Sample combined Risk Assessment for Access Platforms, Scissor Lifts, Scaffolds, Towers, Boards & Flat Roofs PRIVATE Introductory Note: Microbee's bird proofing activities are carried out on around 400 buildings each year. Each poses its own unique problems in terms of risks and safety. This document seeks to identify factors common to all sites and is not an exhaustive list of all possible combinations of risks in all situations. Description of Activity This general risk assessment and arrangements covers the normal use of Aerial Platforms, Scissor Lifts, Scaffold, Access Boards, Towers & Roofs (access device) used within the workplace for access to the job area. The workplace being any location in which the employees of Microbee are called upon to install our products such as anti-perching devices or enclosure nets or to remove fouling. The activities involved may be: Installation or erection of Posts, Nets, Cables or Wires Drilling holes in metal or masonry Driving metal with hammers Welding small pieces Crimping Hog Ringing Hanging Nets Placing & Removal of repellent gel Sterilising & Removal of Fouling  Persons at Risk Users of the access device and tools are especially at risk. Other persons within the vicinity and below the access device may be at risk from the following hazards: Splinters of wood, metal or stone falling down Electricity, TV & Telephone Cables (entanglement) Entanglement with net, wires or own power cables Tripping, slipping or falling due to cramped or cluttered workplace Using incorrect tools or blunt tools Work piece or location at an awkward angle leading to incorrect posture Dust and fumes Electricity Noise Falling from access device or items dropped from access device Disturbed organisms from Pigeon fouling which may transmit disease. Other specific hazards may arise from:  Tool wear Sharing site with other contractors working at height Manoeuvring platforms whilst in the raised position Manoeuvring platform without due regard for the "elbow" overhang at rear. Manoeuvring platforms onto soft ground. Using access device in windy conditions. Using more than one platform in close proximity. Working close to the edge of a flat roof. Dislodging tiles, slates, guttering or mortar from a roof slope or chimmney stack. Working from cradles close to large glazed areas. Risk Analysis & Evaluation The following actions should reduce the risk of the above hazards to an acceptable level. The prospects of the likelihood and severity of significant hazards, taking into account existing and planned protective and preventative measures are thereby reduced to acceptable levels. Arrangements - Training Items 1, 10 & 19 should be covered by the placement of cones, tapes and diversion signs used to construct an exclusion area beneath the work area. Items 2, 3, 12, 19 & 20 should be identified in the site survey by the supervisor. Items 4,7,9 & 10 are provided for in each technicians PPE. All are provided with Overalls, Dust Masks, Face Masks, Hard Hats, Gloves, Safety Boots, Goggles and Ear Plugs as needed. These items are regularly checked by supervisory staff. Noise may also be a problem in that noise levels under or near large surfaces may hinder attempts at communication and obvious hand-signals may be needed. Item 5 is partly covered by regular training in the proper use of tools and equipment as part of our ongoing training program. It is also partly covered by the regular checking of tools and equipment for suitability and wear by the supervisory staff. Item 6 is covered by training in the use of the platform of our operatives by the hiring company. Larger platforms are supplied complete with their own trained operator. Item 8 is covered by the use of 110V equipment and transformers to reduce the possibility of shock when drilling on building sites. Item 10 is covered by regular checking of equipment which includes harnesses and lanyards and readily available new spares swapped on a new for old basis. Item 11 is not normally a problem since pigeon deterrent works are usually the last item to be carried out. Where there are other contractors working, we will normally liase with them to ensure that our works and methods do not interfere with each other. Items 12-15 should be identified at site before use. Items 16 & 20 requires extra care to be taken when manoeuvring close to or working in concert with technicians in other platforms. Hazards in all planes must be identified.  Management Control  Set safe methods of work are laid down and regular training sessions are carried out to ensure that a good standard is achieved by all taking part. Training in the use and maintenance of PPE including ropes and harnesses is provided. Part of the duties of the site supervisors is to ensure that procedures are followed, PPE is worn and safety precautions taken. Site supervisors ensure that only those trained to operate the platform are allowed to do so and that site hazards such as power cables and telephone wires are identified and pointed out in advance to the technicians. Site owners or clients are expected to provide information on any hazards specific to their site which our technicians might not be aware of. Procedures for Danger Any defects with the access device to be reported immediately to the client, supervisor and/or the hire company. The access device to be withdrawn from service and an alternative access device or means provided. Monitoring & Review Access devices are supplied with a current inspection and safety certificates. If there is a problem, a new unit is supplied or remedial measures taken. If there is a problem caused by the use of an access device, the circumstances should be promptly investigated and procedures established to prevent any further occurrences. Accident/incident investigation Prompt investigation of any accident/incident will be undertaken by Mr Channon or Mr Brettel or Ms Murfitt and any remedial procedures required will be implemented. All accidents whether RIDDOR or not are entered in the company accident book including a descriptive statement of the circumstances by the person concerned. Review The circumstances of our products and services require the company to work in a wide variety of locations and it would be impossible to exhaustively list them. Our procedures have to adapt to some extent to cover them. Microbee has a Health & Safety supervisor with a brief to review our procedures and adapt or amend them to suit new situations. Site Specific assessments should be written for larger sites.   Home    About Us  Service Levels  Services for:- Property Managers Catering Construction Architects Householders Research Pest Information- Birds Insects Rodents  Published Research    Contact Us    Jobs