Safety First

At Jewson our first priority is always the safety of our customers and our staff. This is why we make safety a part of everyday working practice, and not just a policy statement. Written safety instruction leaflets are given with all our machines.

Safety standards are moving at a considerable pace, with regulations constantly being reviewed and updated. Within this guide we have focused on the following areas:

• Use of the correct safety equipment
• Hand arm vibration
• Working at heights
• Elimination of dust
• Noise
• WEE directive
• Manual handling

Safety Equipment

To help you identify the correct safety equipment to use when operating a particular piece of equipment, we have used the following symbols throughout this guide. All site safety and personal protection equipment can be purchased from your local Jewson Tool Hire branch.

	EYE PROTECTION Wear suitable goggles, minimum EN166 Grade B.
	DUST MASKS This equipment creates dust and a suitable dust mask (e.g. fold flat to minimum EN149) or respirator should be worn.
	EAR DEFENDERS This equipment has high noise levels and earplugs or general purpose ear defenders should be worn.
	SAFETY FOOTWEAR Where a risk to the feet is present we recommend the use of industrial footwear incorporating steel toecaps, to EN345.
	PROTECTIVE GLOVES This equipment presents a hazard to your hands. Appropriate gauntlets, PVC, cotton or rigger gloves should be worn.
	SAFETY HELMETS Must always be worn on construction sites but helmets are recommended with some items of equipment wherever it is used, to the minimum of EN397.
	DIAMOND WHEEL Diamond products are available for this machine. They are safer to use, eliminating the risk of wheels shattering, and have a much longer working life.
	POWER BREAKER RCD UNITS A Residual Current Device provides protection against electric shock. We recommend RCDs when using electrical equipment (240 volt) outside or in damp conditions.

Hand Arm Vibration

It is estimated that around five million workers are exposed to Hand Arm Vibration syndrome (HAV) in the workplace. HAV or Vibration White Finger is a widespread condition within the industry, and it can lead to serious injury and long-term damage to hands and muscles. It is caused by frequent exposure to high vibration equipment such as power tools.

The Symptoms

• Pins and needles
• Numbness or pain in fingers
• Fingers turning white
• Stiffness and difficulty in handling small items

Symptoms may be triggered by colder temperatures.

The regulations - understanding the terminology

Regulations introduced in 2005 indicate the severity of this syndrome and the importance of preventing it. "The Control of Vibration at Work 2005" regulations mean that employers need to take steps to assess and reduce vibration risks:

• Control risks where exposure exceeds 2.5m/s2 A(8) (averaged over an 8-hour period). This figure is the
• Exposure Action Value (EAV), the daily amount of vibration permitted before employers must take steps to control risk.
• Make sure that exposure never exceeds 5m/s2 A(8) (averaged over an 8-hour period). This figure is the Exposure Limit Value (ELV), the maximum level of exposure allowed by the regulations. Under these recent laws the EAV and ELV must be measured as the sum of the vibration in three axes (the Vibration Total Value) - not just by using the dominant axis as before.

How do you reduce the risk of HAV? As an employer:

• Identify whether there is an existing problem
• Question whether the job can be done another way
• Select the right equipment - familiarise yourself with the vibration levels and ask for advice
• Provide staff with information and training on methods of controlling risks
• Do not ignore employee symptoms
• Ensure that you only provide tools that are regularly serviced
• Always use sharp accessories, replace blunt drills or chisels
• Provide reports to the relevant authorities of HAVS cases amongst staff

As an employee:

• Don't grip the tool too tightly, let the tool do the work
• Follow operating instructions
• Don't ignore the symptoms - report them to your employer immediately
• Ensure that you are trained and fully up to date with new legislation
• Always wear good gloves and keep warm and dry

How are vibration levels measured?

The Hire Association of Europe (HAE) undertook a comprehensive review of the available equipment to compile a database of vibration readings. Vibration is measured in 'meters per second squared'. This is abbreviated to M/S2 or MS-5, with the last figure indicating the vibration level. The higher the figure the greater the vibration level. This database will be supported by a simple colour-coded means of identifying the appropriate level of usage for each piece of equipment.

Green Low vibration levels between 0-5 M/S2
8 hours maximum daily usage

Amber Medium vibration levels between 5-10 M/S2
2 hours maximum daily usage

Red High vibration levels over 10 M/S2
Assess the risk on an individual basis.
Minimal usage time

The table below will help you to assess machine risk.

Please Note: makes and models may differ, in these cases the highest value is given.

The information provided by the HAE in its database will continue to change as more machines are tested and added. For the latest information, please ask at your local Jewson Tool Hire branch. To help you identify the potential risk, we have included a simple colour-coded symbol against relevant tools. These symbols equate to the HAE scheme.

To help you identify the potential risk, we have included a simple colour-coded symbol against relevant tools. These symbols equate to the HAE scheme.

Maximum Usage

	Low vibration levels	8 hours daily
	Medium vibration levels	2 hours daily
	High vibration levels	Asses risk (see table)

We have also included the manufacturer's figures for vibration levels in M/S2 against the relevant products.

Important

As the HAE continues its work and new assessments are completed, the available information will be updated. The information provided is therefore as current and as accurate as possible. For the most up-to-date information, please consult your local Jewson Tool Hire branch.

