Tag Archives: protective clothing

Turn Up The Heat On Fire Procedures In Your Workplace

DESPITE new legislation being introduced last year to reinforce the fact that employers in England must consider an employee’s capabilities when it comes to fire safety, the majority are still unaware of their obligations according to workplace equipment provider Slingsby.

The Fire Safety (Employees’ Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010 were introduced to clarify how fire-related tasks and assignments should be delegated to employees. As part of the legislation employers must consider what a worker is able and unable to do and how these capabilities may affect their ability to deal with fire-related risks.

Lee Wright, Marketing Director of Slingsby, which supplies 35,000 workplace products including an extensive range of fire safety equipment, explains: “Rather than being an extra burden for employers, these new regulations have been introduced to reinforce a workplace’s responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However the majority of businesses that we speak to are still unaware of the requirements and, as well as creating health and safety issues, this could put them at risk of prosecution.

“The regulations say that employers must carry out a fire safety risk assessment to identify what general fire precautions need to be in place. This should be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary. It must take a workers’ capabilities into consideration along with specific risks they face in their job role and where necessary employers should provide specific training. This also applies to fire wardens or marshals.”

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is still the primary legislation concerning all sectors of fire safety. As part of this employers are required to carry out a fire risk assessment to identify potential hazards and then take action to reduce them. They must also have a plan in place in case of an emergency as well as nominated people to assist in implementing it and all employees should be aware of the procedures.

All buildings must have adequate escape routes for their size and layout. In addition relevant signage should display fire procedures and highlight exits. In premises where employees could be unaware of a fire, either because it’s out of sight or they can’t hear warnings from colleagues, suitable fire alarms should be used and emergency lighting may be necessary in dark escape routes.

Usually one water based extinguisher is also required for each 200m2 of floor space, with a minimum of one extinguisher per floor. However in large or more complex premises, and depending on individual risks, a greater number or wider range of fire safety equipment could be required and some premises may also require hose reels, fire blankets or protective clothing.

Via EPR Network
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Take The Sun Seriously And Protect Your Workers, Says UK Safety Firm

With the summer months fast approaching, all parts of the UK are starting to enjoy some sunshine on a regular basis. It’s always quite amusing to see a colleague come into work after a weekend with a bright red nose after spending too much time in the sun, but there is a serious side to excess sun exposure.

Health and safety specialist Safetyshop has called on all companies that employ people to work outdoors to make sure they take steps to help protect their workers from the effects of sun exposure this summer. Due to Britain’s climate, providing staff with suitable sun protection is often not a high priority for most businesses, but prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is a serious problem.

Employers are responsible for their employees’ health and safety at work, and when it comes to protection from the sun there are a number of steps that can be taken. Getting workers to cover up and avoid exposure at lunchtime – the hottest part of the day – is a good start. Providing access to sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, and encouraging employees to wear workwear such as hats are also positive moves.

Safetyshop helps companies to look after their workforces by providing access to a huge range of products, but according to Bhavna Mistry, Product Manager at Safetyshop, a large number of companies remain oblivious to the dangers that the sun can pose.

Bhavna said: “The UK isn’t really known for its hot summers and blazing sunshine, which probably explains why businesses don’t always see the sun as a health and safety issue. However, people who work outside without sun protection are putting themselves at risk, and employers have a responsibility to act.

“With Safetyshop’s help, protecting workers against the sun’s rays is straightforward, which is why we are calling on all businesses to educate their
staff.”

Via EPR Network
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Safetyshop Products Help Employers Meet PPE at Work Regulations

Online retailer of essential safety products, personal protective equipment and workwear, Safetyshop.com, is offering businesses advice on how to comply with industry standards and regulations.

As one of the largest retailers of its kind, Safetyshop understands that it has a duty to its customers to provide information on what PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is necessary for businesses to have in order to meet UK and European health and safety laws.

Safetyshop explains that all employers have to meet basic rules regarding the provision and use of PPE at work and emphasises that many working environments must comply with Regulation 4 of the PPE at Work Regulation 1992, which outlines the mandatory use of protection for the face and eyes when at risk in a hazardous area.

Eye injuries can occur as a result of flying debris, dust and hazardous chemicals and in turn these can not only cause pain but also loss of earnings, loss of time and even loss of eyesight. Safetyshop offers an extensive range of face shields, overspecs, safety goggles and eye wash products to help minimise the risk of injury to the face and eyes.

All eye and face protection products available to buy online at Safetyshop.com comply with The industrial Eye Protection Standard EN166. Safetyshop emphasise that it is important to carefully consider the different hazards in the workplace in order to allow for the correct type of PPE to be chosen. This is true for all types of PPE and workwear.

Via EPR Network
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