Blog - SAFETY FOR DESIGN

April 5, 2018

Fire Prevention In Refurbishment Activities

HSG 168 Fire Safety in Construction supports those with legal responsibilities under Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM15) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), and assists site managers in the day-to-day management of fire risks on site.

As the Client your project could involve major refurbishment and as such a Fire Strategy may be appropriate. The Fire Strategy will detail the type of fire safety facilities that are currently incorporated within the building, along with their respective specifications, and depending upon the brief for the Fire Strategy consider the phases of the project and how FIRE as a risk can be eliminated, reduced or controlled through design. CDM15 – Regulation 9(3) & 9(4) covers the process of Design Risk Management (DRM). Planning of the refurbishment project in terms of CDM15 is known as the pre-construction phase and this is where DRM is considered and should address the sequencing of the activities to maintain the buildings compartmentation, fire resistance, protection of elements of structure, fire stopping, cavity barriers and fire suppressant systems. Your DRM process will enable fundamental decisions to be taken at an early stage and these can be recorded in the Design Risk Register. The design decisions and the remaining residual risks can then be used by the Principal Contractor during the construction phase of the project. When the project moves to construction phase the Principal Contractor will require an FSO Fire Risk Assessment (FRA):

Step 1 – identify the hazards.
Step 2 – identify people at risk.
Step 3 – evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk.
Step 4 – record, plan, inform, instruct and train.
Step 5 – review.

The Management of the requirements of the FRA can be challenging. For example, if you are adding or altering a fire staircase and temporary fire doors are to be made up on site as an interim measure – these doors need to be commissioned in the same way as the planned fire door set. As the Client you may consider auditing the Fire Risk Assessment and fire risk management arrangements for the refurbishment project as it progresses.

A Fire Fighter’s Story

“I previously worked in the Fire & Rescue Service and attended an incident in a multi-story city centre office complex where a member of the public found smoke in the complex lobby and called 999. The reason they dialled 999 was they had operated the manual fire alarm; however, it did not activate. When we attended we had a Christmas office party in full flow on the 11^th floor, and on the top floor was a Meteorological Centre operating 24/7 who were resistant to evacuating. The automatic and manual alarm system had been disconnected as part of a building upgrade, however there was no means of temporary reinstating the system or provision of a stand-by system. The fire was on the 8^th floor and we were able to quickly control the situation; and the incident was passed to the Fire Safety Enforcement Team. I share this experience as refurbishment projects can and do go wrong if not planned and organised effectively.”

Reference Link : HSG 168 Fire Safety in Construction

March 27, 2018

What’s in a Client’s Brief?

What's in a Client's Brief?

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM15) are the main set of regulations for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects. These regulations place specific duties on clients and other duty holders.

Under CDM15, Designers and Contractors should be appointed at the earliest opportunity to help prepare and plan for a construction project. Experience has shown that, when designers and contractors are involved early in the project, everyone is better able to plan ahead and solve problems together to deliver a more successful project.

As a Client, one effective way of explaining what you want, as well as helping you to carry out your duties under CDM15, is to develop a Client’s Brief. As the Client, you will have requirements and expectations that will assist those designing, constructing or using the structure or building. Sharing these at an early stage can help shape how each duty holder approaches, plans and accommodates your requirements.

The Client’s Brief may take the form of verbal discussions or it could be a written document drafted by you, your appointed Principal Designer or by a designer or contractor after you have discussed your requirements with them. A clear brief is essential to the success of your project. It sets out key requirements, outlines your vision of the project and communicates your aims and aspirations.

As a Client, you have a significant role to play. Clients set standards and ensure work is carried out without risking the long-term health and safety of those on site.

What should the Client Brief include?

The brief should:

describe the main function and operational requirements of the finished building or structure
outline your motivation for initiating the project
give your expectations during the project, including how health and safety risks should be managed
explain the design direction you have in mind
establish a single point of contact for any client queries or discussions during the project
set a realistic timeframe and budget.

