Street cleansing operators

Why a safety list?

Of all companies, the impact of sickness, an accident or incidents, is the greatest for small businesses or organisations. The loss of one machine or the temporary unfitness for work of one employee has an appreciable effect on the productivity and efficiency of the entire organisation. Small businesses must, when compared with large ones, make up for a deficiency with fewer means and less personnel.

The causes of the loss are usually attributable to unsafe and unhealthy situations at work. In order to prevent these from occurring, it is very important to know what the at-risk areas in your company are. You can track down risks and hazards by carrying out a risk inventory and assessment. Once they are known, you can reduce them (and finally prevent them) by taking appropriate measures. The likelihood of loss or injury is thus reduced.

This checklist is to be the basic document for the works manager wanting to improve health and safety in his workplace. Going through this list together with staff also constitutes a step towards a more competitive and efficient business.

In order to provide the assurance of a safe and healthy environment, the legislators have made carrying out a risk assessment mandatory (89/391/EEC). This checklist does not relieve you from this obligation, but it will be an aid to making it easier to meet the legal stipulations.

The checklist does not assume any prior additional theoretical knowledge. This means that it can simply be used by anyone in the trade. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to consult the competent persons or authorities.

Procedure

The checking principle is simple but in order to conduct it properly you must make sufficient time available. You should allow 3 hours fully to cover this checklist. In order to make the best use of this booklet, you should go through it step by step. It is not necessary to work through the booklet at one go, but we do recommend that you do so.

Part 1

In part one, you will find a table where you fill in the workers concerned and their activities. This table will help you to achieve a better overall view of the business and the various jobs.

Part 2

Part two contains the checklist. The list is subdivided into four columns. Column 1 shows a summary of the various items requiring attention which come up in the questions and hints in column 2. These questions are not exhaustive. It is possible for certain questions not to apply to your business or for additional questions to be required. You can adapt the list yourself to your business. Column 3 gives a number of solutions to correct problem items. Important items requiring attention which must be advised to personnel are marked (*). The black dot (l) is ticked if there is room for improvement. If the situation does not require any action, then the white dot (¡) is ticked. Where the subject does not apply, you will leave column 3 blank.

Important problems in the trade are given additional emphasis with the "L" symbol. Special measures which are particularly effective are indicated with a "J".

Part 3

Part 3 contains useful addresses for more information.

Step by Step Plan

In the next step you will draw up a list of the problem items according to the extent of their effect on safety. You will link these remarks to the action to be taken, a person responsible and a target date. If required, you can describe matters in more detail (e.g. budget available). In prioritising problem items, you can take the following criteria into consideration:

· risk elimination takes precedence over risk reduction

· collective measures take precedence over individual measures

· many people take precedence over few people

· little money, substantial result takes precedence over a lot of money, little result.

By dealing with problem items systematically, you will work step by step towards an improved safety policy in your business.

Summary of employees and their activities

Employee	Main Activity	hours/day	Subsidiary Activity	hours/day	Details*
William O.	Driver	5	workshop maintenance	3	back ailments
Stephen D.	Road sweeper attendant	8			temporary worker

* Are the employees qualified for the job? (forklift truck drivers, electricians, etc.)

Has the work been properly distributed among the workforce?

Does the employee's health enable him to do this job?

Are there special risk groups working in the business, such as trainees, pregnant women, youngsters and disabled persons?

Checklist

Materials and equipment

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

P

Possible problems

Questions and hints

Action

Powered cleansing

P

trucks

Do recently acquired trucks have a CE label?

Equipment and machines acquired after 1-1-1995 must have a CE label.

¡ l

P

P

Are the trucks subjected to periodic preventive maintenance?

Set up a maintenance chart for the trucks.
Arrange maintenance booklets for the various trucks.

¡ l

P

P

P

Are the trucks conspicuous in traffic?

Trucks to be in clear and conspicuous colours (orange).

The necessary traffic signals to be fitted to the vehicle.

· Traffic signs:

Mandatory direction (D1c)

Roadworks – danger sign (A31)

· Orange flashing beacons to be placed on the truck (front and rear)

¡ l

The questions and hints should make it easier to locate the problem.

