembly point to which they are to report in the event
of an evacuation?
6.2 what the evacuation signal sounds like?
6.3 what to do when they get to the assembly point?
6.4 the days/times when the evacuation signal will be tested?
6.5 the fact that the evacuation plan will be periodically practised on a 'nonotice'
basis?
Personal protective equipment
Y N N/A
1. Has an assessment of the needs for personal protective equipment (PPE)
been made, engaging the assistance and advice of a reputable supplier if
necessary?
2. Has everyone on site been issued with all of the PPE that they need to
carry out the jobs allotted to them?
3. Does everyone on site know how and where to obtain any extra PPE that
they might need in the future?
4. Does everyone on site know how to obtain replacement PPE for that which
is lost or defective?
5. Has a PPE issue log been started?
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Signs and notices
Y N N/A
1. Has a 'combination' safety sign been erected at each site entrance to inform
everyone who needs access of the minimum standards of safety on site?
2. Has an adequate selection of warning, prohibition, mandatory and safe
condition signs been obtained and displayed?
3. Has an adequate stock of other signs, such as traffic management signs,
been obtained and displayed?
4. Has a person been nominated to ensure that additional signs are erected and
existing signs are moved or removed to reflect changing conditions as the job
progresses?
Waste disposal
Y N N/A
1. Have arrangements been made for the delivery of sufficient skips or other
suitable containers to enable different types of waste materials to be stored?
2. Have the arrangements for the segregation and disposal of waste been
communicated to everyone on site?
3. Has an area of the site that is readily accessible by large vehicles been set
aside for the siting of skips?
Environmental considerations
Y N N/A
1. Has responsibility for environmental management, monitoring and
inspection been defined?
2. Has the potential overall environmental impact of the project been
considered?
3. Have the project environmental issues been included in the site induction?
4. Have measures been put in place to avoid or reduce the more obvious
environmental problems, such as:
6.1 the spillage of environmentally damaging fluids?
6.2 any spillage that does occur is not able to seep into the ground,
drainage systems or watercourses?
6.3 the management, storage and disposal of waste materials?
6.4 noise and dust pollution, arising out of construction activities?
6.5 the number and quantity of substances used that give off
environmentally damaging vapour or fumes?
6.6 air pollution resulting from the unnecessary running of construction plant
engines?
5. Has the existence of protected species of mammals, insects, plants etc.
been investigated?
6. If protected species are known to be on site, have appropriate measures
been taken to ensure that they remain undisturbed or undamaged?
7. Have arrangements been defined to adequately deal with environmental
emergencies such as the accidental release of oil and fuels?
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Action plan
If you have answered NO to any of the questions in the checklist, please provide further information in the columns below.
Human factors
Section
Question
number
Action to be taken By whom
Date for
completion
Comments
Competence
Consultation
Co-operation
Contact with the
emergency services
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Site features and facilities
Section
Question
number
Action to be taken By whom
Date for
completion
Comments
Existing buildings,
features and ground
conditions
Site security
Management of vehicular
and pedestrian traffic
Materials storage and
lay-down areas
Utility services
Working at height
Excavations
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Section
Question
number
Action to be taken By whom
Date for
completion
Comments
The site office
Welfare facilities
First aid
Fire safety
Emergency procedures
Personal protective
equipment
Signs and notices
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Section
Question
number
Action to be taken By whom
Date for
completion
Comments
Waste disposal
Environmental
considerations
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.12 Security on Site
1.1.12.1 Key points
1 Generally, site security is as much about the health and safety of 'other persons' as it is
about contractors, employees and other people who would be expected to be on site.
2 Site security must be effective both during and out of working hours.
3 Effective site security will keep children and other trespassers off the site; even outside
working hours, construction sites can be hazardous places for the unwary, particularly
children.
4 There are actions that can be carried out to prevent the theft of construction plant.
5 The nature of some sites means that whilst they cannot be completely fenced off from the
public, for example scaffolds erected in public places, unauthorised access must be
prevented.
