26th July 2006, 02:13 PM
Invisible
These issues are covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPEWR 1992).
Essentially the employer carries out an assessment of risks and hazards, decides what PPE is appropriate, and then issues it (free) to employees as appropriate.
There is no 'blanket' requirement for hard hats or Hi-Viz (or safety boots for that matter) on archaeological sites - this is for the employer to decide after assessing the risks and hazards.
PPE should only be issued and used if there is no other practical way of reducing the risks, eg. you might issue Hi-Viz if working on the central reservation of a dual-carriageway, but it would be more sensible to eliminate most of the risk by having the road closed for the duration of the works (extreme example - no comment required).
When issued to employees, PPE has to be in good condition and appropriate for the purpose - sufficient instruction should be provided. Adequate storage and maintenance facilities should be provided.
For employees, PPE should be used correctly when issued - wearing of hard hats the wrong way round constitutes improper use and could leave an employee open to disciplinary proceedings (and even a criminal charge if the HSE get involved).
Beamo
These issues are covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPEWR 1992).
Essentially the employer carries out an assessment of risks and hazards, decides what PPE is appropriate, and then issues it (free) to employees as appropriate.
There is no 'blanket' requirement for hard hats or Hi-Viz (or safety boots for that matter) on archaeological sites - this is for the employer to decide after assessing the risks and hazards.
PPE should only be issued and used if there is no other practical way of reducing the risks, eg. you might issue Hi-Viz if working on the central reservation of a dual-carriageway, but it would be more sensible to eliminate most of the risk by having the road closed for the duration of the works (extreme example - no comment required).
When issued to employees, PPE has to be in good condition and appropriate for the purpose - sufficient instruction should be provided. Adequate storage and maintenance facilities should be provided.
For employees, PPE should be used correctly when issued - wearing of hard hats the wrong way round constitutes improper use and could leave an employee open to disciplinary proceedings (and even a criminal charge if the HSE get involved).
Beamo