Sawmills

Summary of employees and their activities

Employee	Main Activity	hours/day	Subsidiary Activity	hours/day	Details*
William O.	fork lift truck driver	5	cutting off trees	3	back ailments
Stephen D.	order preparation	8			temporary worker

* Are the employees qualified for the job? (fork lift 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?

The checklist

The questions and hints should help you better to locate the problem

Employees must be briefed on action indicated with * at an information meeting.

Mechanical safety

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems

Questions and hints

Action

P

P

P

Transport and Traffic

fork lift truck

pallet truck

customers

vehicles

pedestrians

visitors

Is the road in order?

· surface

· passages

· signs (also for the benefit of third parties)

· visibility

· hazardous areas

Fill in pits, replace loose and broken paving slabs.

Keep traffic lanes clear

Erect signs

Position mirrors

Indicate hazardous areas

Remove waste and refuse

.................

Are the drivers trained?

Is transport equipment used correctly?

Can transport cause hazards?

Allow authorised personnel only (trained) to operate transport equipment (fork lift truck drivers)

P

L

Is the transport equipment in order?

Daily visual check of the machine before starting work.

Do dangerous situations arise as a result of overloading transport equipment?

Maximum load range or safe working load to be indicated on the transport equipment.

The action 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.

Possible problems. If a problem is not relevant for you, proceed to the next item. You can make your own additions where necessary.

Machines and plant

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Mechanical lifting L	w	Is the lifting machinery and shoring equipment approved? · overhead crane, hoists · cranes, chains · hooks, wire ropes · ................	w	Lifting machinery to be checked periodically by a competent authority - annually for mechanisms and structures - every three months for shoring equipment		¡ ¡	l l

	w	Is the machinery in order?	w	Daily visual check of the machine by the user before being used.	*	¡	l

	w	Are the operators trained?	w	Provide training for the operators		¡	l

Moving parts	w	Are there machines with unprotected or unguarded moving parts? drive belts chains saw blades ..................	w - -	Machines purchased after 1-1-1995 must be CE marked. Moving parts which can be touched to be guarded. Where possible, movable guards to be fitted over cutting tools. The machine must not be capable of being started without safety components.		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l

	w	Is it possible to get on or in the machinery while it is in operation?	w	Hazardous areas to be clearly indicated and access barred by suitable guarding.		¡	l

Machine safety	w	Are emergency stops fitted at appropriate points of machines?	w	Fit emergency stops.		¡	l

	w	Can unintentional starting be prevented?	w	The start button is to be placed such that it cannot be pressed unintentionally		¡	l
			-	Starting of very large machines to be preceded by an audible warning		¡	l

	w	Is the control panel arranged safely?	w	The operator station to be arranged such that the operator is not subject to any additional risk.		¡	l

Maintenance	w	Are machines and equipment maintained regularly?	w	Draw up a maintenance schedule Keep the maintenance booklets scrupulously up to date.		¡	l

	w	Is work on machines clearly identified?	w -	Use signs when a machine is being worked on (e.g. maintenance sign) Remove fuses when working on machines.	*	¡ ¡	l l

Falls	w	Can persons fall, slip or trip up as a result of:

persons materials ...........		· untidy passages and workshop floors, pits or holes in workshop floors · poor subsoil, weather conditions (wet floor, frost) · raised working areas · working overhead · unstable stairs and ladders · iron strip lying around · dunnage lying around	w - - - - - - - - - -	Keep passages and workshop floors clean. Ensure workshop floors are even. Workforce to be provided with suitable footwear. Provide railings or screening. Fall protection to be provided (in any case at a height in excess of 2 metres). Use a proper ladder or platform. Place ladders at the correct angle. Fit stairs with handrails. Fit ladders with non-slip feet. Iron strip to be deposited in special waste containers. Dunnage strips and blocks to cleared away at all times.		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l l l l l l l

	w	Can loads drop while being transported or in a storage area?	w - - - -	Ensure stability during transport (tie loads down if possible). Wear a helmet in stacking locations. Do not allow persons to be under raised loads. Ensure timber is stacked in an orderly and stable manner (stacks not too high). Fork lift trucks to be used with a sufficiently robust safety guard (FOPS).		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l