Note: Section 1, Part 3 of the QCS covers site access and Section 1, Part 4 covers site
protection.
1.1.12.2 Introduction
1 Security is a subject that in many circumstances is closely associated with health and safety
on building, construction or civil engineering sites. A poor standard of security with the
resulting risk of trespass, theft and damage can have implications for the health and safety of
the trespassers and possibly the people who are authorised to be there.
2 There are several reasons why the security of a site might be breached, not all of which are
malicious.
3 There are common examples of construction activities taking place in premises, which are
still partially occupied by the owner, landlord, members of their staff and possibly members
of the public. For example, where construction work is taking place in a:
(a) supermarket or department store that is still open to the public but is undergoing an
extension or renovation
(b) newly built, partially occupied housing estate
(c) block of occupied flats undergoing maintenance or renovation.
4 It might be possible for unauthorised persons to inadvertently stray into the site quite
innocently unless adequate security measures are taken.
5 However, in many cases, the reasons for trespass have been shown to be malicious. This is
usually for the purpose of theft or criminal damage, both of which can have health and safety
implications for site staff when they return to work.
6 Children might also try to gain access to sites out of curiosity and the mistaken belief that
they are safe and 'fun' places to play.
7 Equipment designed to physically control access to sites is readily available. Even a modest
investment (in terms of finance, time and effort) can easily result in a significant improvement
in the standard of site security and therefore reduce the potential for financial and other
losses.
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1.1.12.3 Site visitors
1 It can be taken that a 'visitor', for the purpose of these Regulations, can be anyone who is
not an employee. Therefore, a visitor may be any person who is a lawful visitor with a
genuine reason to visit the premises, or a trespasser, who at any time during the day or the
night may be intent on committing a crime.
1.1.12.4 Lawful visitors
1 Examples of visitors who may have reason to visit construction sites and are:
(a) postmen/women and couriers
(b) telephone engineers and other communications specialists
(c) electricity, gas, telephone and water company employees
(d) visiting engineers and other construction professionals
(e) customers and other beneficial visitors
(f) Administrative Authority Workplace Inspectors
(g) QCS Inspecting Officers
(h) delivery drivers
(i) trainees.
1.1.12.5 Unlawful visitors and trespassers
1 Examples of unlawful visitors are:
(a) any person entering the site for the purpose of theft or to commit criminal damage
(b) any person entering the site by accident
(c) any (unauthorised ) person deliberately passing through the site, e.g. as a short-cut
(d) children entering the site to play.
2 In respect of all trespassers, including those with criminal intent and children, it is illegal to
set any form of trap or to deliberately do anything that is intended to cause injury to, or to
damage the health of, the intruder.
1.1.12.6 Foreseeable risks
1 Employees may be well aware of the risks, and have safe systems of work, use protective
equipment or have procedures that would be unknown to a visitor. In these cases, the
occupier must make suitable provision for the protection of all visitors.
2 An example might be the provision of eye, foot or head protection where necessary, or
barriers to keep visitors away from machines.
1.1.12.7 Children and young persons
1 If children or young persons are allowed on the premises (as children of customers, invited
school parties, and so on), it must be remembered that they cannot be considered to have
any concept of hazard and risk and cannot be expected to behave as would an adult.
2 Whereas an adult may stand behind a guardrail that is set at a height of 1 metre, a small
child could walk under it. It may be necessary to install two intermediate guard-rails at 330
mm and 660 mm.
3 It should also be appreciated that children may not be able to read, understand or comply
with safety signs and notices.
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1.1.12.8 Site security and crime prevention
1 The crimes that cause the greatest problem on site include theft, criminal damage and arson.
2 While it may be usual to think about offenders being unauthorised people who come onto
site to steal or cause damage, it must be remembered that a substantial number of offences
are committed by employees either for the direct gain of what they steal or out of malice
against the Contractors. It is not unknown for employees to damage property to delay the
progress of work, so they can be employed for longer repairing the damage that they have
caused.