Whilst the initial client brief sets out your general requirements and expectations for the project, it is also important that it outlines your health and safety expectations.

We at Safety For Design assist our Clients with the advice and support to successfully deliver construction projects in either the Principal Designer role, as Principal Designer Assist services to other companies or, as Client CDM H&S Advisory services.

March 9, 2018

FALSE POSITIVE DRUG TEST

Ever had a false positive drug test? Well, one of our consultant's just had one.

Drug screening results can affect the lives and circumstances of those involved. In recent times drug testing has gone from a non-existent practice to a widespread acceptance within the construction industry. This is due to the rise in use of recreational drugs. Cannabis users comprise the largest number of illicit drug users in the UK; second are amphetamine-type stimulants, followed by opiate and cocaine.

Approximately 3 million continuous drug users in the UK.

Many companies have adopted a zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol approach. Drugs and Alcohol Policies can include site induction drug screening, random testing, toolbox talks and other media pathways. Concentration and co-ordination are crucial when working in the construction environment. Accidents can occur as a result of impairment or intoxication. Accidents have consequences including loss of time, insurance costs, damages and legal costs etc. Indirect costs can include loss of reputation and confidence in an organisation.

35% of employees have noticed their colleagues under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Drug testing is not about catching the drug users, it’s about putting control measures in place that prevent the introduction of drug users on to a construction site. If an employee comes forward, the Policy should aim to support the affected employees as opposed to punishing them or dismissing them. Nonetheless, possession or dealing in illegal drugs should be referred to the Police.

It is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for any person knowingly to permit the production, supply or use of controlled substances on their premises except in specified circumstance e.g. prescribed by a doctor.

It is important for organisations initiating a Drugs and Alcohol Policy to understand the knock-on effects from the outcome. A false positive is when a sample is incorrectly recorded as a positive when the sample is negative, research shows that rates can be as high as 10%-15%.

What can cause a False Positive result?

‘Over the counter’ medicines – Ibuprofen/PCP, Diet Pills/Amphetamines.
Foods – Poppy Seeds/Opiates, Hemp Oil/Marijuana, Cocas Leaf tea/Cocaine.
Prescription Medication – Antidepressants/Amphetamines, Quinine/Opiates, Tramadol/PCP.
Human Error – Contamination, Manipulation.

The consequences of a false positive test differ from loss of employment, social stigma, possible legal action, suspension, stress, loss of money etc. Organisations must ensure that their policy and management arrangements are comprehensive and consider the potential for false positive results.

Many organisations offer a single drugs/alcohol test on induction/randomly, if these test positive operatives are asked to leave site. Urine and Saliva drug tests are common practice on construction sites due to their low cost/quantity and fast results. However; inaccuracy, potential for contamination and lack of ability to measure the frequency of use or impairment are disadvantages of these tests. A comprehensive system would highlight potential positives using a quantitative testing such as saliva or urine test. This would then be supported by a test method with higher accuracy and ability to measure frequency and impairment, such as blood and hair testing. This would counteract false positive results and the consequences thereafter.

Urine Sampling

The Pros

Inexpensive
Detects recent drug use (previous 4-72 hours)
Can target multiple drugs at once
Rapid test results

The Cons

Easily manipulated
Collection process is not observed
Cannot measure the frequency of use or severity of impairment
Invasive test

Oral Fluid Testing

The Pros

Inexpensive
Detects recent drug use (previous 4-72 hours)
Can target multiple drugs at once
Rapid test results
Sample collected under direct observation

The Cons

Cannot detect drug use beyond 48 hours
Cannot measure the frequency of use or severity of impairment
Invasive test

Hair Testing

The Pros

3 months detection period
Can indicate the frequency of drug use
Can target multiple drugs at once
Sample collected under direct observation
Accurate
Difficult to manipulate results

The Cons

Expensive
Extended result time - 5 days+
Invasive test
Relies on presence of body hair

Blood Testing

The Pros

Can indicate the frequency of drug use
Can target multiple drugs at once
Sample collected under direct observation
Accurate
Difficult to manipulate results

The Cons

Expensive
Extended result time - 2 days
Invasive test
Administered by a Health Care professional

February 26, 2018

INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE OF SAFETY

The International Language of Safety

“Health and Safety’: Is it truly an international language?”

