Health & Safety Policy

1General Statement of Health and Safety Policy

The Director of Albrighton Group Services Ltd, trading as AGS Security, is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for staff, customers, contractors and visitors. The effective management of health and safety ranks equally with any other managerial or supervisory responsibility. The aim is to ensure that health and safety becomes an integral part of the company’s activities.

Our statement of general policy is

• to provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our activities.
• to consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage active participation to maintain and improve standards.
• to provide and maintain safe and healthy premises.
• to provide and maintain safe work equipment.
• to ensure safe handling and use of substances.
• to ensure employees are competent to do their tasks, providing information, instruction, training and supervision as required to ensure safe and healthy working.
• to ensure contractors are competent to manage the health and safety aspects of their work.
• to monitor health and safety standards by carrying out regular inspections.
• to record and investigate significant accidents and cases of work-related ill health and, where appropriate, implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• to review and revise this policy as necessary and at least every 12 months.
• to encourage positive behavioural safety throughout our workforce, supported by regular training and inspections, including third-party inspection visits. The organisation, responsibilities and general arrangements to implement this policy are set out below. Where appropriate, arrangements will be developed locally to control specific risks.

2Organisation and Responsibilities

The Managing Director has overall responsibility for health and safety, including specific responsibility for health and safety at management-board level, and is responsible for ensuring that:

• all Directors accept their individual role in providing health and safety leadership.
• all management-board decisions reflect the health and safety objectives set out in the General Statement of Health and Safety Policy.
• adequate resources are available to implement this policy.
• effective action takes place to implement this policy.
• the management board is aware of its responsibilities and is kept informed of relevant health and safety risk-management issues.
• a health and safety policy is prepared, reviewed regularly and brought to the attention of all employees.
• injury and incident statistics and summaries from monitoring by the Health and Safety Consultant are communicated to the management board.
• a summary of health and safety performance and plans is prepared for inclusion in appropriate company management reporting.

Directors are responsible for ensuring that

• effective action takes place to implement this policy.
• a manager is nominated at each relevant site to have overall responsibility for health and safety associated with Albrighton Group Services Ltd activities.
• managers are competent in health and safety management techniques and discharge their responsibilities effectively.
• the Managing Director is made aware of any situation where the requirements of this policy cannot be implemented or where risks cannot be adequately controlled.

Managers are responsible for

• implementing the general arrangements in Section 3 of this policy.
• assessing risks not covered in Section 3, implementing appropriate control measures and recording significant findings locally as detailed in Section 3.1.
• ensuring they are competent in health and safety management techniques.
• bringing the Health and Safety Policy to the attention of employees in their areas.
• monitoring the arrangements in Section 3 and any other arrangements implemented locally to ensure they remain effective.
• ensuring new employees receive appropriate health and safety induction training.
• ensuring employees receive specific health and safety training where necessary and are competent to deal with the health and safety requirements of their work.
• ensuring employees discharge their responsibilities set out below and in Section 3 of this policy.
• ensuring contractors are competent to manage the health and safety requirements of their work.
• obtaining assistance from the Health and Safety Consultant where necessary.
• consulting employees and safety representatives in good time on matters affecting employees’ health and safety.
• alerting their line manager or Director to any situation where the requirements of Section 3 cannot be implemented or where risks cannot be adequately controlled.

All employees are responsible for

• taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their activities.
• using work equipment in accordance with the training and instructions provided.
• co-operating with their manager as necessary to implement Section 3 of this policy and any other local arrangements.
• reporting to their manager any health and safety matters they cannot, or do not feel competent to, deal with themselves and any shortcomings they identify in health and safety arrangements.

Health and Safety support will include

• keeping the management board informed of relevant developments in health and safety.
• assisting managers to assess risks and advising on appropriate control measures.
• assisting managers to monitor health and safety performance by carrying out audits and workplace inspections and providing reports.
• providing health and safety information and guidance.
• providing health and safety training where appropriate.
• investigating serious injuries and incidents and recommending measures to prevent recurrence.

3.0General Arrangements and Generic Risk Assessments

(See also the Site-Specific Risk Assessments.)