Working at Heights

Falls from height account for 50% of fatal accidents and over 4,000 major injuries every year. The 'Work at Height' Regulations 2005 apply to all work at any height where there is risk of a fall or personal injury. This can also mean loading and unloading from your vehicle. The legislation has been developed to support the use of safe working practices. It sets out the employer's responsibility for risk assessment, correct equipment selection and usage, and supervision and training.

What is involved in risk assessment?

• Avoid working at heights wherever possible. With tools now available and advance planning, many jobs can be completed from the safety of the ground.


• Ensure that everything possible is being done to prevent falls. Use the correct equipment and ensure that it is used properly and in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.


• If working at heights is unavoidable, everything possible must be done to minimise the effect of a possible fall. Ensure that the correct safety equipment is worn at all times and that health and safety procedures, including staff training, are adhered to. Ask at your local Jewson Tool Hire branch for advice on alternative equipment and personal safety equipment.

Aluminium towers

We now offer the 3T (Through the Trap) method of erecting aluminium towers.

Instead of climbing on the outside of aluminium access towers, increasing the risks of a serious fall, the 3T (Through the Trap) method allows operators to ascend through platforms. With this method, guardrails can be added to the level above while sitting down - decreasing the risk of injury.

This method is recommended by PASMA (the trade association for the mobile tower industry) and developed in association with the Health and Safety Executive. Our towers are supplied by Euro Towers Ltd.

Jewson Tool Hire are proud to have fully PASMA trained staff in every branch. Full and comprehensive assembly guides are also issued with each hire, and we will be pleased to advise you on all aspects of tower safety.

Towers should be tied in place whenever possible. (This is a requirement of towers 12m and above). Always folow the manufacturer's instructions. Ask at your local Jewson Tool Hire branch for advice on alternative equipment and personal safety equipment.

5 major rules for working at height

• All work at height should be fully planned and organised
• Ensure those who work at height are fully trained
• A full risk assessment must be carried out and the correct equipment used
• The risks of fragile surfaces have to be noted and controlled
• Have all equipment inspected and fully maintained

Manual Handling

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 2002 help employers tackle risks associated with activities such as lifting, lowering and pushing, pulling and carrying. If employers cannot avoid hazardous manual handling tasks, everything possible to reduce the risk must be done.

Reducing the risk of manual handling
Assess hazardous operations

• Avoid manual handling where possible
• Use manual handling aids
• Train staff fully on correct lifting techniques

Note: The HSE recommends the use of material lifting equipment such as vacuum lifters to handle and lay kerbs.

Nuisance Dust

What is dust?
Dust is made from 'airborne particulates' which occur as a result of everyday work including cutting, grinding and drilling. These wood, stone or asbestos fibres can be hazardous to health if inhaled.

Modern tools have systems to control this, but additional help is often required to reduce or prevent exposure to harmful dust. A respirator is a good first step to achieving this, but further methods must also be considered to reduce exposure to dust both to equipment users and other staff in the same environment.

As studies prove that dust is a major factor in ill-health in the workplace, the 'Control of Substances Hazardous to Health' regulations were introduced in 2002 to make sure qualified personnel carry out your risk assessment.

Types of dust control available
Local collection - bags for low-risk activities
Water suppression - for use with petrol products
Extraction:

• Standard filtered extractor
• HEPA rated dust extractor (HEPA = High Efficiency Particulate Air)

Reducing the risk of dust

• Carry out a full risk assessment identifying any hazardous materials
• Select equipment with the best dust control
• Use tools with extraction, collection or suppression systems
• Protect the workplace from contamination
• Avoid sweeping - this creates dust clouds

Remember PPE must be used at all times.

Noise

The "Control of Noise at Work" regulations came into effect on 6th April 2006, replacing the "Noise at Work" regulations 1989.

The new additions in the 2006 regulations include:

• The two action levels for daily noise exposure have been reduced by 5dB to 85dB and 80dB
• There are now TWO peak action values - 135dB and 137dB
• New exposure limit values of 87dB and 140dB (peak noise) - these should never be exceeded, and must take into account ear-protection
• Where there is a risk of long-term hearing disorders, health surveillance must be provided

Under the regulations employers should:

• Assess the risks to your employees from noise at work
• Take action to reduce the noise exposure
• Hearing protection must be provided if noise exposure cannot be removed by other methods

Reducing the risk of noise

• Use ear protection at all times
• For risk of long-term noise damage, get advice from a qualified noise or health and safety professional
• Assess the working environment as this can impact on noise levels

More information can be found on the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk.
Note: A large number of hire power tools will produce noise levels above the action values. Where this information is known, we have included the decibel levels provided by the manufacturers in this brochure.

WEE Directive

The following statement sets out our policy on the WEEE directive:

Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK Ltd. (SGBD UK) and its subsidiary companies (including Jewson Tool Hire) fully recognise their obligations under the requirements of the WEEE directive.

SGBD UK has taken the following actions to comply with the WEEE directive:

• To undertake the Household element of the distribution obligation; SGBD UK has joined Valpak WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. The SGBD UK Registration ID under this scheme is 2278
• To undertake the Business element of the distributor obligation; SGBD UK has passed the requirement to take back WEEE from business users to the business user by incorporating a statement into its terms and conditions of sale
• To undertake the Producer responsibility obligation of the WEEE Directive; SGBD UK has joined the REPIC compliance scheme to which it makes regular monthly returns. The SGBD UK membership number under this scheme is WEE/BG0058TS

Asbestos

Asbestos represents a significant danger. Obtain information on asbestos in the free leaflet available in-branch, or visit www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller for more information.

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