During a recent design team meeting in which SFD was liaising with the Client, Principal Contractor (PC) and end Client, it quickly became apparent that the foreign end Client was unaware of the comparatively ‘higher’ standards of health and safety legislation compliance required when operating in Great Britain (GB) and the specific duties CDM 2015 places on a construction project. The end Client became increasingly concerned of the steps that needed to be taken to enable its non-GB contractors to carry out early access fit-out works during the construction phase of the main works under the control of a PC i.e. it was clear that the end Client had not allowed sufficient project resources to meet these requirements, including:

applicable CDM 2015 Regulations, such as:
- Regulation 9 Duties of Designers
- Regulation 10 Designs prepared or modified outside Great Britain
- Regulation 15 concerning duties of Contractors;
checks on the skills, knowledge and experience on non-GB Contractors and how difficulties may be overcome;
the collation and sharing of pre-construction information between all relevant parties;
understanding the PC’s health and safety management arrangements set out within the Construction Phase Plan, including the PC’s risk assessment and method statement production and approval procedure;
provision of information for the Health and Safety File;
phasing of the proposed works with the main works; and
arrangements affecting the delivery and storage of the end Client’s materials, plant and equipment.

The PC and SFD, as Client CDM Advisor, began to set out the level of planning that would be required by the end Client in order to meet its intended delivery programme, whilst highlighting the range of options that were available about how this could be best achieved.

Factors that non-GB organisations should consider when planning construction projects in GB include:

understanding that the same health and safety law applies to overseas workers as to the GB workforce, and, everyone at work, including employers and workers, have responsibilities under it;
understanding the requirements of all applicable legislation relating to the proposed design/construction work;
understanding any differences in language when describing technical terms, processes, plant, contractual arrangements, etc. or when complying with emergency arrangements, site rules, health and safety signage, etc.;
considering the needs of workers who may not speak English well, if at all, and the level of support that may be required, including translation services (particularly with technical terms), nonverbal communication, using a ‘buddy system’ (i.e. putting experienced workers with new or inexperienced migrant workers who speak the same language to help smooth the transition when they commence work), providing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for workers who need to improve their English, etc.;
understanding whether vocational accreditations/qualifications of non-GB organisations/workers are compatible with those in GB;
understanding any project-specific requirements that may be imposed by a Client, Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, etc.; and
understanding the arrangements and responsibilities for providing information, instruction, training and supervision on site.

February 21, 2018

Managing Design Risk

Safety for Design
CDM advisor, cdm2015, Design risk, drm, principal designer, risk, sfd
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Managing Design Risk

The management of risk during the design process is essential for a project to be built safely and maintained safely. A common misconception amongst Designers, since the introduction of the CDM Regulations 2015, has been to think that the Design Risk Management process required them simply to identify the residual hazards in their designs, and to provide information so that others (usually the Principal Contractor) could deal with the risk issues. In fact, it is essential that Designers direct their actions towards reducing risks through design decisions or provisions. Only as a last resort should Designers rely on actions by the Principal Contractors on site to provide the means of protection for workers and others during work activities.

Managing safety during the design process can also make a big difference to the lives, health and well-being of those who work on the buildings and other structures. It affects construction workers, maintenance workers, the building users and members of the public.

Design considerations that will inform Design Risk Management:

What is being built? What should it look like, and what is the function?
Where is the project being built?
What materials will be used, and how will they be specified?
How will it be used?
How will it be built (risks to site workers, users and/or the general public)?
When will it be built, how long will it take to build (or how long does the Client want to allow)?
What are the constraints and circumstances affecting the design and construction?
Who else is designing this, and what elements or aspects are they addressing e.g. Temporary Works?
What is happening on the adjacent sites or areas?
What will actively be continuing to be done or used on the site during the construction phase?
Is this a structure that will be used as a workplace and/or used by the general public?
How will this structure or element be maintained (risk to site workers, maintainers, users and/or the general public)?
How will this structure be cleaned, accessed, altered, refurbished, removed or demolished?

