The Health and Safety Blog

As a client if you are about to alter or extend a building or structure, thinking of putting up a new one or demolishing an existing one, then the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 place a number of specific duties on you. The aim of these Regulations is to make Health & Safety an essential and integral part of the planning and management of projects and to make sure that everyone works together to reduce the risk to the Health & Safety of those who work on the structure, who may be affected by these works, or who will use it as a place or work once it’s completed.

The CDM regulations separate construction projects into two types – dependent on how long they take to build and how many people are involved. The two types are:

• Non-Notifiable Projects – where the project is likely to involve LESS THAN 30 days or 500 person days of construction work
• Notifiable projects – where the project is likely to involve MORE THAN 30 days or 500 person days of construction work If you are in doubt, you should assume that the project is Notifiable

The Regulations mostly require you to ensure that a number of things are done rather than actually do them yourself. On Non-Notifiable Projects you can ask a Designer or Contractor for assistance or you can appoint someone to help you. On Notifiable projects the CDM Co-ordinator is there to help you carry out those duties and will advise you throughout the project on what needs to be done.

On all projects you must
• Check competence and resources of all appointees (Designers, Contractors and other team members)
• Co operate and co ordinate with others involved in the project
• Ensure there are suitable management arrangements in place throughout the project to ensure that construction work can be carried out safely
• Check any workplace design will comply with the Workplace health safety and welfare regulations.
• Allow sufficient time and resources for all stages of the project
• Provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors
• Check arrangements have been made by the contractor for suitable welfare facilities
In addition on Notifiable projects you must
• Appoint CDM co-ordinator before significant design work is carried out to advise and assist with the clients duties under the regulations.
• Appoint principal contractor as soon as practicable to plan and manage the construction work.
• Make sure that the construction phase does not start unless
There are suitable welfare facilities
o A construction phase plan is in place.
• Provide information relating to the health and safety file to the CDM co-ordinator
• Retain the health and safety file and make it available to anyone who may need it in the future. You must also update it whenever necessary and hand it to anyone who acquires an interest in the building.
If you fail to appoint a ‘CDM Co-ordinator’ or ‘Principal Contractor’ you will be legally liable for their duties and will be deemed to be carrying them out and you could leave yourself open to potentially very expensive civil action and a criminal prosecution by the HSE.

Getting the right people to do what they are supposed to do under these regulations is important you need to be sure that those you appoint are competent and capable of carrying out their work on your particular project. Veritas Consulting Management’s CDM Coordinators are trained and qualified in health and safety and are registered members of the Association for Project Safety. Our staff can advise and assist you in carrying out all your duties under CDM 2007.

For Further information please contact our principal CDM Coordinator David Cant on 0121 249 1281 or visit our website for further detail www.veritas-consulting.co.uk

• What are Clients duties under CDM Regulations   On all non domestic construction projects, the Client is required to:- • Check competence and resources of all appointees...
• CDM Designers Risk Register A CDM Designers Risk Register is to be regarded as a management tool for the identification and elimination/reduction of hazards...

• Green Building Materials Green Construction is the practice of building in a way that increases efficiency of the use of materials like energy,...
• Adapting the scattershot approach Focusing is definitely the way to go when trying to reach a goal. When you focus intensely, you see visible,...

safetymatters CDM Regulations CDM 2007, CDM co-ordinators, CDM Coordinator

What do think about Driving at work whilst on a mobile phone?

Do you think mobile phones in cars should be banned?

Do you think better control over their use while driving could be explored?

have your say here.

• Principal Contractors Role   Are you a Client and need construction work done? well the CDM Regulations 2007 provide for a number of...
• Tips for Writing Method Statements Method Statements or System of Work is a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 and...

• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Beth Schael There is a saying that I have heard many people tell me all too often, "Don't sweat the...
• Sunday Roundup: Diet Cults and Fatty Chinese Good morning readers! I hope everyone is doing well and not cheating on their diets. Spend the day doing something...

safetymatters Health and Safety Management mobile phone, mobile phone use while driving

You’ve probably watched your favorite medical dramas and thought about how you’d love to see some of these doctors in the real world. Though there are some that may be a big turn off, these doctors are ones that you’d actually like to visit and may learn a thing or two from.

