In my experience as an RSPP, I am often contacted a few weeks before an opening to set the dates immediately following to conduct inspections. The inspections aim to verify arrangements and draft the necessary documents within appropriate timescales before it is too late, which would result in costly failures. Point 1 – Sharing the Executive Project Once the architects… read more →
The opening of a new store is an exciting and energetic time for the company and all team members, often new hires (apart from the store managers who usually spent a few months working alongside them!). Health and Safety aspects are often overlooked or left to a later date in the retail sector as the risk of accidents are relatively… read more →
Test Gas isolation valves are provided, clearly identified, and easily accessible. Possible Answers Red: Gas isolation valves not provided or not easily accessible Amber: Gas isolation valves provided but not easily accessible Green: Gas isolation valves provided and accessible Common Issues Gas isolation valves obstructed Gas isolation valves not protected and could be damaged Fail Rate 18% of businesses failed… read more →
This article contains a list of questions that our health and safety consultants ask when conducting health and safety audits. Each article shows the test, the reason for the question, possible answers, common issues, the fail rate of businesses based on our sample data, advice on how to stay compliant, any additional information and our solutions. Click on the read… read more →
Tests 1. Additional measures are taken during adverse weather conditions, such as procedures for icy conditions, high winds etc. Check how the instructions are issued. 2. Wet floor hazard signs are used when required and are not left out unnecessarily once the hazard is removed/eliminated. 3. Staircase/landings are not used for storage, handrails, floor covering & nosing’s in good condition… read more →
Test Ask an employee to explain good lifting techniques. Also check there is no unnecessary manual handling. Reason for This Question Staff must not be allowed to carry out any manual handling tasks without having had manual handling training. Possible Answers Red: Staff could not demonstrate safe lifting techniques Amber: Staff able to demonstrate safe handling, but no training records… read more →
Test Portable electrical equipment is not used outside without RCD protection. Reason for This Question All portable appliances should only be used outside with RCD. Possible Answers Red: Evidence of portable equipment being used outside without RCD protection and/or no PAT test records Green: Any equipment intended for use externally is RCD protected Common Issues No RCD protection devices provided… read more →
Tests These tests are carried out as part of the “Machinery, Electricity & Gas” and “Slips, Trips & Falls” sections of the health and audit. 1. Safety signage is provided in plant rooms as appropriate, e.g. hearing defenders, no smoking signs, electric shock posters etc. 2. Carry out a general check of plant rooms. Check that there is no dangerous… read more →
Test At time of visit was defective equipment taken out of use, or action taken to prevent its use. Reason for This Question Any defective equipment should be isolated or adequately signed to prevent use. Possible Answers Red: Defective equipment in use Green: Defective equipment signage in place, or equipment isolated and repair instigated Common Issues No process evident No… read more →
Test Is personal protective equipment (PPE) provided for staff and visitors, is it suitable and is there a stock held? Select one item of PPE provided and check it is in good repair (e.g. safety shoes, safety goggles, masks). Reason for This Question The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 are a set of regulations created under the Health… read more →