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, and then try to address the risks that 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.

Designers must (so far as reasonably practicable):

Identify foreseeable hazards, and particularly any significant risks affecting health and safety;
Eliminate hazards;
Minimise remaining identified risks by design;
Consider pre-fabrication to minimise work (e.g. pre-fabricated and pre-stressed concrete bridge beams);
Design in features to reduce risks, (i.e. from working at height, deep excavations…etc.;
Ensure that designs are suitable and compatible with any interacting or interrelating designs;
Take into account the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (and Amendments);
Provide information on significant risks associated with their design (e.g. information on drawings, suggested construction sequences, Temporary Works…);
Identify any future cleaning, maintenance, alteration and demolition hazards for the Health and Safety File.

Designers do not have to eliminate all risks, but if they let them remain they do need to justify this. They must identify foreseeable significant residual risks and communicate these clearly to others. The Principal Designer should ask questions and prompt the Designers to comply with good Design Risk Management and the intentions of CDM 2015.

In taking account of the General Principles of Prevention, Designers are required to assess the risks implicit in their designs. Design Risk Assessments are a good tool for Designers to document their process and reasoning.

It is the Principal Designer’s duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that information is being passed onto those who need it, when they need it – even though they may not know they need it – including what is needed by the Client, other Designers, those tendering, the Principal Contractor and, if necessary, other Contractors. A Project Design Risk Register helps the Principal Designer and the design team to demonstrate this.

Safety For Design Ltd has many years of experience in Design Risk Management. Contact us today to bring our valuable experience to help deliver your construction projects safely.

Urine Sampling

The Pros

Inexpensive
Detects recent drug use (previous 4-72 hours)
Can target multiple drugs at once
Rapid test results

The Cons

Easily manipulated
Collection process is not observed
Cannot measure the frequency of use or severity of impairment
Invasive test

Oral Fluid Testing

The Pros

Inexpensive
Detects recent drug use (previous 4-72 hours)
Can target multiple drugs at once
Rapid test results
Sample collected under direct observation

The Cons

Cannot detect drug use beyond 48 hours
Cannot measure the frequency of use or severity of impairment
Invasive test

Hair Testing

The Pros

3 months detection period
Can indicate the frequency of drug use
Can target multiple drugs at once
Sample collected under direct observation
Accurate
Difficult to manipulate results

The Cons

Expensive
Extended result time - 5 days+
Invasive test
Relies on presence of body hair

Blood Testing

The Pros

Can indicate the frequency of drug use
Can target multiple drugs at once
Sample collected under direct observation
Accurate
Difficult to manipulate results

The Cons

Expensive
Extended result time - 2 days
Invasive test
Administered by a Health Care professional

February 9, 2018

EVOLUTION OF THE EMPLOYERS AGENT

The Evolution of the Employer's Agent

The Employer’s Agent (EA); a quantity surveyor, project manager, client representative or all three?

“The employer’s agent for the purpose of any contract must be one individual within whom the employer has entrusted his or her authority to manage the project.” (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2018)

Employer’s Agent; a well-known term within the construction industry, but still yet to be clearly defined. An Employer’s Agent can be involved within a project in many different capacities. The core element of the role is to represent the Client. Quantity Surveyors with the correct experience can provide a cost consultancy role.

The success of the Design and Build process has allowed the EA role to grow. Many Clients who undertook construction work began to pay close attention to contracts that reduced their risk. The Design and Build (D&B) contract meant construction and design risk could be transferred to the Principal Contractor.