1. Dr. Derek Shepherd: You’ve loved him on Grey’s Anatomy for years and therefore wish that you could see him in everyday life. You would love to see his cute face firsthand, but it’s more than that. Dr. Shepherd seems so compassionate to his patients and always seems to work through whatever problem comes at him. We don’t just love him for his amazingly good looks, but also the care that he brings to his patients. He is a great doctor on TV and therefore seems to be one that you’d enjoy seeing in your everyday life. Trust goes a long way, especially when combined with good looks!

1. Dr. Addison Montgomery: She just seems to be a cool character which automatically makes you like him right off the bat. Dr. Montgomery also seems to be one of the most knowledgeable out there and is considered to be an expert in her field. She brings great care and expertise to her patients and seems to be an easy doctor to talk to. You love the character that she portrays and she appears to be a phenomenal character that you would love to put your trust into if it were the real world.

1. Dr. Gregory House: Sure he just oozes sarcasm and wit, but he also happens to know what he’s doing too. He’s funny, he’s a little off sometimes, and his tactics may be a bit unusual. However he also happens to be quite knowledgeable and knows how to take things seriously when push comes to shove. So though his sarcasm may be tough to get used to at first, you know that there comes a great attitude towards medicine and patient care and that’s a huge draw.

1. Dr. Mark Green: He was such a popular character on ER for so many years because he was so real. You saw how down to earth he was in his everyday life, but you also saw how much he brought to the patients that he saw too. He could jump into any crisis and help to heal patients with the seemingly most difficult health situation. He’s definitely somebody that you could trust and probably like very much if he were your doctor in everyday life.

1. Dr. Elliot Reid: We’ve all watched her on Scrubs for years and followed along with her sometimes zany antics. Though she may be a bit goofy sometimes, she also happens to be one that you could trust on the outside. She is a good doctor and seems to be somebody that you could honestly say that you’d like very much too.

Though not all doctors are created equally in the world of television, some stand out from the crowd. These doctors offer good personality and an expertise that you’d trust on the outside.

Mary Ward writes about how to search for MHA programs.

• Fire risk assessment - don't get your fingers burnt   Fire is the most destructive and costly cause of damage to buildings and other property. A fire represents probably...
• Health and Safety Christmas Time Get ready for the Christmas Holidays With the holiday season almost upon us at both home and work, it’s time...

• Get into Bed with Sharon Lathan (Author Interview) Sharon Lathan Q&A Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One LRP: Would you say your versions of...
• A Mother's Struggle Between Work And Kids The following was written by Mrs FFB.  As you may remember, before the school year started we made the decision...

safetymatters Guest Blogger

Asbestos The Survey Guide hsg264

The HSE has reviewed its ‘MDHS 100′ guidance on asbestos surveying, which describes Type 1, 2 and 3 surveys and this document was replaced on 29th January 2010 with ‘Managing Asbestos in Premises, The Survey Guide (HSG 264)’, which describes management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

The HSE estimates that there are between half a million and a million non-domestic properties , within the UK, which still contain asbestos, and there will be an increasing requirement for the more invasive refurbishment/demolition surveys which are particularly demanding.

‘Managing asbestos in Premises, The Survey Guide (HSG 264)’ therefore places a far greater emphasis on competency.

Download your free copy here. The Asbestos Survey Guide

• Health and Safety Audits - manage safety objectively To manage safety objectively, Line Managers need arrangements to enable them to monitor implementation of systems against the defined standards....
• CSCS Cards are going "Smart" Why? CSCS SmartCards are much harder to forge than plain printed CSCS cards Beware fake CSCS cards can easily be...