3.1Risk Assessment Procedures

Guidance on risk assessment is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/. The duty to assess risks and take appropriate action to remove or control those risks is fundamental. The purpose of a risk assessment is to identify suitable measures to eliminate or control foreseeable risks. A systematic examination of relevant work activities is therefore necessary. Risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient and appropriate records should be retained.

Risk assessment records should demonstrate that

• a proper check has been made.
• those who may be affected have been identified.
• obvious and significant hazards have been considered.
• appropriate controls are in place and remaining risks have been reduced so far as reasonably practicable.

Hazard

Something with the potential to cause harm, for example falls, slips, fire, electricity, vehicles, substances or manual handling. Harm may vary in severity from minor injury to serious injury, ill health or fatality.

Risk

The combination of the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the potential consequences. Risk should be used as a basis for prioritising action, with higher risks receiving greater priority.

Carrying Out Risk Assessments

Identify relevant hazards, concentrating on significant rather than trivial risks. Decide who may be harmed and how. Evaluate existing controls and determine whether further measures are required. Record significant findings and review assessments periodically and whenever circumstances materially change.

Controlling Risks

Where reasonably practicable, eliminate the hazard. Where elimination is not possible, consider less hazardous alternatives and apply suitable control measures. Risks should be controlled at source wherever possible, supported by appropriate systems of work, procedures, information, training, supervision and personal protective equipment where necessary.

Significant Findings of Risk Assessments

Risk-assessment records should identify the location or unit, activity or area assessed, significant hazards, persons who may be harmed, existing controls, whether the risk is adequately controlled and any further actions required.

3.2Workplace Issues

See also the Albrighton Group Services Ltd Premises Health and Safety Checklist.

Managers will ensure that

• their areas conform to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
• establishments are not overcrowded.
• equipment and furniture are arranged to allow unobstructed passage to work areas and exit doors.
• suitable equipment and furniture are provided.
• sufficient service outlets are provided to avoid unnecessary trailing cables.
• where trailing cables cannot reasonably be avoided, appropriate measures are used to reduce tripping risks.
• appropriate arrangements are in place to salt or grit principal external walkways during snow or icy conditions.
• suitable access equipment such as step stools or step ladders is provided where items need to be reached at height.
• sufficient toilet and washing facilities with hot and cold water are available, maintained in a clean condition and appropriately supplied.

Employees will ensure that they

• do not overload filing-cabinet drawers and avoid opening more than one drawer at a time.
• close desk and cabinet drawers after use.
• report damaged furniture and equipment.
• maintain good housekeeping and keep work areas and access and egress routes clear.
• report slippery floors, external walkways and other tripping hazards.
• take additional care when snow and ice are present and report untreated slippery areas.
• organise cables and electrical equipment to minimise tripping risks.
• do not stand on chairs, boxes or unsuitable items to reach items at height.
• closely supervise children where they may be present on the premises, particularly near stairs, landings and car parks.
• keep toilet and washing facilities clean and tidy.

3.3Work Equipment

Any equipment used at work is included, for example hand tools, step ladders, machinery, photocopiers and motor vehicles.

Guidance on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm.

Managers will ensure that work equipment is

• suitable for the intended use.
• where appropriate, marked with the appropriate conformity marking and compliant with applicable legal requirements.
• equipped with suitable safety measures, including protective devices, markings and warnings where required.
• inspected as necessary and maintained in efficient working order and good repair.
• used only by employees who have received adequate information, instruction and training.

Employees will ensure that they

• only use work equipment for which they have been trained and authorised to use.
• use work equipment in accordance with the instructions and training provided.
• report any defects or problems with their work equipment.

3.4Working at Heights

Guidance on working at height is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/.

Managers will ensure that

• work at height is avoided where reasonably practicable.
• where work at height cannot be avoided, risks are assessed and suitable measures implemented in accordance with the applicable control hierarchy.
• significant findings of assessments are recorded appropriately.
• suitable step stools, step ladders and ladders are provided where necessary.
• access equipment is inspected at suitable intervals appropriate to its use and condition, with records maintained where required.
• employees who undertake work at height receive appropriate information, instruction and training.

Employees will ensure that they

• follow applicable rules, risk assessments, instructions and safe systems for work at height.
• visually examine ladders and step ladders before use and report any defects.

3.5Electrical Equipment

Electrical safety guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/.