Historically the process was used on small to medium sized projects, however, recent alterations have meant it can be used on larger projects. Furthermore, the D&B process creates the opportunity to harness the wealth of industry experience and knowledge of the Principal Contractor. With the ability to be used on larger projects, additional project management to deliver the project was required. This became a Project Management role.

The initial Design and Build contract arrived as Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) Standard Form of Contract with Contractor’s Design in 1981. Four revisions have provided the most recent 2016 current version, referencing the Employers Agent within the contract.

The EA is identified within the contract and acts on behalf of the client in all matters including execution and decision making. A client will provide a brief, consisting of the employer’s objectives, financial and timescale criteria. The brief will detail the extent of authority the EA holds within the contract.

Although not classed as a duty holder within CDM 2015, the EA hold contractual obligations and usually ensures the Client’s requirement, under Regulation 4, are carried out. Nonetheless, the Employer’s Agent must have a good understanding of Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015.

February 2, 2018

The HAVS and the HAV nots

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is a debilitating condition caused by the continuous or frequent use of hand-held power tools and industrial equipment which emit vibration. Symptoms of HAVS include pain, numbness, tingling and loss of nerve sensitivity. These symptoms can cause pain, discomfort, sleep disturbance and an inability to pick up items.

Some companies supply anti-vibration gloves however the HSE warns;

“…[anti-vibration gloves] are not particularly effective at reducing the frequency-weighted vibration associated with risk of HAVS and they can increase the vibration at some frequencies.”

It is understood through research that they can in some cases do more harm than good as they give the wearer a false sense of security. They do provide warmth and a way to keep hands dry, however they are also believed to encourage the wearer to hold a stronger grip which worsens the effects of vibration.

Tasks involving equipment and tools which emit vibration must be subject to a risk assessment to identify control measures such as restricted usage, regular maintenance, breaks etc. using the HSE guidance found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/readyreckoner.htm.

In Court

A company which failed to limit the duration and magnitude of vibration exposure to maintenance workers, was fined £100,000 after its health surveillance found six cases of HAVS.

A steel fabricator was fined £120,000 after exposing employees to the risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

They had failed to ensure its employees were given enough information, instruction and training on the effects of vibrating hand tools.

The company had to pay an additional £7,000 in court fees.

January 26, 2018

SECURITY ISNT A DIRTY WORD

Security isn't a dirty word... your responsibilities

Each year construction work injures and kills people who have no direct connection to it. A landowner or occupier of a site is responsible for ensuring the safety of non-employees, trespassers and particularly children. Failure to do so can land them in court, even if the injured party was trespassing with criminal intent. These can be difficult cases to defend, whether in criminal or civil proceedings.

Site security is necessary for preventing a number of serious issues, including:

Preventing trespassers, especially children, from entering the building site and climbing on the equipment, putting themselves in danger;
Vandalism and arson to assets on site;
Risk of serious injury to workers/members of the public that can result in litigation and compensation claims.

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 place a number of duties on a design team in relation to site security on a construction project with an aim to prevent these incidents occurring.

Clients must provide project specific health and safety information at the pre-construction stage. The pre-construction information should include, among other things, arrangements for the security of the site and site hoarding requirements.
When developing a construction phase plan, the Principal Contractor should set out the organisation and arrangements that have been put in place to manage risk and co-ordinate work on site, including site security. This will include authorisation procedures for the management of visitors and workers on to site and other positive measures to keep others off site.
There is also a specific duty on contractors not to begin work on a construction site unless there are measures to prevent unauthorised access to site.

It is key to consider site security during the design phase and before any work begins on site. This will allow for an assessment of all security risk factors, which can then be designed out or effectively mitigated with proper planning.

In addition to a clear perimeter, the following basic security measures can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorised access;

Secure sites adequately when finishing work for the day;
Isolate and immobilise vehicles and plant and, if possible, lock them in a compound;
Store building materials so that they cannot fall onto someone;
Barrier off/cover over excavations and pits;
Remove access ladders from excavations and scaffolds;
Lock away hazardous substances;
Security lighting can act as a deterrent to potential trespassers.

