| INTRODUCTION
This policy has been prepared by the Greencore Group to clarify company policy
in relation to the issue, and maintenance of company Personal Protective Equipment.
Greencore
Group work to a hierarchy of control as regards all workplace hazards...
Eliminate
 Reduce
Isolate
Control
PPE
and
Discipline. for
further details on
ERIC P D,
click here. The
company shall provide personal protective equipment when the risk presented by
a work activity cannot be adequately controlled by any other means. All reasonable
steps will be taken by the Company to secure the health and safety of employees
who work with PPE. The Company acknowledges that health and safety hazards will
have been identified if this equipment is used. It is the intention of the Company
to ensure, through the proper use of this equipment, that any risks are reduced
to the minimum. Whilst it is generally recognised that PPE can be used without
undue risks to health, it is appreciated that some employees may have genuine
reservations and concerns. The Company will seek to give information and training,
to enable a fuller understanding of these issues. The implementation of this procedure
requires the complete co-operation of all management, staff, and that of any contractors
working with our employees. RELEVANT LEGISLATION The contents of this procedure
have been checked against all relevant current UK Legislation at the time of writing
and at each amendment stage. However current Legislation should be checked, specific
to the particular application and context, each time the procedure is used,
to ensure its continuing validity. RESPONSIBILITY
The Competent Person has overall responsibility for ensuring that the requirements
of this procedure are met. Departmental Managers are responsible for meeting the
day to day requirements of this procedure, within their own departments. Individual
employees are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves, by meeting the
requirements of this procedure, in adopting safe working practices while carrying
out work involving the use of PPE. All employees have a duty to report any problems
relating to the use of PPE, in order that the Company may resolve the problem.
METHODOLOGY
The
Company will in consultation with its employees:
a) Carry out an assessment of the proposed PPE, to determine if it is fit
for purpose,
following a risk assessment of the activity.
b) Determine
the residual risks, if any, after the selection of the PPE, and take any control
measures found necessary, to further minimise the risk, if necessary.
c)
Where there are two or more forms of PPE being used simultaneously, ensure
that these are compatible, and are as effective together, as they would be separately.
d) Arrange for adequate and suitable accommodation, for the correct storage
of PPE.
e) Arrange for adequate maintenance, checks and cleaning of PPE,
to ensure its continuing serviceability.
f) Train staff in the use of
PPE, for use in all risk situations, identified by the Company.
g) Replace
PPE, which has been provided to meet a statutory obligation, as necessary, and
at no cost to the employee.
h) Inform every employee of the risks which
exist.
i) Reassess as necessary, if substances or work processes change.
Purchasers
of PPE should refer to our purchasing procedure, for the correct approach to buying
PPE. Special clearance is required from the Production Manager, to ensure that
the PPE concerned is fit for purpose, for the specific use intended, and meets
regulatory requirements. Procedures
for Dealing with Health and Safety Issues: When a matter related to health
and safety is raised by an employee, regarding the safe use, etc. of PPE, The
Company will:
a) Investigate the circumstances of the enquiry or complaint.
b) Take
the necessary corrective action where appropriate.
c) Advise the employee
of the action taken. Where
a problem arises regarding either the use of PPE,
employees must adopt the
following procedures:
a) Inform a responsible person immediately.
b) In the case of a health condition,
advise the Company Doctor or their own GP.
SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK
The use of PPE is an important means of controlling
risks involved in various work activities. To ensure that the use of PPE is effective,
it is necessary to follow the manufacturers' and employer's instructions on its
correct use. The following procedures should be observed when using PPE:
a) Ensure that the PPE fits properly, and adjust it so that it is comfortable
when working.
b) Make sure that the PPE is functioning correctly, if
not, report the defect.
c) When using more than one type of PPE, ensure
that the items are compatible when used together, and that their combined use
does not reduce their effectiveness.
d) Report symptoms of discomfort
or ill-health immediately.
e) Inform a responsible person of any training
needs which you may have Ongoing
monitoring of the Safe System of Work is to be carried out by the Competent Person
and the Production Manager to ensure that it continues to be workable, effective
and safe, and that it continues to meet the intended aim. The periodic of
these checks is dependent upon the usage, and the content of the Safe System of
Work itself. TRAINING The
Company will provide information, instruction and training for all employees,
and persons not in direct employment, to ensure their health and safety when using
PPE. Managers and supervisors, who have a responsibility for the users of PPE,
will also receive appropriate training. RECORDS
The following records, which relate to this procedure, are to be maintained:
a) The results of risk assessments carried out which resulted in the decision
to use PPE.
b) Details of Information, instruction and training given
by the Company.
c) Records of maintenance and testing carried out on
PPE.
d) Manufacturers' advice on the use and compatibility of PPE.
e) Inventory of PPE, and details of issues to individuals.
f) Complaints
or alleged reports of discomfort, or non-suitability of PPE,
following field
tests of PPE.
g) Action taken in response to complaints.
h) Replacement
of PPE with dates.
i) Details of ongoing reviews of Safe Systems of Work,
together with any adjustments made to them to keep them current.
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