3 Sometimes, site employees will give information to other persons who will later come and
commit the crime. This is very often the case with regard to the theft of larger items of
construction plant and equipment, or where substantial amounts of material are taken. Even
if the offenders are caught, it is very difficult to identify the employee who passed on the
information.
1.1.12.9 Managing security
1 The four most important things that can be done for site security are to:
(a) remove temptation by hiding from view any 'attractive' item that might tempt a potential
thief
(b) make it more difficult for the trespasser to get onto the site or into the building
(c) make it harder for the trespasser to gain access to 'attractive' items if they do manage
to get onto the site
(d) make it more difficult for the criminal to profit from their crime.
1.1.12.10 Removing temptation
1 This simply involves ensuring that 'attractive' items such as hand-held power tools are
removed from view when not in use, particularly out of normal working hours. On sites
surrounded by a solid hoarding, this should not be an issue.
1.1.12.11 Making it difficult for the trespasser to gain access to the site
1 The first consideration in attempting to make it difficult for the trespasser to effect an entry
will include the provision of site fencing.
2 This should be at least a 2-m high security fence with the posts securely anchored. 'Mesh'
type fencing, which includes 'anti climb' panels, can be hired. The panels have small gaps in
the mesh to make it more difficult to obtain footholds.
3 Alternatively, a close-boarded wooden perimeter fence or hoarding, at least 2 m high, may
be needed in a city or town centre site or at other high-risk premises.
4 It should be remembered that if employees are used as security staff, they must be given the
appropriate health and safety training before they start work, or whenever they are exposed
to a new or an increased risk.
Guard dogs
1 As work on most sites only takes place during the normal working week, serious
consideration must be given to 'out-of-hours' security.
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2 Again, an assessment is needed and the use of guard dogs may be considered.
Locks, alarms and other security measures
3 If buildings are to be made secure, special attention should be paid to doors where high
quality locks should be used. Windows may need to be protected by steel grilles as well as
locks. The use of padlocks, other than very high security padlocks, is questionable, as
criminals using bolt croppers frequently cut the exposed shank.
4 The walls of a building are not very often broken through but it is reasonably common for
criminals to gain access through ceilings, particularly to get into shop premises.
5 It is relatively common for thieves to use cutting equipment to enter storage containers.
There are a number of proprietary products, particularly toolboxes/chests, which advertise
that they are designed to be more thief resistant.
6 A burglar alarm, whilst not adding anything to the physical security of premises, may well
deter a criminal from trying to break in, or cause them to run away without stealing anything
when the alarm sounds.
7 If perimeter fencing is to be made secure, special attention should be paid to entrance gates,
in respect of which high quality locks should be used.
1.1.12.12 Making it harder for the criminal to steal or damage anything
1 Because of the nature of building, construction and civil engineering activities, it is difficult to
have a totally secure site. As unlawful visitors will get onto site occasionally, and some
employees may be dishonest, measures need to be taken to prevent criminal offences from
being committed. There are two main areas where action can be taken to make it harder for
people to steal property:
(a) put it somewhere where it cannot be stolen
(b) secure it or immobilise it.
1.1.12.13 Making it more difficult for the criminal to profit from their crime
1 This is something that can easily be done with all property that may be stolen, and is
probably one of the most cost-effective areas of crime prevention.
2 A simple example is with scaffolding, where many companies, ever mindful of the risk of
theft, paint their tubes and fittings with brightly coloured bands. It becomes immediately
obvious that something is wrong if they appear on another contractor's site.
3 Highly visible markings may be a deterrent, but professional criminals are still prepared to
steal items and then remove the markings.
4 The rising value of metals has made some crime even more lucrative, as there is little need
to consider the risks associated with resale and reuse if the stolen item is simply exported for
reprocessing. It is important to consider at what stages of construction progress a site is
more likely to be the target of theft. For example, one strategy is to move to a full-time
security presence at second fix and to install high value white goods immediately prior to
handover/practical completion.
