Cooky Health And Safety

 
           Introduction

  
    Take The fear Out Of The Kitchen 


  Free Healthy cookery classes, Basic Hygiene Langworthy Cornerstone,Salford,Manchester,England,UK, Tel 01612124400 The Cooky Chef

       

                 Health and safety is a huge area of importance. It is a legal requirement to exercise a duty of care, ( If you are unsure of anything in the U.K. why not consult the Health and safety Executive, their logo is above). to yourself, and others around you, in the workplace. If you do not work safely, kitchens can be very dangerous places, to be in.Would you want to put yourself, at risk, or anyone around you, with any hazards, causing you or someone around you, harm.
                  That is why, I have all these links, on my website. Links like health and safety start you off, they are not to be put at the back of the list. The heccookery.com will be a very useful tool, to have on your computer. Lots of health and safety information, will be going on this link. Too much for you to ignore, whether you are setting up, a kitchen, in your own home, or one in a business, this information will be where you start. Coming from a wealth of knowledge in health and safety work, doing inspections and investigations, can you afford to ignore this link. Cost of non compliance of health and safety may be fines,accidents, breaking equipment, loss of 
money, loss of lives,loss of business, imprisonment, well the list is endless, so as I have said, this section will keep being updated, with a wealth of information, that I have.If I can help you,with a question you may have and I know the answer, why not visit the chat box on this site. For all catering learners, this website will be a must, in the favourites box. Generally, there should be something here, for everyone, as we all have to eat.

              Thankyou for visiting www.heccookery.com

       Work Healthily And Work Safely

         Observe the Health and Safety six pack below

1) Machinery design and guarding safety

   
 Introduction

         Safety with machinery is extremely important. There are lots of potential hazards which can be avoided. The dangers come in two physical ways, which are machinery hazards including entanglement, impact, traps, contact, ejection of parts and failure of components in or on the machine.
     The non-machinery hazards include - exposure to chemical sources, pressure, temperature, noise, failure, vibration and radiation, computer control and the person carrying out the task.
     It needs to be recognised that there are two areas here, where the machine may break down as parts need renewing. The parts being available to protect the operator,such as guards or safety mechanisms not fitted or available is the other.Now lets have a look at the steps through this process.

                  Risk Assessment

          The risk depends on the circumstances of the machines being used and how they are used. The approach to the machine and ease of access, adequate and quality supervision of the way the operator uses the machinery is paramount. It is extremely important for the operator and the management structure to recognise a risk to anyone and put in appropriate safety measures to reduce the likelihood of harm to a safe level. Knowledge, skills and training will make the workplace safer.

                 Machine Guarding

          There are five different ways that people can come to harm when using machines, these are :- Traps - being trapped by the machine, Impact - Being struck by a part,Contact - with something electrical or sharp. Entanglement - Your ring, hair or clothing may be caught up in the machine. Ejection - something being thrown off the machine such as sparks or chips.


              Types Of Machinery Guard

    1) Fixed Guard.
    2) Interlocked Guard.
    3) Control Guard.
    4)  Automatic Guard.
    5) Distance Guard.
    6) Adjustable Guard.
    7) Self - Adjusting Guard.
    8) Trip Devices.
    9) Two- Hand Control Devices.


          Methods Of Preventing Machinery Accidents


    A) Eliminating the cause of the danger.
     B) Reducing or eliminating the need for people to approach the dangerous part of the machine.
     C) Making access to the dangerous part difficult or providing safe devices so that access does not lead to injury.
     D) the provision of protective clothing or equipment.


     The safety of the operators and those nearby can be achieved by :-



       1) Training  to improve people ability to recognise danger.
     2) Redesigning to make dangers more obvious or use warning signs.
     3) Training to improve skills in avoiding injury.
     4) Improving motivation to take the necessary avoiding action.