• Platform Lift Means Wheelchair Users Can Enjoy Sports Facilities in Abergavenny Wheelchair users enjoy a wide range of sports, including basketball, tennis and athletics. Some participants go on to compete in...
• 10 Tips On Guiding Kids How To Safely Use Social Networks More and more kids nowadays are participating in online social networking sites to communicate with friends and to meet people...

safetymatters asbestos management Asbestos survey, asbestos survey guide

Why? CSCS SmartCards are much harder to forge than plain printed CSCS cards

Beware fake CSCS cards can easily be detected using an inexpensive card reader
Smartcards not only provide much quicker access to CSCS data, they may be used for other applications too
Your qualifications on CSCS cards can potentially be updated electronically without having to apply for a replacement card.

Benefits of using SmartCards

CSCS Smartcards will save Time and Money
You can check whether a workers CSCS Card is valid by simply ringing the CSCS helpline or use a database such as Phoenix, details can be checked much faster saving you time and costs.
Personal information can held on the smartcard, ie your training achievements or qualifications gained the cards haves the potential to be updated electronically without having to apply for and spend extra money for a replacement card.

Smartcards will help combat fraud

Fake or forged CSCS cards have become more prevalent and fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated means to produce counterfeit cards. This can result in unqualified and even illegal workers gaining access to construction sites putting safety and reputations on the line. SmartCards are much harder to forge than plain printed cards and fake cards can easily be detected when checked using an inexpensive card reader.

Multiple Applications

Information can be stored electronically in the card chip so that CSCS SmartCards have the potential to be used for a host of new applications. Tracking tool box talks and site inductions; recording continuing professional development; controlling access to building sites through turnstiles; monitoring time and attendance;cashless vending;verifying occupational health restrictions and much more. This means that

CSCS SmartCards could be all that is needed to gain access to construction sites.

How do CSCS SmartCards work?

In terms of applying for CSCS cards, the types of cards available and the criteria applicants must meet, the Scheme has not changed and information about the holder is still printed on the cards. The difference is that a copy of the same data is also stored in the chip on the card (in a similar way to information stored in the chip on a credit card).

The CSCS SmartCard is a high capacity card that can be used for a multitude of purposes beyond just storing CSCS data. Each additional use of the card will be managed by installing a simple computer program called an Applet on the card. This potentially allows contractors and clients to access relevant data such as training records, time and attendance reports, occupational health reviews and other information electronically. Subject to certain conditions, any organisation will be able to purchase the right to put an Applet of its own design on to CSCS SmartCards.

CSCS smartCard Readers

There are two kinds of reader that can be used to access information on CSCS SmartCards. A simple handheld device costing from £113.99+VAT, or the solution that CSCS recommends, a PC or laptop connected reader available for as little as £16.95+VAT.

PC or Laptop Connected Readers

Reading a CSCS SmartCard using a PC or laptop connected reader, displays the cardholder’s details and photograph on the computer screen. As with the handheld reader, this will demonstrate that the card is genuine and will verify the information printed on the card.

The CSCS SmartCard is a dual interface card, which means it can be read using a contact reader (one where the card is inserted into a slot in the reader), or a contactless reader (one where the card is simply placed on the outside surface of the reader). Contactless readers cost slightly more but read cards more quickly.
Only PC/SC accordant SmartCard readers conforming to protocol T=0 (contact interface) or T=CL (contactless interface) will be suitable for reading the CSCS SmartCard.

Before any PC or laptop connected reader can be used, it will be necessary to install special CSCS software onto your PC or laptop and you may also need to load a driver that comes with the reader. The CSCS software is downloadable free of charge. Alternatively, you will be able to purchase it on a CD-ROM as part of a package with a reader from.

Once the software is running, all that will remain is to plug the reader into a PC or laptop and insert the card.
In the absence of an electronic card reader the card can continue to be used exactly like a traditional printed card.