January 18, 2018

PCI PREVENT INJURIES

Pre Construction Information can help Prevent Catastrophic Injuries

Construction firm fined after employee suffered serious burns.

A company undertaking excavation work has been fined for safety breaches, when a worker was burned after striking underground electrical cables.

In February 2016 an employee was excavating the ground at a site in the South East. He struck an electrical cable and was set on fire. He received significant burns to his lower body, causing him to be hospitalised for one month and unable to work for six weeks.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company failed to adequately plan, manage and monitor the construction work; failed to obtain drawings from the utility company detailing the position of underground cables, and did not re-scan the affected ground to a sufficient depth while excavation work was ongoing.

Both the injured person, and the employee responsible for scanning the ground did not receive training for their tasks, despite this being detailed in the company’s risk assessments and method statements.

The construction company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and has been fined £25,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,979.68.

“While not being trained is a causal factor, I cannot help to think that if the services were identified within a sufficient PCI, coupled with the (Distribution Network Operator) DNO’s contact details and guidance notes, or at the very least ‘dial before you dig’ information, the contractor receiving this information could have planned and managed the works more appropriately thus preventing this unfortunate incident.” – MN

January 12, 2018

FLAMING PILING CUSHIONS

Safety for Design
CDM advisor, cushion, fire, piling, piling cushions, principal designer, sfd
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Flaming Piling Cushions

When developing your approach to Pile Driving Safety consider the pile cushion in the design process. Pile Cushions deteriorate after 2000 blows and I have come across a cushion that has caught fire on site. After being pounded for some time, the cushion will become compacted and its effectiveness as a cushion is diminished. Monitor your cushions and include in the design a safe method of replacement. For information on piling techniques check out our Piling Advice Note

December 5, 2017

Demolition of Zeon Plant

Roger Price
barry, CDM advisor, cuddy, demolition, principal designer, roger price, safety for design, zeon
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Demolition of Zeon Plant

The Health & Safety Executive advise that there should be a systematic approach to demolition projects and it is a team effort between many people, who all have responsibilities. Safety For Design recently undertook the role of Principal Designer supporting Cuddy Group who were working as Principal Contractor on the demolition of the Zeon plant in Barry, South Wales.

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 Regulation 2(1) identifies “construction work” as the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work and includes preparing the structure site clearance and the removal of a structure and removing the products from the demolition. We should not forget that demolition or dismantling is specifically addressed within CDM2015:

Regulation 20(1): The demolition or dismantling of a structure must be planned and carried out in such a manner as to prevent danger or, where it is not practicable to prevent it, to reduce danger to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.
Regulation 20(2): The arrangements for carrying out such demolition or dismantling must be recorded in writing before the demolition or dismantling work begins.

Safety For Design are supportive of the increased professionalism of the demolition trade who are continually challenging safety with new qualifications.

The University of Wolverhampton has launched the UK’s first master’s degree programme in demolition management.

October 6, 2017

A LEGACY FROM THE PAST

A Legacy From The Past

Do not underestimate the importance of clear, thorough and proportionate PCI.

Bombs away! Huge 1,000 lb WWII bomb found on building site. Builders found the bomb within an excavation and tried to dig it out before calling the emergency services.

The bomb had so much destructive power, if it had blown up it could have destroyed most buildings within a 200 metres radius.

1,200 residents evacuated – Families forced from homes and 80 people re-homed by the local authority. Three schools, several shops and roads were closed. A leaflet given to residents, by authorities said ‘remaining at home is placing your life at significant risk’.

The bomb was safely removed by a bomb disposal team and taken for a controlled explosion.

This part of London bore brunt of bombing during the Blitz – with clear, thorough and proportionate PCI, could all this of been avoided, could site have been better prepared to deal with this situation, would workers have been able to identify the device without putting themselves and the surrounding community at risk?

Or is this an acceptable risk that the construction industry have to face when involved in regeneration and construction projects within the UK’s major cities?