                          Safety By Design


      1) Intrinsic safety - A process where the safety is put in at the design stage possibly through devices etc.
      2) Control selection - controls in the correct position,the correct type,removing accidental start up,have a directional link,distinguished by direction of movement,possessed of distinguishing features such as size colour and feel.
       3)Failure to safety - Designers should make sure that machines fail to be safe and not to danger which could harm someone.
       4) Maintenance and Isolation Procedures - The machine should be fitted with adequate lock off devices so they can be cleaned and serviced by a competent person.
       5) Safety by position - Keeping parts of machines out of reach.
       6 ) Machine layout - Putting the machine in a safe place,tidy cables and pipes,good access for cleaning and maintaining,good spacing and lighting.


         Legal Requirements



     It is a legal requirement for manufacturers,designers,importers and suppliers to make sure the equipment is safe as far as reasonably practicable.under the Health And Safety At Work Act 1974 (section 6).
    These details have been extended in The Management of Health And Safety At Work act Regulations 1992.

     
 

  


     Mechanical Handling

   Introduction 

    Mechanical handling is very important.Fork lift trucks and cranes are examples of these.The operators need training of quality and an understanding of the implications to themselves and those around them if things go wrong.so the safe use of mechanical aids is paramount.

 What can Happen

    1)The support may fail that the mechanical equipment is on.
     2) Collision with another vehicle or cable.
     3) Loss of load ,damaged lifting tackle or done wrong.
     4) The load may be too much.
     5) The operator may have a problem such as poor training etc.
     6) The machine may overturn.
       7) Poor maintenance of machinery. 


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            There are lots of safety measures that can be put in place to avoid lots of these things happening,such as :-
  good lifting tackle,no passengers,load indicators,good access,good controls,over travel switches,and a good operating position.Trucks need to go by these measures also as well as keeping a check on fuel and chemicals as inadequate safety can lead to explosions and fires.There are lots of other safety measures with vehicles but the basic principles apply.With machinery most of the hazards are trapping,entanglement,being struck by objects,contact and vibration,noise etc.These tend to be on conveyers and belt type machines.


            Legal Requirements

              This is generally covered under the 1974 Health and safety at work Act but there are more details in the Management of health and Safety at Work regulations 1992 and The provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992.


 

            

             
                  Manual Handling

   Introduction


             This is a huge area of importance as it is probably the biggest area of injuries in the workplace. There are injuries such as :-cuts,strains,bruises,amputations,sprains,burns,back injuries etc just to name a few. The fact is that many of these injuries result in the worker needing more than 3 days off as a result of the injury.Many of these can be avoided.
          In some cases the Health and Safety Executive in the U.K. will be involved to do an investigation as to why the accident or injury occured.Then what can be done to stop it happening again.


       Injuries From Manual Handling


   1) Ligament and tendon injury
   2) Muscular and nerve injuries.
   3) Disc injuries.
   4) Cuts,fractures and abrasions.
   5) Hernias.

          The injuries during the lifting and handling are generally pushing,pulling,carrying and lifting.



     Assessments In Manual Handling
 
        Questions need to be asked to avoid any injury and looking at who and how,when and where, the tasks are going to perform is vital to get it right.

     1) The task - what does it involve such as movement,pushing,pulling etc.
     2) The individuals capability.Are they strong enough,tall,small,too large,poor medical condition,poor health,untrained etc.
     3) The load - is it bulky,heavy,long,sharp,unstable.
     4) The working environment - the temperature,the lighting,good flooring,space etc.

       

           Safe Lifting

 
         There are eight points to observe to lift safely.



   1) Check the load weight,size,position and destination.
   2) Keep arms close to the body when lifting
   3) Keep back straight and knees bent.
   4) Try to use your body weight to your advantage but be aware of it.
   5) Keep your chin tucked in.
   6) Take a secure grip.
   7) Try to get help if you need it.
   8) If many people are handling the object co- ordinate it.

   
    RISK ASSESSMENTS

         
                   In 1974 which is the main Health And Safety at work Act.Risk assessments were brought in to help both the employees and employers get a safe workplace.This act has been updated with the 1992 health and safety regulations.
                  A risk assessment is a piece of documentation which is written up generally by the manager or person in charge.It will look at where,when,and who and how the task will be done and what with.A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm but a risk is the likelihood of it happening.The risk assessment will be done to put control measures in place.
                   There are two types of risk assessment known as a quantitative risk assessment which is based on probability from the information given and the other is qualitative which is based on general data and personal judgement..
                     The codes of practice say that where there are more than 5 employees all the significant hazard findings should be recorded and control measures put in place. In the workplace when all the tasks and equipment have been risk assessed work may commence,but if there are any changes to that procedure or equipment then the risk assessment will have to be re- visited to change the documentation.