Rough and sharp surfaces	w	Is there a danger of cuts? · corners · sharp points · rough surfaces · saw teeth · wood splinters · strip iron · ..................	w - - - -	Sharp implements to be put away after use. Saw blades to be stored in an orderly manner Protective clothing (gloves) to be worn when handling sharp objects and materials (saw blades). Take care when cutting strip iron Do not pull on strip iron with bare hands.	* * *	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l

Uncontrolled movements	w	Is it possible for objects or equipment to move out of control?

		· fork lift truck swinging out	w -	Fork lift truck drivers to be trained. Other persons to be kept away as far as possible.		¡ ¡	l l
		· loads swaying	- - - -	Restrict the operating speed of lifting machinery. Do not allow unauthorised persons in the vicinity of lifting machinery. Never walk under loads. Keep within safe working loads of machines.	*	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l
L		· logs rolling away	- - - - - - -	Logs to be propped when stacking Logs to be cut off only on stable support. Unauthorised persons not to be admitted to the log yard. Do not climb onto the logs. Do not work in the vicinity of loosely stacked logs Inspect the log yard regularly. Stable storage racks to be provided.	* * * * *	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l l l
		· loads or stacked goods dropping from above.	- -	Individual protective equipment to be used (gloves, helmet, safety footwear). Fit anti-rolloff equipment.	*	¡ ¡ ¡	l l
		· flying splinters and chips.	-	Machines to be fitted with proper catching guards and extraction.		¡	l

Transport

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Transport and Traffic fork lift truck pallet truck customers vehicles pedestrians visitors	w	Is the road in order? · surface · passages · signs (also for the benefit of third parties) · visibility · hazardous areas · .................	w - - - - -	Fill in pits, replace loose and broken paving slabs. Keep traffic lanes clear. Erect signs. Position mirrors. Indicate hazardous areas. Remove waste and refuse.		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l l

....................... .......................	w	Are the drivers trained Is transport equipment used correctly? Can transport cause hazards?	w	Allow authorised personnel only (trained) to operate transport equipment (fork lift truck drivers).	*	¡	l

L	w	Is the transport equipment in order?	w	Daily visual check of machines before starting work.	*	¡	l

	w	Do dangerous situations arise as a result of overloading transport equipment?	w	Maximum load range or safe working load to be indicated on the transport equipment.		¡	l

	w	Is pedestrian and transport traffic kept apart?	w	Do not allow unauthorised persons in the transport area.	*	¡	l

Electrical safety

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Mains electrical supply	w	Is there a plan of the mains electrical supply available?	w	A plan of the existing mains electrical supply with the low voltage panels and circuits to be drawn up.	¡	l

	w	Is the supply power rating suitable for existing machines?	w	Adapt the power supply to suit.	¡	l

	w	Is there an inventory of the various electrical machines?	w	Draw up an inventory of the various electrical machines with their specifications	¡	l

	w	Are the machines earthed?	w	Machines to be earthed.	¡	l

	w	Are there sufficient circuit breakers installed in the supply? (current protection, earth leakage circuit breaker, fuse)	w -	Fit circuit breakers. (see check by recognised body).	¡	l

	w	Are the electric cables, plugs and sockets and the enclosures of equipment intact?	w -	Replace unserviceable plugs, sockets and cables immediately. Carry out an in-house periodic check (e.g. annually) on all electrical equipment.	¡ ¡	l l

	w	Is the electricity supply subjected to periodic approval?	w	Arrange inspection by an approved body: - for low voltage: every five years and when expanding the system - for high voltage: annually	¡ ¡	l l