1.1.12.14 Construction plant and equipment
1 The health and safety implications if the equipment is not there, or has been damaged, may
be that the job cannot now be done properly or safely. Often shortcuts are taken and such
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'makeshift' or temporary works will expose employees to additional risks to their health and
safety.
2 Where possible, isolate plant and machinery at the end of each shift, and park it in a secure
area such as a plant compound that is locked and visible to site security.
1.1.12.15 Photographic evidence of ownership
1 It can be difficult to identify stolen property because many people have no idea what a
compressor, excavator or a backhoe loader really looks like. Photographs of plant and
equipment are useful when trying to describe stolen items to the police or to your insurance
company, especially when they are not common or standard pieces.
1.1.12.16 Security of plant
1 Security of plant has implications for health and safety on building, construction or civil
engineering sites as well as for the financial viability of a company.
2 Having a well-managed security programme, to restrict the theft of equipment, may help in
reducing premiums to insurance companies.
3 The theft of plant which is not properly secured, or that can be moved or started, could have
serious financial consequences for a company.
4 The actual cost of security arrangements can be insignificant when compared with the
financial loss that theft incurs.
5 Costs which may be encountered could be in terms of production time lost due to missing
equipment, the administration in acquiring replacement equipment, as well as dealing with
the police and insurance companies.
6 Losses may also be incurred due to the damage caused to plant and equipment by
unsuccessful theft or by wanton vandalism, such as broken cab windows or spray paint
graffiti. Steps must be taken to minimise the possibility of either.
1.1.12.17 Site security and crime prevention
1 Theft of plant and equipment is one of the most common crimes that occur on site, some by
chance and some to order. The damage that the thief does in trying to steal the plant can be
substantial, not only to the plant but also to perimeter fencing, even if the theft fails.
1.1.12.18 Managing the security of plant and equipment
1 An overall theft prevention plan should be produced and constantly reviewed. Each of the
anti-theft methods outlined in the following, and the ways to identify and locate plant, should
be considered as part of this plan.
2 There tends to be a lack of responsibility by people towards the security of plant, tools and
equipment, particularly where these are hired in.
3 It is the responsibility of management to ensure that staff are aware of the problems created
by plant theft, including the possible effect on the company's viability and the consequent
damaging effect on jobs.
1.1.12.19 Closed circuit television (CCTV)
1 As the cost of closed circuit television (CCTV) has reduced, the affordability and wider use of
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the equipment has made the deterrent effect of its use considerable.
2 Cameras need to be well placed and:
(a) capable of viewing the perimeter in darkness, with or without the aid of security
lighting
(b) difficult for a thief to interfere with or steal.
3 On an unstaffed site, it is essential that the potential criminal knows recording is taking place
and that the recorder itself is in a secure location.
1.1.12.20 Put it somewhere where it cannot be stolen
1 On most sites, small, valuable hand tools and pieces of plant or equipment will be locked in a
site hut or tool store, or in a secure tool chest out of sight. The storage place should be as
substantial and secure as possible so that it is difficult to break into.
2 If a mobile tool store or chest is used, it should be recognised that some types of site
equipment and lorry-mounted cranes can be used to lift or drag tool chests and stores onto a
vehicle and stolen intact with their contents.
3 They should, therefore, be put in a secure site hut or container and securely bolted or
welded to the floor. If the tool store or vault has to be left externally, it should be bolted to a
concrete floor or block, or chained to an immovable object.
4 Often high security steel freight containers are used. These have no windows, virtually
impenetrable walls, floors and roofs, and doors that are designed to be securely locked. This
is a great advantage over the average site hut, which is usually a portable building with no
integral security features beyond normal door locks.
5 When using these containers, however, it should be remembered that they must never be
used for the storage of LPG cylinders or any other gas bottles, or quantities of solvents.
There have been instances when cylinders and gas bottles have leaked overnight, allowing a
dangerous build-up of gas inside the container.
