Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Inspectors have the authority to enter and inspect
premises if they have reason to believe such a visit is
appropriate. In addition to inspecting the premises them-
selves, such a visit could involve interviewing respon-
sible persons, inspecting records, taking samples and
making whatever other enquiries are deemed necessary
to determine whether or not the responsible persons are
complying with the provisions of the Order.
1.4.3
Other supporting legislation
There are numerous pieces of legislation that support the
HSWA, MHSW and RRFSO. These are dealt with later in
the topic.
In terms of the principal legislation that has an impact
on the management of fi re safety the list includes:
Figure 1.18
Emergency plans required under CDM
➤
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The management of electrical supplies, systems
and equipment has a direct bearing on fi re safety
due to the high incidence of fi res started by elec-
trical sources - the regulations set a minimum
standard for the management of electrical sup-
plies, systems, etc.
➤
Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations
1992
➤
➤
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
1998
➤
As in the case of the Supply of Machinery (Safety)
Regulations 1992 (as amended) the duty is to
ensure that work equipment is safe and fi t for the
purpose; however, in PUWER the responsibilities
are directed toward the employer. Training and
the requirement to establish an ongoing mainte-
nance regime are also included the regulations.
➤
A range of issues are covered by the regulations
and include the maintenance of workplace equip-
ment, ventilation and lighting (including emer-
gency lighting) doors and windows.
➤
Environmental Protection Act 1990
This key piece of legislation identifi es roles and
responsibilities for key parties in the management
of pollution from emissions and discharges into
the environment. It also covers the management
of waste and establishes the requirement for the
management of controlled waste including that
as a result from fi re.
➤
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations 2002
➤
➤
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
2007
➤
All construction work comes under the CDM
Regulations. These regulations require the pro-
duction of a 'Construction Phase Plan' for activi-
ties taken during construction and a 'Health and
Safety File' to be produced following completion
of the project. The regulations allocate role and
responsibilities to key parties from client or devel-
opment company through to contractors under-
taking the actual works.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive
Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) are
concerned with the preventive and protective
requirements against the risks (fi re or explo-
sion) from dangerous substances that are used,
stored, etc. in the workplace. These regulations
interact strongly with the RRFSO with many simi-
lar facets.
➤
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended)
➤
Also covered in these regulations is the require-
ment to plan for emergencies, including fi re
during construction, alterations and maintenance
operations.
➤
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (as
amended)
➤
➤
Require all UK manufacturers and suppliers of
new machinery to make sure that it is safe and fi t
for purpose. The regulations also apply to refur-
bished secondhand machinery. Manufacturers
have duties which include the provision of safety
information to those who may use, maintain, etc.
the equipment (fi res can result from bearings run-
ning dry, friction, etc.)
➤
COSHH is the key set of regulations that are
concerned with the management of hazardous
materials within the workplace. A detailed piece
of legislation that places duties upon employers,
employees and the self-employed to manage
hazardous chemicals safely, from avoidance
through to personal protective equipment (PPE).
