Tool Hire Regulations

 

Dust regulations

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

These regulations are designed to help prevent exposure to crystalline silica and construction dust or, where unavoidable, to control airborne exposure limits to 0.1mg/m3 per 8 hour TWA. Under COSSH rules, a qualified person must carry out a risk assessment for any activity that might cause dust exposure.

Your risk assessment must include:

 

• Analysing your workplace to identify any hazardous substances or likelihood of extreme dust exposure
• Dealing with any hazards and eliminating risks as far as possible
• Making sure you and your workforce are safely equipped to do the job by eliminating, reducing, isolating and controlling dust or using PPE and discipline
• Giving your staff information and training on relevant hazards
• For full details of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 visit hse.gov.uk

Engine fumes

 

• Never run the generator indoors or in poorly ventilated areas to reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from breathing toxic fumes. When working in trenches or confined areas ensure you have suitable and sufficient ventilation.

 

Dust / spray mask

You’ll find this  PPE symbol next to the tool hire products that could produce harmful amounts of dust and may require the use of a dust / spray mask.
 

Noise regulations

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

These regulations aim to make sure that workers are protected from excessive noise which could result in hearing loss.

The regulations mean you must:
 

• Assess the risk to workers’ health if noise exceeds 80 decibels
• Provide hearing protection if average daily or weekly noise exposure exceeds 85 decibels
• Not expose employees to noise louder than 87 decibels, taking into consideration any reduction in exposure from hearing protection

 

Ear defenders 

You’ll find this  PPE symbol next to the tool hire products that require to use ear protection.
 

Hand / arm vibration

Hand / Arm Vibration is vibration transmitted from handheld, powered work equipment into the operator’s hands and arms. Regular or excessive exposure can lead to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, or White Finger Disease.

Hand arm / vibration syndrome (HAVS)

HAVS affects the joints, muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the hand, wrist and arm. The symptoms are tingling in the fingers and a reduced ability to work in cold or damp conditions. You’ll notice your fingers becoming numb and turning white, and a loss of strength in your hands. You might also experience pain, distress and sleep disturbance. You’re at risk of HAVS if you regularly use handheld power tools and machines.

Working at height regulations 2005

The purpose of the working at height regulations is to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height. If you are an employer or your control work at height, the regulations apply to you.

It’s important to note that anyone working unsafely at height can be prosecuted even if no injuries result. IPAF training available through Travis Perkins - just call 0344 892 3355 for more information.

What you need to do

The working at height regulations require you to follow a simple three-step process:

1. Avoid

Can the work be done at ground level, or by using extendable tools or lifting equipment?

2. Prevent

If you’ve decided that it’s absolutely necessary to work at height, you must do everything you can to prevent a fall:

 

• Thoroughly plan and organise the work before you start
• Make sure all employees / contractors involved in the job are competent
• Carry out a full risk assessment on the job, work environment and surfaces
• Use this to select the most appropriate safety equipment, or other measures

 

3. Minimise

Minimise the consequences of a fall by using the appropriate safety equipment or other measure correctly, and making sure all equipment is properly maintained and inspected.
 

Manual handling regulations

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 are designed to reduce the risk of injury through a wide range of manual handling activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying.

 

Heavy manual labour and manual materials handling can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders including:

 

• Lower back pain
• Joint injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries

 

These types of injuries affect around 1 million people in the UK every year. Workers tend to be at increased risk of manual handling injuries in environments such as building sites, factories and warehouses.
 

Employers must, as far as is practical:

 

• Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling
• Assess the risk of injury from any unavoidable hazardous manual handling
• Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling
• Consider using mechanisation or handling aids such as conveyors, pallet trucks and hoists

Employees must:

 

• Follow appropriate work systems laid down for their safety
• Make proper use of safety equipment
• Cooperate with their employer on health and safety matters
• Tell their employer if they identify hazardous handling activities

 

We can supply everything you need to help you comply with the Working at Height Regulations 2005, including safety harnesses and a full range of PPE.