The actions proposed here can help to reduce the risk. If the action has already been taken you can indicate this by ticking the white dot (¡). Action which has not as yet received attention must be indicated with the black dot (l). If it does not apply you just go on to the next point.

Materials and equipment

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Powered cleansing trucks	w	Do recently acquired trucks have a CE label?	w	Equipment and machines acquired after 1-1-1995 must be provided with a CE label.		¡ l

	w	Are the trucks subjected to periodic preventive maintenance?	w -	Set up a maintenance chart for the trucks. Arrange maintenance booklets for the various trucks.		¡ l ¡ l

	w	Are the trucks conspicuous in traffic?	w -	Trucks to be in clear and conspicuous colours (yellow or orange). The necessary traffic signals to be fitted to the vehicle. · Traffic signs: Mandatory direction (D1c) Roadworks – danger sign (A31) · Orange flashing beacons to be placed on the truck (front and rear).		¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

	w	Is there an emergency stop facility for the cleansing equipment?	w	Fit an emergency stop to the cleansing equipment.		¡ l

	w	Does the operator have adequate visibility?	w	Fit additional mirrors to the trucks such that the driver has no blind spots.		¡ l
			-	Consider the installation of CCTV on large vehicles.		¡ l

	w	Can the truck be emptied easily?	w -	Provide suitable equipment in order to simplify emptying the truck. All operations to be performed by the truck to be taken into account at the time of acquisition, including whether the truck can be easily emptied and cleaned.		¡ l ¡ l

Non powered trucks (handcarts)	w	Are the handcarts conspicuous in traffic?	w -	Finish the handcarts in a clear and conspicuous colour (yellow or orange). If the handcarts are to used on the public highway, the necessary traffic signals are to be fitted.		¡ l ¡ l

	w	Are the handcarts user-friendly?	w	Avoid sharp corners or edges on the handcart.		¡ l
			-	Easily steered handcarts.		¡ l
			-	The handcart to be easily emptied and cleansed.		¡ l
			-	Equipment (brush, shovel, etc.) to be easily attached to the handcart.		¡ l

Tools	w	Is the equipment in good condition?	w	The equipment to be used is sound and robust.	*	¡ l
brushes shovels			-	Brushes and shovels to be fitted with a long robust handle.		¡ l
grippers			-	Broken or worn equipment to be replaced in good time.		¡ l
………….

Clothing L	w	Do the street sweepers wear clothing with appropriate markings?	w -	Clear coloured conspicuous workwear with reflective strips to be provided. Clear coloured rainwear with reflective strips to be provided.	* *	¡ l ¡ l

Personal protection	w	Is personal protection used?	w - - - -	Safety footwear Gloves Protective goggles Hearing protection Dust mask	* * * * *	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

First aid	w	Does each truck / handcart have a minimum of first aid equipment available?	w	A simple first aid kit to be made available: - in the powered trucks - in the handcarts	*	¡ l ¡ l

Base	w	How is contact with base provided while at work?	w - - -	A radio link or GSM to be installed in the powered sweeper trucks. Personnel on handcarts to be provided with a telephone number (and phone card) so they can contact base at any time. The number to call the department to be displayed on the trucks and handcarts. Ensure that base is manned.	* *	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

Workshop / Stores

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Garage entry and exit	w	Is the garage entry and exit in order?	w	Visibility when leaving the garage to be improved (e.g. placing mirrors, removing vegetation).	¡ l
			-	Exit to be signposted on the public highway.