		Are the machines suitable for the environment as regards moisture and dust?	w	Check minimum IP protection rating and replace unsuitable equipment.	¡	l

	w	Is work on the mains supply carried out by trained electricians?	w	Electrical work to be carried out by trained electricians only.	¡	l

High Voltage	w	Is work carried out in the vicinity of (a) high voltage (booth)?	w	High voltage equipment to be properly screened off.	¡	l

	w	Is the high voltage booth accessible?	w -	High voltage booth door to be kept locked. Prohibit access to unauthorised persons.	¡ ¡	l l


w	Is the high voltage booth still Askarel based?	w -	Apply a pictogram with a St Andrew's cross to the door of the booth. Askarel transformers must be replaced no later than 31-12-2005	¡ ¡	l l

Hazardous substances

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Substances diesel lubricating oil petrol paraffin Askarel timber preservative ................. .................	w	Has a record been drawn up of the hazardous substances? (These are all substances with a label with an orange and black illustration on them, for instance a skull, St Andrew's cross. These may be: paints, cleaning products, etc.)	w	Set up a record of dangerous substances to include, among other things: · List of the substances present · The quantity of the substance present · Safety information leaflet (MSDS) · Permits required (environment, discharge) · The manner and place of storage · Waste processing		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l l

Regulations	w	Are the required precautions being applied as laid down in the regulations? (If in doubt consult the supplier or a competent authority).	w	Regulations supplied with the product to be adhered to in respect of: · fire hazards · storage · individual protective equipment · waste disposal.		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l

Storage and stocking	w	Substance control.	w - - - -	Hazardous substances to be replaced by less hazardous ones. Substances and packaging to be checked at regular intervals (correct labelling on containers and packaging, suitable containers, etc.). Quantities of substances in stores to be restricted. Quantities of substances in the workplace to be restricted.	*	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l

	w	Is the spread of hazardous products discouraged?	w	Recovery and cleanup to be arranged in the even of leakage from timber packs and substance spillage.	*	¡	l

Wood dust	w	Is there proper dust extraction?	w	Install dust extraction.

Fire and explosion hazards

¡ : in order, under control; l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Fire prevention	w	Are possible sources of ignition avoided?	w - - -	Oily rags to be collected in metal waste bins with covers. Smoking ban to be introduced throughout the premises. No open fires. Radiant heaters to be properly installed.	* * *	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l

	w	Is the heating system or supplementary heating fire resistant and does it meet legal requirements?	w -	Have the heating checked regularly. Have the chimney swept.		¡ ¡	l l

	w	Does the work require fire permits?	w	Work constituting a fire hazard must have a fire permit before the work starts.		¡	l

Fire detection	w	Is there an existing fire detector or fire alarm?	w	Consider installing an automatic detection system and fire alarm (e.g. in incineration plant)		¡	l

	w	Are the escape routes in order?	w	Keep escape routes and emergency exits clear. Provide the necessary pictograms.	*	¡ ¡	l l

	w	Does the workforce have its attention drawn to fire prevention?	w	Draw up a fire alert and alarm procedure (who does what in the event of fire?).	*	¡	l

Fire fighting	w	Are there facilities for fire fighting?	w	Install a fire extinguishing system with: hydrants hose reels extinguishers ...................		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l

Explosion hazards	w	Are there any pressure vessels on site? compressor ..................	w	Pressure vessels to be given statutory checks. (pressure vessel £ 300 litres, every 5 years).		¡	l

	w	Is the dust silo explosion-proofed?	w - -	Install the dust extraction outside the working area. Provide explosion panels in the silo Install spark detection in the extraction system and/or silo		¡ ¡ ¡	l l l

Physical safety

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Vibration fork lift truck chain saw heavy machines dust extraction ..................	w	Are workers exposed to vibration for extended periods? Is there perceptible vibration around machinery?	w - - - -	Use low vibration tools: hand tools, crosscut saws, etc. Fit ergonomic seats to fork lift trucks. If possible, mount machines on vibration dampers (compressors). Uncouple the dust extraction ducting from the fan. Consider the possibility of job rotation.	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l

