21st February 2006, 04:43 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by beamo
The SCAUM manual basically tells archaeological units which H&S regulations, policies and guidance are likely to apply to their work. In this it is fairly accurate and up to date, but there are some contentious issues.......Beamo
Hi Beamo
I have to disagree. The SCAUM manual is more than that. It does offer advice and guidance on setting up safe systems of work and sets these within the up-to-date legislative frameworks. Even if it was as basic as you describe it would still be a very worthwhile resource for the field archaeologist. By its legalistic nature H&S documentation is couched in terms like 'reasonably practicable' - such legal terms are there for good reason. Let's take your example of 1.2m depth limit. Our H&S manual does not state a depth, for the same reason that SCAUM don't. Different soils have different properties (a topic well covered in the SCAUM manual) - they require assessment. 1.2m on soils with little cohesion would be daft!
You are right that all staff should see a H&S policy doc, but it is hardly going to equip you with all the required info. These documents are often written because they have to be, with all the right boxes ticked.
Bottom line though - I would like all fieldwork staff to have access to this so they can assess its worth.
Cheers
PS also have a background in H&S implementation