1.1.12.21 Secure it or immobilise it
Non-driven mobile plant and trailers
1 Non-driven mobile plant and trailers should be immobilised by the use of specialist
mechanical devices, such as eye-locks and wheel clamps, and should also be secured by a
security chain to an immovable object, thus preventing lifting by lorry-mounted cranes or
other site equipment.
2 Their visibility acts as a deterrent. Removal requires much physical effort and time and the
use of specialised tools. Their removal is also likely to be accompanied by noticeable noise
and light.
3 Immobilisation could also include smaller items being chained to larger items of plant,
concrete posts or steel columns.
4 'Security' chains should be strong enough to defeat files, hacksaws, levers and large bolt
croppers, and be difficult to attack with power tools.
5 Where possible, chains should be kept off the ground as this makes attack more difficult.
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Driven plant
6 Larger items of driven plant and equipment that cannot be put into a store should be
immobilised by simple specialist mechanical or electronic devices.
7 It should be appreciated that the smaller the plant, the less likely it is that an electronic
immobiliser can be adequately concealed and that mechanical devices will be more
practical. Mechanical devices can immobilise stabiliser legs, steering mechanisms,
excavator booms and tracks.
8 On items of plant such as large earthmovers, road graders and large dump trucks, or where
the machine is complex, it is easier to conceal an electronic immobiliser. A mechanical
device to do the same job would be too large to manually handle.
9 Many pieces of plant have either mechanical devices and/or electronic devices fitted by the
manufacturer at the time of manufacture. All aspects of their operation should be understood
and full use made of them when the item of plant is left.
10 When the plant is left overnight or longer, there should be a disciplined approach to security.
The plant should be parked in a location where any wrongdoing would be noticed by
passers-by and away from easy access by a lorry-mounted crane to reduce the possibility of
it being lifted off site.
11 The ignition keys should be removed which will, in many instances, set an alarm and an
immobiliser. If the alarm or immobiliser does not set automatically then it must be set
manually.
12 A mechanical immobilisation device, where fitted, should be in such a position that it is
visible to passers-by to ensure any suspicious tampering is noticed. If such mechanical
devices allow equipment to be locked together, then this facility should be used whenever
possible.
13 Immobilisation could also include smaller items being chained to larger items of plant.
14 Any labels supplied by the manufacturer that indicate that immobilisation devices are fitted
should be prominently displayed.
1.1.12.22 Create a series of barriers
1 One of the key problems for any prospective thief is lack of time, and overcoming barriers is
time consuming. For instance, a fence or gate may be the first barrier to overcome, the
second a security container, the third a security chest or a series of physical locks and
chains within the container.
2 Individually each barrier might not present the prospective thief with too much difficulty but,
added together, they may prove so time consuming that the thief abandons the attempt.
3 Similarly, for larger equipment, fencing is the first barrier. The secure location of the
equipment, and the setting of mechanical and electronic immobilisers, then adds further
barriers, increasing the difficulty and the time required to overcome them.
4 A bright corporate colour scheme for all pieces of plant owned by a Contractor, as well as
the vans and lorries visiting the site, dissuades the thief. It identifies the equipment and
makes it more difficult to resell without repainting. Also, when a van or truck parked next to
the plant is not in the same corporate colours, and any work being undertaken is suspicious,
it can alert passers-by.
5 Painting plant and equipment in corporate colours could be used as part of an overall theft
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prevention plan.
1.1.12.23 Recovery of plant and equipment
1 Once stolen equipment has left the site, the cost of inconvenience has started to mount up.
Although any subsequent recovery device will mitigate the final cost of the theft, it will not
change the cost of lost time and administration.
Stolen vehicle and plant location
2 A popular way of recovering plant is through a tracking device. This relies on the ability of the
police or a central monitoring station to locate the plant through signals emitted from devices
located on the equipment.
3 Although the success of recovering plant fitted with trackers is high, thieves are becoming
more sophisticated in their actions and technology, and are finding ways to neutralise the
devices.