Personnel facilities	w	Are there rooms for personnel?	w - -	Canteen Washrooms Changing rooms	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

	w	Are these rooms clean and hygienic?	w	Rooms to be cleaned regularly (daily).	¡ l
			-	Water heater to be located outside the washrooms. (risk of carbon monoxide poisoning).	¡ l
			-	Rooms to be provided with proper ventilation.	¡ l
			-	Room and water heaters to be checked regularly by a registered technician.	¡ l

Garage and equipment stores.	w	Order and cleanliness in the garage and stores.	w - -	Truck and handcart parking area to be marked off. Adequate clear gangways to be provided for trucks. Traffic signs (in respect of third parties also) to be posted.	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l
			-	Storage space to be provided for equipment.	¡ l
			-	A ventilation system to be installed in the garages to ensure they have adequate ventilation.	¡ l


	w	Surfacing of the traffic areas?	w	Holes to be filled in and broken slabs to be replaced. Oil or other waste to be removed.	¡ l

Lighting	w	Is there adequate lighting everywhere?	w	Install adequate lighting. Pay special attention to: · outside lighting · stairs · stores · …………….	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l
			-	Emergency lighting to be installed.	¡ l
			-	Emergency lighting to be checked regularly.	¡ l
			-	Direct or indirect dazzling to be avoided when entering or leaving buildings or premises.	¡ l

Waste unloading area and truck cleaning area.	w	Has the necessary equipment been provided in order to empty the trucks?	w	The equipment necessary for unloading waste to be provided: · mechanically operated unloading equipment · brush · shovels · water lances · gloves · face protection · ………………	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l
			-	The unloading area to be walled in to prevent the spreading of waste and waste water.	¡ l

	w	Are there facilities for cleaning the trucks?	w - -	The equipment necessary for cleaning the trucks to be provided: · brush · shovels · water lances (high pressure) · gloves · face protection · …………………………. Position screens for water splashing off if trucks are being cleaned with water hoses or high pressure hoses. Install collection and drainage system for water used for cleaning.	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

Physical Hazards

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Body vibration	w	Are the employees on the sweeping machines for long periods?	w	Vehicles to be fitted with shock and vibration absorbent seats.		¡ l
L			-	Provide information on the risks of sitting in vehicles for extended periods.	*	¡ l
			-	A rota system to be instituted in which duties are regularly exchanged (driver / attendant duty rota). J		¡ l

Noise	w	Do the machines have low noise levels? Sweepers	w	The sweeper cabs must be adapted with the aim of excluding noise.		¡ l
		Vacuum cleaners Blowers	-	Silencers to be fitted to the exhausts of powered machines.		¡ l
		……….	-	Hearing protection to be provided for machine operators.		¡ l

Loads	w	Do heavy loads have to be lifted? emptying waste bins emptying handcarts ……………………………… ……………………………….	w - -	Containers requiring to be lifted to have handles fitted. Use dustcarts with a low container. Provide training /advice on back-saving lifting techniques. J	*	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

Working method

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Equipment inspection	w	Is the equipment inspected daily?	w	Equipment to be inspected before the start or at the end of work: powered cleansing machines: · water and oil level · fuel · brushes · sprayers · ………… handcarts: · general condition · wheels · sweeping brush · shovel · …………	*	¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

Orders	w	Are orders clearly detailed?	w -	A list of streets to be swept to be provided. The list of streets to be supplemented by a map. J	* *	¡ l ¡ l
			-	Supplementary orders to be clearly advised verbally and in writing, if applicable.	*	¡ l

Collected refuse	w	How is the refuse collected or taken away?	w	Rules to be drafted for emptying trucks and handcarts.	*	¡ l
			-	Avoid overloading handcarts.	*	¡ l

	w	Emptying handcarts.	w	Use a system such that heavy refuse bins do not require to be lifted to any height.		¡ l

Health

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems		Questions and hints			Action

Occupational diseases, accidents at work and absence through illness.	w	Do employees suffer occupational diseases? - respiratory ailments -back problems · ………………… · ………………… · ......................... · ………………… What are the most common accidents at work? · ....................... · ………………. · ………………. · ....................…		w - -	Occupational diseases and accidents are an indication that protective equipment or training is inadequate. Together with the industrial medical officer, draw up a summary and file of accidents at work and absence through illness. Together with the industrial medical officer, draw up measures to improve health and safety.			¡ l ¡ l

	w	Is there absence through illness or a high turnover of staff? Are there employees with an alcohol problem?		w -	Have personnel undergo periodic medical examinations. Obtain advice on combating accidents at work, occupational diseases and absence through illness from several authorities: industrial medical officer insurers social services labour inspectorate assessment bodies			¡ l ¡ l

Stress	w	Stress can have various causes. Pay attention to the various issues itemised:		w - -	Set up proper job planning. Provide sound equipment. Ensure there is proper guidance at work.			¡ l ¡ l ¡ l
			· irregular working hours and unforeseen stops			-	Use the right person in the right place.		¡ l
			· working under pressure
			· taking important decisions in the absence of one's superior
			· excessive demands.