 The contents of a risk assessment are :-



  1) Applicable standards.
  2) Evaluation of risks.
  3) Review dates and feedback details.
  4) Hazard details.
  5) Preventive measures.

 
   

        C.O.S.H.H. Regulations 1994

          

                   This is the control of substances hazardous to health. Most workplaces have c.o.s.h.h. work sheets to adhere to.Basically information is on all chemicals is checked for risk against exposure levels.These steps must be taken :- 

  1) All suitable and sufficient assessments must be carried out by a competent person.
  2) All reasonable and practicable steps must be taken to prevent exposure to substances hazardous to health.
  3) that there adequate health surveillance where employees are exposed to hazardous substances or where there is a likelihood that the employees health could be affected.
  4) All employees should be provided with adequate information,instruction and training by the employers.
  5) there needs to be monitoring procedures in operation where employees are exposed to hazardous substances subject to control measures.
  6) Manufacturers hazard data sheets should be provided.
  7) Hazard data sheets also need to show as well as the summary of information :-  control measures,consequences of them failing,emergency procedures,estimate of exposure and resultant health risk,action required and person responsible and the date the action has been completed,information,instructions and training required by employees.
  8) There should be appropriate markings and hazard warning symbols displayed in accordance with the chemicals (hazard information and packaging for supply) regulations 1994 and any other relevant regulation.

          FIRST AID



                The first aid regulations 1981 is about minimising the consequences of injury or illness until medical help can be obtained.A first aider who has been trained can be the difference of life or death.Many people have been kept alive through the actions of someone stepping forward to help them. This is even better if the person is a first aider as they have some basic skills to keep the person breathing and prepared for the professionals arriving.Remember your actions could really help if you learn a few basics in first aid.



          There are different things to consider such as:-



   1) Difficult access to treatment
   2) Employees working away from employers premises.
   3) Provision for non - employees.
   4) Employees of more than one employer working together.
   5) Different work activities.



                    In the health and safety the regulations for first aid, it requires  that the employer provides adequate first aid equipment, the provision of adequate trained personnel and that employees receive information on where the first aid boxes are and who are the first aiders



.

Free Healthy cookery classes, Basic Hygiene Langworthy Cornerstone,Salford,Manchester,England,UK, Tel 01612124400 The Cooky Chef
 



DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT 1992

             

                         Many questions need to be asked when working with computers.It is important to feel comfortable so selecting an adjustable chair with a good back rest is important.The ergonomics of how you work such as your desk height and keyboard rounded with lots of room for your hands.Good ventilation and limiting your time in front of the screen.Here are some of the details needed to comply with the regulations.


  1) Has there been a suitable assessment of the workstation.
  2) Is the assessment reviewed regular.
  3) Is there agreed provision for taking breaks.
  4) Do all operators receive eye tests.
  5) Are there any health symptoms or complaints unresolved.
  6) Have all operators received information,instructions and training for doing the job.
  7) Are all who operate trained to minimise risks.
  8) Is there regular environmental monitoring.
  9)Do any alterations comply with health and safety standards.
  10) Are pregnant women or people with health issues allowed to transfer to suitable work away from display screens.
   11) Is the equipment safe,flexible and ready to use
   12) Are there adequate breakdown procedures.
   13) Are the desks and chairs suitable for purpose.
   14) Has consideration been given to the job design.
    



   

 

       
             R.I.D.D.O.R.

          

                         The reporting of diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations 1995 Is about and accident or injury being reported to the Health And Safety Executive.These injuries include  eye injuries,amputation,fractures,electric shocks,loss of consciousness,acute illness from exposure to toxins or materials or biological agents or absorption through the skin or inhalation,Dislocation of shoulder,spine,hip or Knee.


