1.9 Heath & Safety

Define the HSE

The Health and safety Executive (HSE) is a national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. The HSE helps companies and employers to meet health and safety obligations.

What safe working practices are usually used by an employer?

• Train employees in safe machinery use and job-related processes, with possible formal certification.

• Ensure machinery undergoes regular maintenance, including part inspections, blade replacements, and proper guarding (e.g., covers, switches, and infrared beams).

• Install extraction systems to remove dust or fumes, with regular maintenance by external providers.

• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, eye protection, dust masks, and gloves to employees at risk.

• Maintain a record of all accidents and report them to the HSE via RIDDOR for injuries, near misses, or occupational diseases.

• Appropriate safety signage is provided.

• Dangerous items and substances are used and stored safely, and removed from use if necessary.

• Welfare facilities such as first aid are provided.

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) [HSWA] and what is its purpose?

The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) [HSWA] is a UK law that sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and others to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of people at work. It requires employers to provide a safe working environment, proper training, and adequate protection, while employees must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

What does COSHH stand for and what is its purpose?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a UK regulation that requires employers to control the exposure of employees to hazardous substances at work, including chemicals, fumes, dust, and biological agents, by assessing risks, implementing control measures, and providing proper training and protective equipment.

What are the 8 principles to consider under COSHH regulations?

1. Plan and carry out processes to minimize the release and spread of hazardous substances.

2. Consider all relevant exposure routes (inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion) when developing control measures.

3. Control exposure based on the level of health risk.

4. Choose the most effective and reliable control options to minimize the spread of hazardous substances.

5. Provide suitable PPE in combination with other control measures.

6. Regularly check and review control measures for effectiveness.

7. Inform and train employees on hazards, risks, and control measures.

8. Ensure control measures do not increase overall health and safety risks.

What is a risk assessment?

Risk assessment must consider what might cause harm to people, and if reasonable steps are being taken to prevent that harm.

What are the five key steps for carrying out a risk assessment according to HSE?

1. Identify the hazard: Recognize potential hazards by observing the workplace and referring to manufacturer instructions.

2. Identify who might be harmed: Determine who could be affected, including workers, visitors, or the public.

3. Evaluate the risk and decide on control measures: Assess the likelihood of harm and implement controls to reduce the risk.

4. Record findings and implement actions: Document the risks, people at risk, and actions taken to minimize hazards.

5. Review and amend the risk assessment: Regularly review the assessment and update it if necessary.

Define safety precautions

Any action carried out in advance that protects against a possible danger or injury.

What is the purpose of the UK Consumer Protection Act 1987 and how does it safeguard consumers?

The UK Consumer Protection Act 1987 protects consumers by ensuring product safety, holding manufacturers liable for defective products, and preventing misleading price indications. It requires manufacturers to ensure products are safe, warn consumers of risks, and take corrective actions if safety issues arise. Unsafe products may be removed, destroyed, or recalled, and manufacturers can face legal action if consumers are harmed.

What are the key provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987?

Key provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 include:

1. Product liability: Manufacturers are held responsible for defective products causing injury.

2. General safety requirement: Products for domestic use must be safe, with unsafe items removed for safety checks.

3. Price indications: Sellers must not give misleading price information, and enforcement is carried out by trading standards officers.

What is the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, and how does it protect consumers?

The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 makes it an offence for traders to make false or misleading statements about goods or services, and applies to both product descriptions and the supply of goods with false statements. Trading standards officers regularly check for counterfeit or unsafe products, ensuring compliance with legislation.

What role does the British Standards Institute (BSI) play in product safety?

The British Standards Institute (BSI) sets standards to ensure products are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. It works with industry, government, and consumer groups to produce these standards, and products meeting these standards can display the BSI kitemark, a globally recognized symbol of quality and safety.

What is the BSI kitemark and how is it awarded?

The BSI kitemark is a quality and safety symbol awarded to products that meet established safety standards. Companies can pay to have their products tested against these standards, and if they pass, they are granted the kitemark, subject to ongoing testing to ensure continued compliance.

What are the safety requirements for child safety gates under BS EN 1930?

Child safety gates must meet BS EN 1930 standards, covering:

• Structural integrity: Securely fitted, difficult for a child under 24 months to open.

• Footholds: No structures that allow climbing.

• Distance between members: Vertical slats must be no more than 5.5 cm apart.

• Holes: No finger-trapping holes.

• Height from floor: No greater than 5 cm.

• Snagging: No sharp edges or protrusions.

• Openings: Must require force or two actions to open.

What are the safety features of the UK 3-pin plug that ensure its compliance with BS 1363?

The UK 3-pin plug complies with BS 1363 if it has:

• The BSI kitemark and approval wording.

• A removable label showing a wiring diagram.

• A certified fuse (BS 1362) with the kitemark.

• The earth pin is the longest and ensures proper earth connection.

• Plastic covers on the live and neutral pins.

• Correct wiring colors: green/yellow for earth, blue for neutral, and brown for live.

What are the key requirements for toy safety under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and BS EN 71?

Under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and BS EN 71, toys must be safe from flammability, toxicity, and physical injury. Toys for children under 36 months must not present a choking risk, and a small parts cylinder is used to test for choking hazards. Manufacturers must ensure compliance with safety standards, provide instructions, carry out testing, and keep records of complaints, non-compliance, and recalls.

What are the responsibilities of toy manufacturers under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011?

Toy manufacturers must:

• Design toys to meet safety requirements for normal use.

• Demonstrate compliance with safety procedures and affix the CE marking.

• Provide safety instructions and information with the toy.

• Perform sample testing and address non-conformance.

• Keep a record of complaints, non-compliant toys, and recalls.

• Maintain technical documentation for ten years.

• Label toys with identifying information about the toy and manufacturer.

What is the significance of the Lion Mark on toys?

The Lion Mark, developed by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) in 1988, indicates that a toy meets high safety and quality standards. It signifies that the toy was made by BTHA members who follow ethical manufacturing practices, avoid counterfeit goods, promote sustainability, and support the value of play.

What does the BSI kitemark symbol indicate about a product?

The BSI kitemark symbol indicates that a product has been independently tested and meets recognized industry standards, ensuring consistent quality and safety every time.

What is the responsibility of manufacturers regarding product care and disposal?

Manufacturers are responsible for providing consumers with information on how to care for the product during use and how to safely dispose of it at the end of its life, as part of their extended producer responsibility.