Relational stress	w	Do employees receive feedback about their work (positive or negative)?		w	Encourage internal communication and motivation; allow for discussion of problems within the department.			¡ l

	w	Is there conflict between fellow workers or within a team?		w	Take care in putting together groups and working teams.			¡ l

Training and information

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems

Questions and hints

Action

Training

Is there training in working methods?

Training and instructions to be provided to new recruits.

¡ l

Arrange explanatory sessions to give further explanation on certain aspects of the job:

· work co-ordination

¡ l

· aggression and racism

¡ l

· machine operation

¡ l

· moving in traffic

¡ l

· traffic regulations

¡ l

· lifting techniques J

¡ l

· training of working students

¡ l

· First aid training for minor injuries

¡ l

· ……………….

¡ l

Emergency procedures

Are there known procedures for accidents and emergencies or technical problems?

Draw up procedures for employees for the action they must take in the event of:

· accidents

· injuries

· technical difficulties

· ……………

¡ l

Training and Instructions

Are the instructions for the machines clear, explicit and available to users?

Draw up instructions for the various machines in the users' language (pay attention to the safety precautions in the instructions).

¡ l

Are the working procedures easily understandable?

Draw up simple procedures in the employees' language.

¡ l

Policy and Organisation

¡: in order;

l: capable of improvement

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Machinery and product purchasing.	w	Is the safety and user-friendliness of a machine evaluated before purchase?	w - -	Machines to be evaluated in depth before proceeding with purchase. Request employee input. J Allow employees to test the equipment.		¡ l ¡ l ¡ l
			-	Keep informed in respect of the latest technology and developments (in the field of health and safety as well). J		¡ l

Protective equipment	w	- Is the personal and collective protective equipment available for the various jobs? - collective protective equipment: screens the hazard off (e.g. noise screens) personal protective equipment: is worn by the individual and protects only the individual (e.g. ear defenders)	w - -	Make a list of the protective equipment required (personal or collective) at each work location. If you have questions, ask (industrial medical officer, supplier, etc.) Make the protective equipment available to employees. Replace damaged protective equipment immediately.		¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

	w	Is personal protective equipment used?	w	Consult employees on purchasing protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, clothing, etc.. J		¡ l
			-	Explain the correct use and purpose of protective equipment during explanatory sessions.	*	¡ l

Permits	w	Are the required permits in order?	w	Is a permit required and in existence for: (temporary) storage of waste discharge of waste water ……………………. …………………….		¡ l ¡ l ¡ l ¡ l

Personnel motivation (health and safety)	w	Do employees have problems with the safety precautions? · misuse or failure to use personal protective equipment · unsafe behaviour	w -	Provide safety training, repeat it regularly during safety talks. Provide new recruits (and working students, etc.) with information and training.		¡ l ¡ l
		Have hazardous situations occurred due to careless behaviour by an employee?
		Are employees aware of the hazards?

	w	Do personnel contribute to [accident] prevention policy?	w	Personnel to participate in decisions on safety. J		¡ l

Useful addresses:

Commissariaat-generaal

voor de bevordering van de arbeid van het Ministerie van Tewerkstelling en Arbeid

[Office of the Commissoner-General for the promotion of employment of the Ministry of Employment and Labour]

Belliardstraat 51

1040 Brussels

Belgium

Tel: (02) 233 42

PREVENT

Instituut voor preventie, bescherming

en welzijn op het werk

[Institute for [accident] prevention, protection and health at work]

Gachardstraat 88 bus 4

1050 Brussels

Tel: (02)643 44 44