Noise L	w	Is the workforce exposed to a great deal of noise?	w	Apply sound deadening where possible and in any event if the noise exceeds the 85 dB(A) threshold. exhausts noise screens individual hearing protection ..............................	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l

	w	Does the noise mask danger signals (e.g. fire alarm)?	w	Use visual and audible warnings for danger where possible.	¡	l

Contact with heat ..................	w	Danger of burns? · naked flames · hot surfaces · heater tubes · supplementary heating · steam tubes · .................	w -	Shield or insulate hot surfaces. Use proper radiant heaters, heating, etc.	¡ ¡	l l

Ergonomics

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Machines	w	Are there machines or equipment which are not "easy" to work with? Requiring difficult actions?	w	Adapt the equipment to the operators.	¡	l

Working postures	w	Are certain working postures maintained / tasks performed over long periods · seated work · repetitive work · .......................	w	Provide varied activities.	¡	l

Loads	w	Are heavy loads lifted manually?	w -	Avoid lifting heavy loads manually. Teach the workforce proper lifting techniques.	¡	l

VDU work	w -	Are the characters of suitable size, contrast and clarity? Does the screen flicker or are there reflections in it?	w	Choose correct settings and position for the monitor.	¡	l

	w	Is the chair suitable?	w	Provide a proper chair, adjustable in height and with an adjustable backrest.	¡	l

Health

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Occupational diseases, industrial accidents and time off work due to illness	w	Does the workforce suffer from occupational diseases? occupational deafness contact eczema respiratory disorders digestive problems .............................. What are the most frequent industrial accidents? .............................. ..............................	w -	Occupational diseases and industrial accidents are signs that protective equipment or training are inadequate. (Together with the external accident prevention service,) Conduct a survey and draw up a record of industrial accidents time off work due to illness. Obtain advice on combating industrial accidents, occupational diseases and time off due to illness from several authorities: medical officer, insurers, social services, labour inspectorate, approvals bodies.		¡ ¡	l l

		Is time taken off due to illness or is there a high degree of personnel turnover? Do some employees have a problem with alcohol abuse?	-	Have personnel undergo periodic medical examinations. Especially persons coming into contact with exotic timber, impregnation substances.		¡	l

Special species of timber	w	Are there special precautions for handling certain irritant / allergenic species of timber? (tropical hardwood, etc.)	-	Take the necessary precautions, provide protective clothing or equipment	*	¡	l

Stress	w	Stress can be caused by the following: · irregular working hours · unforeseen stops · working against the clock · the absence of the ability to anticipate · taking important decisions in the absence of a superior · excessive demands	w - -	Draw up proper work schedules and plans Ensure proper attendance. Supply the workforce with proper materials. Place the right person in the right place.		¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	ll l l

Relational stress	w	Is there conflict between colleagues?	w	Conduct a proper recruitment policy.		¡	l

	w	Are there problems within a team?	w	Encourage internal communication and motivation.		¡	l

Emergencies

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

First-aid	w	Is (are) there (a) first-aid box(es) on site?	w -	Purchase first-aid box(es); allow 1 box per work unit. Check boxes regularly for content.	¡ ¡	l l

	w	Is there someone to dispense first-aid?	w	Appoint a person responsible for first-aid and provide training.	¡	l

Emergencies	w	Are there procedures for action to be taken in the event of accidents and emergencies?	w	Draw up the required emergency procedures for: reporting accidents reporting fires .................	¡ ¡ ¡	l l l

Emergency procedures	w	Are evacuation drills carried out?	w	Arrange an evacuation drill annually.	¡	l

	w	Are personnel trained for fire fighting?	w	Provide an exercise in fire fighting (primary intervention).	¡	l

	w	Has the procedure in the event of accident or emergency been drafted?	w	Draw up a reporting procedure for emergencies	¡	l