1.1.12.24 Keys
1 Another recommendation is the elimination of single keys for plant. (As with cars, some sets
of keys will give access to a variety of vehicles, not necessarily of the same make or year of
manufacture.) Plant manufacturers will eventually undertake this move, but until all machines
have different keys, the fitting of either a mechanical or electronic immobilisation device, or
both, is essential.
2 Whilst manufacturers will also be upgrading the security of cabs and canopies, it is still
necessary to lock them to reduce the possibility of hot-wiring plant to start it or the damage
caused whilst trying.
1.1.12.25 Plant theft - summary
1 Among the items most commonly stolen are mini-excavators, floodlighting equipment,
generator sets and compressors. All are of high value and relatively portable. Once removed
from site, they may prove impossible to track down.
2 Construction plant or equipment that is securely locked, immobilised, and clearly and visibly
marked is less likely to be stolen than plant which is not secured or marked.
3 Equipment that is fitted with an electronic tracking device or is registered with a database is
more likely to be recovered after being stolen.
4 Electronic tracking devices may be active or passive. Active devices allow the owner to know
exactly where the item of plant is at all times, while passive devices are only activated once
that piece of plant has been stolen or unlawfully removed.
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Construction Site Safety
1.1.13 Statutory Forms, Notices and Registers
1.1.13.1 Key points
1 The selection of the forms or notices, etc., will necessarily be as appropriate or applicable to
the individual site or premises, and the circumstances that exist on that site.
1.1.13.2 Statutory Forms, Notices and Registers
Accident Book
1 The keeping of an accident book is required by these Regulations
2 All accidents that cause any injury to an employee, no matter how slight, must be entered.
Entry may be made either by the employee or anyone acting on their behalf.
3 Completed book stubs and records must be kept for three years from the date of the last
entry.
4 F100 Report of an injury or dangerous occurrence (Pad of forms) Injuries
5 Form F100, report of an accident or dangerous occurrence, is required by RIDDOR - The
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences.
6 Unless notification has been made by telephone, fax, email, Form F100 must be completed
and sent by the person completing the report to the Administrative Authority which is the
Administrative Authority, this action is required under the following circumstances:
7 If an employee or other person dies or suffers any major injury as a result of an accident at
work.
Note: (i) This type of accident must also be reported immediately by the quickest practical
method (usually the telephone).
Note: (ii) A major injury or serious condition such as:
(a) any fracture of any bone other than the fingers, thumbs or toes
(b) any amputation, the dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine
(c) the loss of sight (whether temporary or permanent) or any other listed eye injury
(d) electric shock or burn causing unconsciousness
(e) any injury leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or to unconsciousness
requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
(f) unconsciousness due to asphyxia or exposure to a harmful substance or biological
agent
(g) acute illness or unconsciousness caused by any poisoning by any route
(h) acute illness caused by exposure to infected material or a biological agent
(i) if an employee has an accident at work and is unfit or is off work for more than three
days (weekends and rest days included) as a result of the accident.
Dangerous occurrences
8 Form F100 must be sent to the Administrative Authority whenever a scheduled dangerous
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occurrence has occurred. Alternatively, notification may be given by telephone, fax or email.
9 Dangerous occurrences listed include (briefly):
(a) collapse, overturning or failure of any load-bearing part of any lift, hoist, crane, derrick,
mobile powered access platform, access cradle, window cleaning cradle, excavator,
piling rig or forklift truck
(b) explosion, bursting or collapse of any closed vessel, boiler, etc.
(c) contact with, or arcing from, any overhead electric cable caused by any plant or
equipment
(d) electrical short-circuit with fire or explosion
(e) explosion or fire caused by any material resulting in stoppage of work or plant for more
than 24 hours
(f) uncontrolled release of 100 kg or more of a flammable liquid, 10 kg or more of a
flammable liquid above its normal boiling point or 10 kg of a flammable gas, inside a
building, and 500 kg or more of such substances outside a building
(g) collapse or partial collapse of any scaffold over 5 metres in height or fall of any cradle,
etc.