Managers will ensure that

• fixed electrical installations are inspected and tested at appropriate intervals by competent persons in accordance with applicable requirements.
• portable electrical equipment is maintained and, where required by risk assessment, inspected or tested at suitable intervals.
• low-risk office equipment and associated cables are positioned and maintained so they are unlikely to become damaged.
• appropriate residual current device (RCD) protection is provided where required, including for equipment used outdoors or in vulnerable environments.

Employees will ensure that they

• do not carry out unauthorised repairs or modifications to electrical equipment.
• visually inspect portable electrical equipment before use where appropriate and report defects or suspected defects.
• report damage to cables, plugs, sockets or electrical equipment.
• only use electrical equipment authorised or provided for work purposes.
• use appropriate RCD-protected supplies where required for equipment used outdoors or in vulnerable areas.

3.6Substances Hazardous to Health

Guidance on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) is available at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/.

Managers will ensure that

• where reasonably practicable, less hazardous substances are selected in preference to more hazardous alternatives.
• where hazardous substances are used, risks to health are assessed and appropriate control measures implemented.
• employees receive suitable information, instruction and training concerning hazardous substances and required control measures.
• suitable storage facilities and protective equipment are provided where necessary.
• significant findings of assessments are recorded appropriately.

Employees will ensure that they

• use hazardous substances in accordance with the information, training and instructions received.
• only use hazardous substances where suitable assessments and controls are in place.

3.7Asbestos-Containing Materials

Guidance on asbestos is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/.

Managers will ensure that

• appropriate asbestos information or surveys are obtained for premises where asbestos-containing materials may reasonably be present.
• suspicious materials are treated as potentially containing asbestos until reliable information confirms otherwise.
• appropriate management arrangements are implemented to monitor identified asbestos-containing materials and prevent unintended disturbance.
• work involving asbestos is only undertaken by appropriately competent persons and licensed contractors where licensing is legally required.
• information about asbestos-containing materials is communicated to persons liable to disturb them.

Employees and contractors will ensure that they

• do not disturb confirmed or suspected asbestos-containing materials and immediately report concerns to their manager or site contact.

3.8Fire and Terrorist Threats

Fire-safety guidance is available from the UK Government and relevant fire and rescue authorities. Managers should ensure that premises-specific fire risk assessments and emergency arrangements are maintained as required.

Managers will ensure that

• a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out for premises for which the company has responsibility.
• identified fire-safety arrangements and control measures are implemented.
• appropriate fire and security emergency procedures are established and communicated.
• employees are provided with suitable information regarding suspicious items, threats and emergency reporting procedures relevant to their workplace.
• employees are familiar with applicable fire and emergency procedures.
• where appropriate, sufficient employees are nominated and trained as fire marshals.
• corridors, escape routes and stairwells are kept clear.
• waste and combustible materials are appropriately controlled and removed.

Employees will ensure that they

• do not allow paper, waste or other combustible materials to accumulate around electrical equipment.
• check work areas before leaving where appropriate to ensure avoidable fire risks are not left unattended.
• switch off electrical equipment where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
• keep equipment that must remain energised clear of combustible materials.
• keep corridors, stairs and escape routes clear.
• follow applicable emergency procedures if they discover a fire, suspicious item or other emergency or receive a threat.

3.9Manual Handling Operations

Manual-handling guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/msd/manual-handling/.

Managers will ensure that

• manual-handling operations involving significant lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling are avoided where reasonably practicable.
• where manual handling cannot be avoided, risks are assessed and measures implemented to reduce the risk of injury, including re-organising work, providing suitable handling equipment, reducing load sizes, team lifting and appropriate training where necessary.
• significant findings of manual-handling assessments are recorded appropriately.
• employees are not expected to undertake manual-handling operations beyond their individual capabilities.

Employees will ensure that they

• do not attempt to lift or move items they consider too heavy or awkward for them.
• seek assistance where necessary.
• use suitable handling techniques in accordance with training and instructions.
• avoid unsafe lifting practices likely to create unnecessary strain or injury.
• report tasks that appear beyond their capability or where appropriate handling techniques or controls cannot be applied.

3.10Display Screen Equipment

Guidance on display screen equipment is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/.