Workplace and premises

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Environment	w	Is work carried on under extreme conditions? (great heat, cold, etc.)	w - -	Suitable clothing (wet weather clothing) and beverages to be made available (soup, coffee, water, cold drinks, etc.). Heating to be provided (local if necessary). Draught excluders to be placed over gaps.	*	¡ ¡ ¡	l l l

Lighting	w	Are the premises adequately lit? Is the lighting adequate in special areas such as stairs, stores, and machines under repair?	w	Install the following in the requisite locations: · additional lighting · emergency lighting · guarding		¡ ¡ ¡	l l l
		Is there emergency lighting? Is there a risk of direct or indirect dazzling?	-	Check the emergency lighting regularly.		¡	l

Aisles	w	Are the aisles in the workplace in order?	w	Aisles to be kept clear and a minimum width of 80 cm to be allowed.		¡	l

Order and cleanliness	w	Do all materials have a set storage location?	w	Storage facilities for all materials to be provided.		¡	l

	w	Is the workplace cleaned regularly?	w	The workplace to be kept clean.		¡	l

Personnel facilities	w	Are there changing rooms, canteen and sanitary facilities for personnel?	w - -	Sanitary facilities to be provided for personnel. Changing rooms and washing facilities to be arranged. An area to be made available for eating away from the workplace.		¡ ¡ ¡	l l l
	w	Are these rooms clean and hygienic?	w	Rooms to be cleansed regularly (daily).		¡	l
			-	Hot water supply to be placed outside the washrooms (carbon monoxide poisoning hazard).		¡	l
			-	Rooms to be provided with proper ventilation.		¡	l

Policy and organisation

¡ : in order, under control;

l : not in order, to be improved

Possible problems		Questions and hints		Action

Access to premises	w	How are visitors and customers received?	w - -	Provide a reception desk for customers. Customers and visitors to be accompanied at all times on the premises. Set out loading areas for customers.	¡ ¡ ¡	l l l

Protective equipment	w	Is the required individual and collective protective equipment available for the various jobs? - collective protective equipment: screens off the hazard (e.g. noise screen) - individual protective equipment: is worn by the individual and only protects that individual (e.g. ear defenders)	w - -	Make a list of the required protection equipment (individual and collective) for each place of work. Obtain information from the competent authorities if you have any questions (medical officer, supplier, etc.) Make protective equipment available to the workforce · safety goggles · safety footwear · [safety] helmet · hearing protection · ....................... Damaged protective equipment to be replaced immediately.	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l l

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


Motivation of personnel (health and safety)	w	Does the workforce have problems with safety precautions? - misuse or failure to use personal protection equipment. - unsafe conduct Have dangerous situations ever arisen due to negligent behaviour of an employee? Is the workforce aware of the risks?	w - -	Provide safety training, repeat it regularly (shop floor meetings, safety talks). Provide any additional training as required. Provide induction for new recruits as well.	¡ ¡ ¡	l l l

	w	Does the workforce participate in the accident prevention policy?	w	Provide for employee participation.	¡	l

Machine and product purchases	w	Is safety and user-friendliness of a machine assessed before purchase?	w - - -	Carry out a thorough assessment of machines before proceeding with purchase. Invite input from the workforce. J Allow the workforce to test the equipment. Keep abreast of the latest technology and developments (in the fields of health and safety as well). J	¡ ¡ ¡ ¡	l l l l

Training and Instructions	w	Are machine instructions clear, explicit and available to users?	w	Draw up instructions for the various machines in the users' language (pay attention to safety precautions in the instructions).	¡	l
	w	Are the working procedures easily understandable?	w	Draw up simple procedures in the language of the workforce.	¡	l

New technology	w	Do employees working with new technology receive training?	w	Training to be provided with regular refresher courses.	¡	l