(h) collapse of 5 tonnes or more of any building or structure, or any falsework, or any wall
or floor in any workplace
(i) uncontrolled release of any biological agents
(j) accidental ignition of any explosive
(k) failure of any load-bearing part of a freight container
(l) bursting, explosion or collapse, or fire involving a pipeline
(m) specific incidents involving road tankers
(n) specific incidents involving dangerous substances being conveyed by road
(o) escape of any substance in a quantity sufficient to cause death, injury or damage to
health
(p) malfunction of any breathing apparatus whilst in use or when being tested before use
(q) contact with or arcing of any overhead power line.
F100A Report of a case of disease
10 A report on form F100A is required by RIDDOR the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and
Dangerous Occurrences.
11 It must be sent, by the person completing the report, to the Administrative Authority, when a
registered medical practitioner has diagnosed in writing that an employee is suffering from a
scheduled reportable disease
AND
12 the person has been employed in a scheduled work activity by the Contractors.
13 Alternatively, notification may be given by telephone, fax or email.
COSHH assessments, etc.
14 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health require assessments to be made of
substances hazardous to health and, except in the simplest and most obvious of cases, for
the assessments to be written and kept accessible for those who need to know the results.
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This specifically includes safety representatives.
15 If health surveillance is appropriate, the health records of employees under health
surveillance must be maintained and kept for 40 years after the date of the last entry.
16 All mechanical control measures, such as dust extraction, must be subject to routine
examination in accordance with the Regulations and records kept.
17 Substances hazardous to health must be properly labelled.
Danger areas
18 Identify with signs
19 Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
Dangerous substances
20 A substance or preparation which is explosive, oxidising, extremely flammable, highly
flammable or flammable, or any dust which can form an explosive mixture with air or an
explosive atmosphere.
Explosive atmosphere
21 A mixture, under atmospheric conditions, of air and one or more dangerous substances in
the form of gases, vapours, mists or dusts in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion
spreads to the entire unburned mixture.
22 Where an explosive atmosphere may occur, a specific sign is to be erected.
23 The sign must consist of black letters on a triangular yellow background with black edging.
Diving
24 Records have to be kept of the written appointment of all diving supervisors and of the
qualifications and medical certificates of divers. All dives have to be recorded in the divers'
log books. Diving rules have to be in writing.
Electrical equipment
25 All electrical equipment, including portable equipment, should be inspected on a regular
basis by a competent person and records kept. Portable electric tools should be PAT-tested
on a three-monthly basis, with a sticker showing the test date and the date the next test is
due fixed to each item.
Electric shock placard
26 Notices or placards giving details of emergency resuscitation procedures in the event of an
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electric shock should be displayed in locations where people are at an enhanced risk of
electric shock.
Emergency evacuation
27 Emergency routes and exits must be established and indicated by suitable signs.
Excavations, cofferdams and caissons
28 Excavations, cofferdams and caissons must be inspected and written reports of the
inspections made.
Explosives
29 Possession of explosives requires an explosives certificate which is issued by the local Chief
Officer of Police.
30 Detailed records have to be kept of all movements or usages of explosives.
Falsework
31 It is required that records should be kept of all design calculations, drawings, estimated
loadings and specifications for falsework, together with written permissions to pour concrete
or to 'load' falsework, and to dismantle it.
Fire
32 Documentary information relating to fire safety should include:
(a) records of staff training in the use of extinguishers
(b) record of fire extinguisher servicing
(c) record of practice evacuations
(d) written fire risk assessment and a written fire safety plan.
First aid
33 First-aid notices are required to be displayed as an effective means of informing the
workforce of the Contractors arrangement for first aid.
Food hygiene
34 Toilets adjacent to food rooms must be separated by a lobby. A notice stating 'NOW WASH
YOUR HANDS' must be displayed.
35 Employees in food rooms must not smoke. A notice is displayed to that effect. Checks and
inspections of equipment and staff training should be recorded. Certificates of staff training in
food hygiene and handling must be displayed.