Managers will ensure that

• employees who habitually use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work are identified where applicable as DSE users.
• DSE users receive appropriate information about health risks and suitable ways to minimise them.
• DSE workstations are assessed and identified risks reduced so far as reasonably practicable.
• DSE work is planned to allow suitable breaks or changes of activity.
• suitable measures are provided to minimise glare, reflections and unsuitable lighting conditions.
• users receive adequate training in relevant software and equipment to enable efficient working.
• eligible users are informed of their entitlement to appropriate eyesight tests.
• eligible users are informed of arrangements for obtaining eyesight tests and any special corrective appliances required specifically for DSE work.

Employees will ensure that they

• adjust their workstations to minimise health risks.
• report problems with their workstation that they cannot rectify themselves.
• organise work to allow suitable changes of activity or short breaks where appropriate.
• report pain, discomfort, swelling, weakness or other symptoms associated with DSE work.

Note – Laptop Computers

Laptop computers may not be suitable on their own for prolonged or extended workstation use. Where laptops are used extensively, consideration should be given to appropriate workstation arrangements such as a separate keyboard, pointing device, suitable screen positioning and properly adjusted furniture.

3.11Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in enclosed or substantially enclosed company workplaces or other areas where smoking is prohibited by law or site rules.

3.12Road Transport

Directors and Managers will ensure that

• employees who drive as part of their work are competent and hold the documentation required by applicable road traffic legislation.
• work schedules allow sufficient time for safe driving, compliance with speed limits and suitable rest breaks.
• company-owned or leased vehicles are suitable for their intended use and maintained at appropriate intervals.
• a suitable defect-reporting procedure is maintained for company-owned or leased vehicles.

Employees will ensure that they

• exercise appropriate care and comply with road traffic legislation and the Highway Code.
• do not use hand-held mobile phones while driving.
• take appropriate breaks to manage fatigue on long journeys.
• take particular care in car parks and roadways where pedestrians may be present.
• check vehicles are roadworthy before use so far as reasonably practicable and report identified defects.
• plan journeys appropriately and comply with applicable lone-working or journey-management arrangements.
• take appropriate care as pedestrians in car parks and when crossing roads.

3.13Contractors

Albrighton Group Services Ltd recognises its responsibilities when engaging contractors to undertake work. Relevant construction and contractor-management guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/construction/.

Managers will ensure that

• contractors selected to quote for work are competent to manage relevant health and safety risks.
• appropriate contractor health and safety information is obtained and reviewed.
• specialist advice is obtained where there is uncertainty regarding a contractor’s competence.
• the work is clearly defined and relevant hazards known to the company are communicated to prospective contractors.
• appropriate risk-control information, method statements or plans are obtained where required.
• contracts are awarded only where appropriate arrangements for controlling risk have been demonstrated.
• contractor work is monitored as appropriate.
• work is stopped where there is a serious or uncontrolled health and safety risk.
• contractor performance is reviewed as appropriate and action taken where necessary to maintain standards.

3.14First Aid Arrangements

Guidance on first aid at work is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/.

Managers will ensure that

• first-aid needs are assessed and appropriate numbers of trained first aiders or appointed persons are available.
• suitable first-aid equipment and facilities are provided.
• first-aid supplies are checked at appropriate intervals.
• employees are informed how to obtain first-aid assistance.
• appropriate records are maintained of first-aid treatment and workplace incidents.

Employees will ensure that they

• familiarise themselves with local first-aid arrangements.
• provide first aid only within the scope of their training and competence.
• follow appropriate hygiene and infection-control precautions when administering first aid.
• ensure relevant first-aid treatment and incidents are appropriately recorded.

3.15New and Expectant Mothers at Work

Guidance on protecting new and expectant mothers at work is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/.

Managers will ensure that

• appropriate risk assessments identify relevant risks to new and expectant mothers.
• appropriate arrangements are implemented to eliminate or control identified risks.
• significant findings of assessments are appropriately recorded.
• suitable welfare and rest arrangements are provided where required.

Employees will ensure that they

• inform their manager as soon as reasonably practicable where information concerning pregnancy or related circumstances is necessary for appropriate workplace risk controls to be implemented.

3.16Young Persons at Work

Guidance on young people at work is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/young-workers/.