        The regulations require :-

  1) Reporting of certain diseases and dangerous occurrences.
  2) Reporting of gas related incidents and dangerous gas fittings.
  3) Record keeping and reports,notifications sent to the enforcing authority.
  4) Further assistance to be given to the enforcing authority which they may require.

 
    
       Safety with Transport


            It is very important not to just have the right vehicle but the proper training in its use.Many checks on the maintenance of the vehicles will have to be done regular.Generally there are many reasons why transport accidents occur and these are :-

   1) Collision.
   2) Impact.
   3) Explosion.
   4) Poor maintenance.
   5) Entanglement
   6) Contact.
   7) Overturning.
   8) Operator / Supervisor error.

  The five main elements of safety in transport are :-

   1) Control of visiting drivers.
   2) Accident investigation.
   3) Driver selection instruction and supervision.
   4) Preventative maintenance and vehicle repair.
   5) Workplace traffic control.

 
    Personal Protective Equipment 1992



              It is important to have the correct uniform or protective overalls and equipment for your safety in doing your job in the workplace.These are the issues which need to be looked at.

  1) Is suitable P.P.E. provided.
  2) Is the P.P.E. suitable for work and the tasks.
  3) Is there adequate storage for P.P.E. preventing from contamination,dirt,loss,or damage.
  4) Are there proper arrangements for reporting and dealing with loss or defects.
  5) Are employees given training,instructions,and information on the P.P.E.
  6) Can risks be reduced without using P.P.E.
  7) Have Health and Safety risks been assessed and recorded.
  8) Does the assessment get reviewed regular.

    

    Inspections And Investigations 1992


              Safety inspections can be carried out daily in some work places but a full inspection is recommended every three months.this should identify and issues which have not already been brought to the attention of the manager or supervisor. A health and safety officer may do the inspection or a manager or supervisor.The records and details of the findings will need to be kept.The two objectives of inspection are the identification of hazards and the improvement of the operations and conditions.
             Techniques of inspection can be asking questions,writing down information,using check lists,looking for unsafe behaviour and correcting it,measuring and recording,reading older reports and following up problems,It is very important to have the experience and knowledge of what you are observing or the inspection will not be a good one.

  Safety investigations are similar to inspections only more thorough.The process of this usually has eight features.

      1) Investigation.
      2) Analysis of results.
      3) Report.
      4) Equipment.
      5) Procedure.
      6) Presentation of results.
      7) Purpose.
      8) Recording of results.

    
        Workplace Health And Safety

    
            This section covers many areas such as :-


         Lighting,ventilation,temperature and room dimensions etc.

 Here are some of the issues needed to comply with the 1974 act updated to 1992.

 1) Has there been a suitable workplace assessment.
 2) Are there any regulations which require specific requirements,
 3) has the assessment been reviewed.
 4) Are there any safety representitives.
 5) Is there a suitable quantity of fresh air.
 6) Is the workplace free from uncomfortable draughts.
 7) Do blinds work properly.
 8) do windows open properly.
 9) Is air conditioning maintained regular.
 10) Is the temperature controlled to a reasonable level.
 11) Have other factors been assessed when controlling the temperature.
 12) Is the temperature unavoidably hot or cold.
 13) Is any excessive heat emitted from equipment.
 14) Is the temperature monitored regular in the workroom.
 15) Is lighting suitable and sufficient.
 16) Are the premises clean
 17) Is cleaning carried out without exposing anyone to any dust,fumes,flammable,dangerous substances,vibrating or moving machinery,trailing cables..
 18) Is there any risk from overcrowding. i.e too many people in the room.
 19) Is every workstation suitable for the worker and the work done.
 20) Are the seats suitable.
 21) Is the storage safe.
 22)Are all floors,gangways,steps,passages and other traffic routes suitable for the purpose which they are used.
 23) Are any staircases or slopes provided with a hand rail.
 24) Have the needs of disabled people been assessed.
 25) Are any outside fences and gates secure.
 26) Has the risk assessment included measures to prevent anyone falling a distance likely to cause injury.
 27) Is any tank or pit properly covered securely or fenced.
 28) Have fixed ladders been removed and a staircase fitted.
 29) Are sudden changes in levels properly marked.
 30)Are materials and objects stacked safely.
 31) Are there proper procedures when working on roofs.
 32) Are there measures to protect people loading and unloading vehicles.