Fragile surfaces
36 Appropriate warning notices must be clearly displayed at all approaches to the area.
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Hazardous substances
37 All containers containing hazardous substances should be clearly marked with their contents
and the appropriate hazard warning symbol.
38 Assessments must be made and, with minor exceptions, recorded.
Health and safety policy
39 The policy must be brought to the notice of all employees.
Holes in floors and similar openings
40 If a cover is used over a hole, it must be clearly marked to show its purpose.
Ionising radiation
41 The appropriate warning signs and notices for controlled areas must be displayed.
Lifting operations
42 All machinery and accessories used for lifting are marked to indicate their safe working load
for each configuration in which they can be used.
43 Lifting equipment designed to lift persons is clearly marked as such.
44 Lifting equipment not designed for lifting persons but which could be easily mistaken for such
is marked appropriately.
45 All lifting equipment and accessories are subjected to a scheme of thorough examination.
Records of thorough examination are made and kept available for inspection.
Management of health and safety
46 Risk assessments must be made of all work activities and the significant findings must be
recorded.
47 Health surveillance, if it is needed, individual health records must be kept.
48 Emergency procedures need to be displayed
Manual handling
49 Assessment to be made where risks from manual handling cannot be avoided. It is required
that all but the most simple assessments should be recorded.
Noise
50 Hearing protection zones need to identified by means of a sign.
51 A hearing protection zone is anywhere where an employee is likely to be exposed to a daily
personal noise exposure of 85 dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C).
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Plant and equipment
52 If it is not otherwise provided for, it is strongly recommended that all plant, tools and
equipment are subject to inspection and examination, and proper records kept.
53 A daily inspection and a six-monthly examination may be appropriate.
Pressure vessels
54 All pressure vessels intended to contain air or nitrogen at a greater pressure than 0.5 must
have details of the maximum working pressure, maximum and minimum working
temperatures, and cubic capacity clearly displayed on it.
Protective clothing and equipment
55 Assessment of the need for personal protective equipment. In all but the simplest cases the
assessments should be recorded.
Safety representatives and safety committees
56 Where a safety committee has been established, proper minutes and records should
be kept. Safety representatives may give written reports to management concerning safety
in the workplace.
Scaffolding
57 (1) Display of 'Incomplete scaffold notice.
58 Designated 'danger areas' must be created where there is a risk of a person falling or being
hit by a falling object. In the case of incomplete scaffolding, suitable notices must be
displayed to discourage attempted access on to the scaffold.
59 (2) Reports of inspections
Steam boilers
60 The maximum working pressure of any steam boiler must be clearly marked. Boilers must be
inspected at the scheduled intervals and proper records kept.
Training
61 It is most strongly recommended that all such information, instruction and training is properly
and fully recorded so that Contractors are in a position to prove that duties under these
Regulations have been met.
VDUs - Visual display units or display screens
62 Suitable and sufficient analysis of workstations for the purpose of assessing health and
safety risks. All but the simplest and obvious cases must be recorded.
Work equipment
63 Maintenance, records of maintenance, written instructions. Maintenance log should be
recorded. All work equipment must be marked in a clearly visible manner where necessary,
in the interests of health and safety.
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64 Warnings, audible or visible, to be incorporated into work equipment as necessary.
Working at height
65 Any training carried out to achieve competency should be recorded. Where any person at
work may pass across or near to a fragile surface, or actually work on it, prominent signs
indicating that it is a fragile surface must be fixed at every approach to that place. Where
any person could be injured by falling or being hit by a falling object, 'danger areas' must be
created to prevent such an occurrence. Danger areas must be clearly indicated, usually by
signs and/or barriers Where inspections of work equipment are carried out a record of the
inspection must be made and retained as specified.
Safety signs
66 All signs giving health or safety information or instructions must comply with the relevant
British Standard. A safety sign is anything that combines geometrical shape, colour and
pictorial symbols to give safety information.
END OF PART