Managers will ensure that

• risk assessments take account of a young person’s possible lack of experience, maturity or awareness of risk.
• appropriate arrangements are implemented to eliminate or adequately control identified risks.
• significant findings are recorded appropriately.
• young persons receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision.
• where legally required, relevant risk-assessment information is communicated to parents or guardians.

Employees will ensure that they

• provide suitable supervision to young persons placed with them where required.

Young persons will ensure that they

• take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their activities.
• use work equipment in accordance with training and instructions.
• do not use equipment or undertake work for which they have not been trained or authorised.
• ask for advice whenever they are unsure about a task or risk.

3.17Reporting and Investigating Injuries and Work-Related Ill Health

Guidance on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/. Reportable events must be notified in accordance with current RIDDOR requirements and timescales.

Managers will ensure that

• work-related injuries, incidents and cases of ill health are investigated and, where appropriate, measures are implemented to prevent recurrence.
• work-related injuries, incidents and cases of ill health are appropriately recorded and reported internally.
• Head Office or responsible management is contacted promptly following serious injuries, dangerous occurrences or other significant incidents.
• reportable injuries are notified to the relevant enforcing authority within applicable statutory timescales.
• reportable occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences are notified in accordance with current RIDDOR requirements.
• guidance is obtained from the HSE or competent health and safety advisers where there is uncertainty about reporting requirements.

Employees will ensure that they

• report significant work-related injuries, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health to their manager or Director.

Health and Safety support will

• provide guidance on incident-reporting requirements when requested.
• assist with or investigate serious work-related injuries and cases of ill health where appropriate and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.
• support the production and review of relevant injury and incident statistics.

3.18Health and Safety Law Notices and Employers’ Liability Insurance

Managers will ensure that

• the current Health and Safety Law poster is displayed where required, or equivalent information is provided to employees in accordance with legal requirements.
• the current Employers’ Liability Insurance certificate is made available or displayed as required by law.

3.19Safety Representatives and Employee Consultation

Guidance on consulting employees on health and safety is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/.

Managers will ensure that

• where safety representatives have been appointed by a recognised trade union or by employees, they are consulted in good time regarding relevant health and safety matters.
• where safety representatives are not appointed, appropriate consultation is carried out directly with employees.
• a safety committee is established where legally required or otherwise considered appropriate.
• where a separate safety committee is not established, health and safety is included as an appropriate standing item at relevant employee meetings.

3.20Working Alone

Guidance on lone working is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/lone-working/.

Managers will ensure that

• unnecessary lone working is avoided where reasonably practicable.
• where lone working is necessary, suitable risk assessments identify measures required to control foreseeable risks.
• appropriate communication, monitoring, escalation and emergency arrangements are implemented according to the level of risk.
• significant findings of lone-working risk assessments are recorded appropriately.

Employees will ensure that they

• follow applicable lone-working procedures and site instructions.
• use designated communication, check-in and monitoring arrangements.
• report circumstances that materially increase lone-working risk.
• seek assistance or withdraw to a place of safety where risks cannot be adequately controlled.

3.21Working Time

Albrighton Group Services Ltd recognises that excessive working hours and inadequate rest can adversely affect health, wellbeing and safe performance.

Managers will ensure that

• working-time arrangements comply with applicable Working Time Regulations and any lawful opt-out arrangements.
• appropriate health assessments are offered to eligible night workers.
• employees receive applicable rest breaks, daily and weekly rest and annual-leave entitlements.
• work schedules take account of fatigue and the need for adequate recovery.

Employees will ensure that they

• report circumstances where workloads or working practices prevent them from obtaining required rest or create significant fatigue risks.
• inform management of other employment where this may materially affect total working hours, fatigue or safe performance.

3.22Working on Clients’ Premises

Managers will ensure that

• risks created by Albrighton Group Services Ltd activities and contractors are assessed and adequately controlled.
• relevant risks created by client activities that may affect AGS Security employees or contractors are identified and appropriately managed.
• ongoing communication and co-operation takes place with clients so that risks to all affected persons are appropriately controlled.
• employees and contractors receive sufficient information to recognise foreseeable site risks and apply appropriate control measures.