 33) Are measures in place for overhead working.
 34) Does scaffolding meet the requirements of the construction industry
 35) Are windows transparent or translucent in gates or doors,partitians etc
 36) Are the bottom edges of windows at least 800mm above the floor or guarded.
 37) Are windows skylights constructed so they can be easily cleaned.
 38) Are windows skylights ventilators safe when opened.
 39) Is suitable provision made if windows cannot be cleaned from the ground or a suitable surface.
 40) Are traffic routes suitable for persons and vehicles using them.
 41) Has any thought gone into the way vehicles reverse.
 42) Is the workplace organised so vehicles and pedestrians can move around safely.
 43) Are all the safety rules applying where pedestrians have to cross.
 44) Do loading bays have sufficient exits are areas to prevent being crushed.
 45) Are hazards which cannot be eliminated clear with signs.
 46) Do any doors open in such a way to cause a hazard.
 47) Are all doors and gates suitably constructed.
 48) Do doors and gates meet the building regulations.
 49) Do doors and gates in the building meet the buildings regulations and fire regulations.
 50) Are escalators and walkways safe and properly equipped.
 51) Are adequate precautions in place to prevent injury.
 52) Do employees have good toilet,sanitary conveniences and washing facilities which are maintained and cleaned regular.
 53) Are there precautions to prevent legionnaires disease.
 54) Is there a clean supply of drinking water clearly marked and free from any contamination which is easily accessible.
 55) Is there accommodation for clothing which is clean,dry,well lit,separate for men and women and where you can get changed and free from toxic substances.
 56) Are accidents and injuries recorded properly.
 57) Are all occupational diseases,injuries and fatalities and dangerous occurances reported to the proper authorities.
 58) Are all employees aware what to do in the event of an accident or injury.


 

  

   Electricity and Electrical Equipment

   There are so many reasons for electrical problems and doing the wrong thing can end up in a serious injury or death.It is often best left to a competent person who is adequately qualified to do the task.                                     The three main reasons for electrical failure are :- 

     Electric shock, Electrical fires and electrical burns.
  There are around 10 preventative measures to observe

    1) Maintenance.
    2) Fuses.
    3) Circuit breakers.
    4) Insulation.
    5) Isolation.
    6) Earthing.
    7) Reduced voltage.
    8) Safe system of work.
    9) Residual current devices.
   10) Competence

        

        Fire Safety 1971

          The fire precautions act was updated in the management of health and safety at work act 1992.It is very important to always look at the risk of a fire.There are so many ways a fire can be caused.Not allowing a build up of paper or cardboard would be good.Making sure all electrical items are safe and tested at regular periods.Making sure no flammable liquids are around but locked safely away in a cupboard or safe cool storage area.Good smoke detectors and alarms working and proper fire doors, escape routes and fire fighting equipment.The more you look at safety and do regular inspections of your workplace the less likely you will have a problem and keep an eye on your protection strategies.In kitchens try not to cook chips in a pan of oil but buy a fryer which has a thermal cut out on it so it cannot burst into flames.If you leave a frying pan that will burst into flames also so do not leave pans unsupervised.
        Fire needs three elements :- Fuel,oxygen,and ignition.The four classes of fire are class A which is wood and paper,Class B which is liquid,Class c which is gasses,Class D which is metals but not electrical fires which you can extinguish with anything except water.
     
         There are 5 main fire hazards and these are :-


     A) Smoke.
     B) Gaseous combustion products.
     C) Smoke.
     D) Flame/ Heat.
     E) Oxygen depletion.

 

     

      Safe System of work


   A safe system of work will need to be set up.There are 5 steps to devising a goo safe system of work.These are :- 
   1) Definition of a safe method.
   2) monitoring the system.
   3)Assessment of the task.
   4) Identification of the hazard and assessment of the risk.
   5) Implimentation of the safe system

  The safe systems of work are generally required for cleaning tasks,working alone,contractors,emergencies,breakdowns,changes to routine,working away from normal work environment,vehicle operations and maintenance work.