HEALTH & SAFETY

Health & Safety Policy Document v1.0

WEBSITE TERMS

PRIVACY & COOKIES

GENERAL TERMS

WORKING TERMS

PAYMENT TERMS

HEALTH & SAFETY

UNEDITED – WORK IN PROGRESS

Effective Date: 1 January 2025
Version: 1.0

1. Introduction

Renovate Community Repair C.I.C (“RCR,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) prioritises the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, and the public. This policy complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

2. Objectives

Minimise risks through proactive hazard identification and control.
Provide safe working environments for employees and clients.
Ensure compliance with all relevant UK health and safety legislation.

3. Risk Assessments

3.1 Pre-Work Assessments

Conducted by: RCR Site Supervisor.
Scope: Identify hazards (e.g., asbestos, electrical risks, structural instability).
Documentation: Recorded on HSE-compliant forms and retained for 6 years.

3.2 Hierarchy of Controls

1.Elimination (e.g., remove hazardous materials).

2.Substitution (e.g., use low-VOC paints).

3.Engineering Controls (e.g., ventilation systems).

4.Administrative Controls (e.g., training, signage).

5.PPE (last line of defence).

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

4.1 Mandatory PPE

Task	Required PPE
Electrical Work	Insulated gloves, voltage tester, goggles
Plumbing/Gas Work	Safety goggles, flame-resistant overalls
General Construction	Hard hats, steel-toe boots, hi-vis vests

4.2 Maintenance

Inspect PPE before each use.
Replace damaged equipment immediately.

5. Training & Competency

5.1 Mandatory Training

Gas Safe Registration: For boiler servicing and gas repairs.
NICEIC Certification: For electrical installations.
Asbestos Awareness: Renewed every 3 years.
Manual Handling: Annual refreshers.

5.2 Records

Training records stored securely for 10 years.

6. Incident Reporting

6.1 RIDDOR-Reportable Incidents

Examples: Fractures, burns requiring hospitalization, gas explosions.
Process: Report to HSE within 14 days via HSE’s online portal.

6.2 Near Misses

Log internally using Form HS-01. Investigate root causes within 48 hours.

7. Emergency Procedures

7.1 Gas Leaks

1.Evacuate the property.

2.Call National Grid: 0800 111 999.

3.Isolate gas supply at the meter (if safe).

7.2 Electrical Fires

1.Cut power at the consumer unit.

2.Use CO₂ extinguishers (never water).

3.Dial 999 if uncontainable.

8. Hazardous Materials

8.1 Asbestos

Discovery Protocol:

1.Cease work immediately.

2.Notify RCR Asbestos Coordinator (0333 200 8801).

3.Arrange licensed removal by UKAS-accredited contractors.

8.2 COSHH Compliance

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals (e.g., solvents, adhesives).
Store hazardous substances in locked cabinets.

9. Equipment Safety

9.1 Tools & Machinery

PAT Testing: Annual Portable Appliance Testing for electrical tools.
LOLER Inspections: Lifting equipment examined every 6 months.

9.2 Ladder Safety

Follow PASMA standards.
Never exceed 75% load capacity.

10. Client Responsibilities

Provide safe access to work areas.
Disclose known hazards (e.g., fragile floors, vermin infestations).
Follow RCR safety instructions during work.

11. Monitoring & Compliance

11.1 Audits

Quarterly HSE compliance audits by RCR Safety Officer.
Corrective actions logged and tracked via Safety Management System.

11.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employees: Disciplinary action up to termination.
Clients: Service suspension until hazards are resolved.

12. Contact Information

Health & Safety Officer:
Email: safety@renovatecommunityrepair.co.uk
Phone: 0333 200 8800 (24/7)
HSE Hotline: 0300 003 1747

Integration Notes:

Web Layout: Collapsible sections for clauses 3–11.
Version Control: Display “Last Updated: 1 Jan 2024 | Version 4.0” in the footer.
Toolbox Talks: Link to monthly safety briefing videos for employees.

This policy adheres to HSE, COSHH, and RIDDOR requirements, ensuring a robust framework for risk mitigation and legal compliance.