Employees and contractors will ensure that they

• comply with relevant client site rules, risk assessments, safe systems of work and emergency procedures.
• co-operate with client representatives and AGS Security management on health and safety matters.
• report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents and significant changes in site circumstances.
• do not undertake work where they believe there is a serious uncontrolled risk and immediately seek guidance from their manager or site contact.

3.23Working at Home

Guidance on home working and display screen equipment is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/home-working/. Where employees are designated as home-based, appropriate health and safety arrangements will apply.

Managers and Directors will ensure that

• employees who regularly work from home and use computers as a significant part of their work are provided with or have access to suitable equipment and furniture so far as reasonably practicable.
• employees are provided with suitable information or assessment tools to assess their home workstation.
• reasonable remedial action is considered where relevant health and safety issues are identified.
• employees receive suitable information about home-working risks and how to minimise them.

Employees will ensure that they

• set up and use their home workstation in accordance with provided guidance and training.
• report significant health and safety concerns associated with their home-working arrangements to their manager.

3.24Noise

Prolonged exposure to excessive workplace noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Noise risks will be assessed and controlled in accordance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Current guidance on workplace noise is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/noise/.

Managers will ensure that

• noise risks are assessed where employees may be exposed to potentially harmful noise levels.
• appropriate engineering, organisational and other control measures are implemented to reduce exposure.
• employees receive appropriate information and training where relevant.
• hearing protection is provided and designated hearing-protection zones established where required.
• health surveillance is provided where required by the level and nature of exposure.
• exposure does not exceed applicable statutory exposure limit values.

Employees will ensure that they

• use hearing protection where instructed or required.
• use noise-control measures in accordance with training and instructions.
• co-operate with health-surveillance arrangements.
• report significant noise exposures or risks that management may not otherwise be aware of.

3.25Health and Safety Training

Health and safety information, instruction and training help protect employees and others from harm and contribute to a positive health and safety culture.

General guidance on health and safety training is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/training/.

Managers will ensure that

• risk assessments, role requirements and performance reviews identify relevant health and safety training needs.
• appropriate account is taken of employees’ capabilities, knowledge, training and experience.
• work demands do not exceed employees’ ability to undertake their duties safely.
• new recruits and employees changing jobs or taking on additional responsibilities receive appropriate health and safety information, instruction, training and supervision.
• refresher training is provided where necessary to maintain competence.
• appropriate records are maintained of health and safety training completed.

Employees will ensure that they

• attend required health and safety training and participate appropriately.
• apply the information, instruction and training provided when carrying out their duties.
• inform their manager where they believe additional information, instruction, training or supervision is required.

3.26Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other reasonably practicable means, suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided where required.

Managers will ensure that

• risk assessments identify the type and standard of PPE required and ensure it is suitable for both the risks and the user.
• adequate stocks of required PPE are maintained where appropriate and suitable PPE is provided to employees.
• employees receive appropriate information, instruction and training concerning the use, storage and maintenance of PPE.
• employees use PPE specified as necessary for their work.
• PPE is maintained and replaced when necessary.
• appropriate records of PPE issue are maintained where required.

Employees will ensure that they

• use PPE provided or specified for their work in accordance with training and instructions.
• take reasonable care of PPE and store it appropriately.
• report lost, damaged, defective or unsuitable PPE and request replacement where necessary.

3.27Vibration Risks

Whole-body vibration may arise from the use of certain vehicles or machinery and can contribute to back pain. Hand-arm vibration may arise from powered hand tools and machinery and, where exposure is significant, can contribute to hand-arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Current guidance on vibration at work is available from the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/.

Managers will ensure that

• where employees may be exposed to significant vibration, a suitable risk assessment is carried out.
• appropriate measures are introduced to reduce exposure where assessment identifies a material risk.
• health surveillance is provided where required by applicable legislation and risk assessment.
• exposure is controlled so that applicable exposure limit values are not exceeded.
• employees receive suitable information and training regarding vibration risks and any required usage or exposure restrictions.

Employees will ensure that they

• follow information, instruction and guidance provided concerning vibration risks.
• comply with any usage-time or exposure restrictions identified by risk assessment.
• co-operate with health-surveillance arrangements where applicable.
• report significant vibration exposure, symptoms or circumstances management may not otherwise be aware of.

4Approval