CSCS Smartcard Handheld Readers

The handheld reader is a self-contained, battery powered device that can fit into a pocket. When a genuine CSCS SmartCard is inserted into the card slot at the top of the unit, the cardholder’s name, CSCS registration number, qualifications and the card expiry date may be viewed on the display. This will demonstrate that it is a genuine CSCS card and will confirm the cardholder’s details. All that remains is to check the Cardholder’s face matches the photo on the card. Only one type of specially configured handheld reader is suitable for use with CSCS SmartCards and is available from a CSCS preferred supplier.

Original source: Construction Skills Certification Scheme.

• Health and safety in the Construction Industry   Health and Safety is applied common sense and accidents happen when common sense is absent. The distress, grief and...
• CDM Competence and Resource - Can you prove it?   CDM2007 requires an assessment of the competence of organisations and individuals engaged or appointed under CDM2007. This specifically relates...

• 9 Warning Signs That You Have TOO MUCH Debt! When it comes to accruing debt, it is really and truly tough for people to face the cold hard fact...
• How To Fix Credit Card Temptation Begins With 6 Card Secrets! How to fix credit begins with discipline...and insider's secrets. You provide the discipline and I'll hand you the insider's secrets...

safetymatters Construction CSCS Cards, CSCS Smartcards, CSCS Test

Northfield Aerials Digital, Freeview aerial Fitters renew their annual Competent Person Service

We are proud to announce that Birmingham Based Digital Aerial Fitters has renewed their Competent Person Service with Veritas Health and Safety Consultants.

Continually working closely with our experienced Health and Safety Consultants, Northfield Aerials have made significant progress with their Health and Safety procedures and Management.

Here are additional services which complement the Competent Person Service we have provided.

Health and Safety Policy
Writing Risk assessments
Writing Method Statements
Health and Safety Training
and more many more.

If you are in businesses there is a legal obligation placed on employers to have access to a Competent Person (Reg 7 of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999). This can be from within your organisation, but advise external experienced competent Health and Safety Consultants are the best step any business can take, if you want a Competent Person Service.

Need Competent Advice? Veritas Health and Safety Consultants can help from as little as £55.00 p/m:

For a better Competent Person service, better phone us about our other Health and Safety Services 0121 249 1281

• PAT Testing know the reasons behind it. Are you aware that you could be fined or imprisoned? Any appliance In the workplace connected to electricity via a...
• Health and Safety is not Monkey Business Negative attitudes perpetrated over time can squelch workplace innovation. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that...

• Using Google Effectively in your Home Business Google has always been a part of any home business owner’s strategy to make money in their business. Home businesses...
• Live Chat with Online Customers On Your Website I just found this FREE way to interact with potential customers at The Squirrel Shop which should translate to higher...

safetymatters Miscellaneous Aerial Fitter, competent person

CHAS Application – Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

Contractors, Designers, get your company CHAS Registered if you want to win more business.

Q. Are you a Contractor, Designer that needs help with your CHAS Application?

Q. Do you need to improve your chance winning tenders and profitable contracts?

Q. Are you keen to work in the public sector?

Veritas Consulting have a proven track record helping many companies with their CHAS application.

5 reasons why our CHAS Registration service is different.

1) We will complete your CHAS Application form.

2) Provide you with documentation to become CHAS Registered.

3) No hidden extras your CHAS application done for an affordable fixed fee.

4) Full support for the duration of your CHAS Assessment.

5) Help your organisation become CHAS compliant quickly.

If you would like our company to work with your business to achieve CHAS Registration? please contact us.

• Health and safety in the Construction Industry   Health and Safety is applied common sense and accidents happen when common sense is absent. The distress, grief and...
• What is the NAS Skills Card (SICCS) The Shopfitting and Interior Contracting Competence Scheme (SICCS) This is a national skills registration scheme that provides a single skills...

• How the Right IT Solutions Can Save Your Company Money In this new era of fiscal responsibility and uncertain economic times, all businesses are looking for ways they can save...
• Setting Up Your Small Business VoIP Setting up a small business phone system has become a necessity for companies that wish to enjoy continued success. Instead...

safetymatters CHAS Application, Construction CHAS Application, CHAS Registration