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Our Safety Policy
1.1 Accidents hurt and sometimes kill. The effects can be far reaching; not only the physical hurt but the pain and deprivation to families that follow from injury and disability.
1.2 Accidents adversely affect our contracts. Investigations follow, sites and workplaces are disrupted, injured men cannot work and progress is interrupted.
1.3 Every accident report tells us that the accident could have been avoided. It was caused by carelessness, untidiness, shoddiness, in short somebody’s failure or neglect.
1.4 As employers we are concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of our employees and we must show it. We must bring a high technical standard not only for our finished installations but day to day operations. This is why the law makes us responsible for the health and welfare of our employees and indeed for ensuring that the Company’s work is not a risk to the health and safety of other persons.
2. Policy. 2.1 It is the policy of Power Testing Limited that its operations are executed at all times in such a way as to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all its employees and all persons likely to be affected by its operations, including subcontractors and the public where appropriate.
3. Aims.
The aims of the policy are to achieve the following :-
3.1 The observance of the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other regulations governing works of Electrical Engineering, including the provisions of the Factories Act 1961 and Electricity Supply Regulations 1937.
3.2 To ensure that safe working practices are observed at all times, in particular to any relevant codes of practice.
3.3 The prevention of injury to all persons affected by the Company’s operations, damage to all property and eliminate waste.
3.4 To ensure the co-ordination of all safety activities with Main Contractors on site.
3.5 To ensure the provision and maintenance of safe plant, equipment and working conditions.
4. Responsibility. Engineers, Technicians and other operatives must understand and act on the Company’s Safety Policy generally and in particular must:
4.1 Be familiar with their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity Supply Regulations 1989 applicable to the work on which they are engaged and insist that those Regulations are observed at all times. 4.2 Avoid taking unnecessary risks.
4.3 Use only the correct tools, equipment and methods of work in the proper manner and make proper use of safety and protective equipment, devices and clothing. 4.4 Develop a personal concern for safety - for themselves and for others.
5. Personal Protection The Company provides a lot of equipment to protect you personally against hazards likely to be met in the course of your employment. Take care of any personal equipment issued to you and use it correctly. It may not give you the protection intended if you neglect it.
5.1 Head Protection.
Head injuries are usually caused by falling objects or striking against brackets, pipes etc; and can have serious results. Where necessary safety helmets are issued for your personal use. In certain areas ie: Refineries, you must wear a safety helmet at all times and sometimes this may be a condition of employment.
5.2 Eye Protection
Eye protection is advisable in many situations and for some processes is required by law. (The protection of Eyes Regulations, 1974).
5.3 Ear Protection.
5.3.1 Of the many causes of deafness, exposure to excessive noise is one that can be guarded against. Investigations have shown that exposure to noise levels can cause damage to the ear mechanism and if unheeded may lead to permanent deafness.
5.3.2 When noise at work is excessive, suitable ear protection will be provided by the Company. Wear the ear protection provided whenever it is necessary.
5.4 Protective Clothing.
Protective overalls will be provided by the Company together with wet suits when required.
6. Machinery & Plant.
6.1 Vehicles.
6.1.1 If you drive a vehicle in your work, whether or not it is a Company vehicle, whether on site or off, drive with care and consideration for other people and for the vehicle.
6.1.2 Make sure that mechanical or electrical faults are put right. Never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running. Never load a vehicle in such a manner that will interfere with the safe driving or operation of the vehicle.
6.2 Lifting Gear & Equipment.
6.2.1 All lifting tackle and machines, which includes cranes, hoists, pulley blocks, chains, ropes, slings, eyebolts, hooks etc; must be regularly inspected and maintained in good condition.
6.2.2 NEVER overload or misuse lifting tackle of any sort.
6.2.3 NEVER use improvised hooks or slings etc
6.2.4 NEVER take chances with lifting gear.
7. Electrical.
7.1 Electrical Equipment.
7.1.1 Never tamper with electrical equipment unless you are a competent electrician and it is part of your employment to do so.
7.2 Portable Electrical Appliances.
7.2.1 ONLY low voltage (110V) tools are to be used and these are to be supplied from a suitable transformer. Portable tools and extension leads must be fitted with proper plugs, and NEVER connected by inserting bare wires into a socket.
7.3 Cable Jointing.
7.3.1 Cable jointing is a specialised job for which those engaged receive training to provide them with the skills and knowledge to do the job safely and efficiently. The methods and precautions taught in training must be observed at all times, as failure to do so can lead to danger to the jointing team at the time the work is done, or to others afterwards. Cable jointers must, therefore, work to the standard methods and take the necessary precautions for the type of jointing being undertaken.
7.4 Work on Live Equipment.
7.4.1 It is not the Company standard practice to permit work on LIVE electrical equipment and before work is started every effort must be made to ensure that the equipment is electrically isolated. In situations where the equipment cannot be isolated, great care must be observed when working. Insulated tools must be used and work should not be carried out without another person in attendance as standby.
7.5 Cable Drums.
7.5.1 It is not always realised that a cable drum - be it full or empty - is an extremely dangerous object and reports of damage and injury caused by runaway and unstable drums are far too numerous. It is therefore essential that the utmost care be taken in transporting, handling and storage.
7.5.2.1 Transporting empty drums - lay flat on a suitable vehicle and secure front and rear.
7.5.2.2 Transporting full drums - ensure that they are securely chocked and anchored down front and rear.
7.5.3 Never drop a drum or lower down ramp without suitable restraint. As a rule we are not responsible for the offloading, particularly in the case of large drums which are entrusted to specialist carriers who are responsible for the cable until on the ground. After offloading, drums should be securely chocked so they cannot be moved by children or the general public or laid on their side if empty.
7.5.4 Before lifting drums for cable pulling, ensure the drum jacks are on a firm footing and they are the correct type for the drum.
8. Scaffolding.
8.1 All temporary working platforms must comply with the Construction (Working and toe boards except when less than 6’ 6” high.
8.2 Mobile tower scaffolds must have the wheels locked to prevent movement whilst anyone is working on them and must not be moved until everybody is down off the tower.
9. Ladders.
9.1 Many accidents happen every year involving the use of ladders. Help to avoid accidents by checking the following: 9.1.1 Ladder placed on firm level base.
9.1.2 No missing or broken rungs.
9.1.3 Ladder reared at correct angle - one foot out at base for every four feet rise.
9.1.4 Ladder securely lashed at top to prevent movement.
9.1.5 Ladder extends 3’ 6” beyond edge of landing place.
10. Intoxicating Liquor and Drugs. It is forbidden to consume or bring to any Power Testing site intoxicating liquor or non-medicinal (i.e. “recreational”) drugs. No employee will be allowed on any such site if it is apparent that they are under the influence of drink or drugs. Any employee under the adverse effects of medicinal drugs will also be refused entry to any Power Testing Ltd. site.
Any employee prescribed, or taking, any drugs for a medical condition should inform their supervisor of the fact and of any adverse effects that may arise.
11. General
11.1 Any person willfully disregarding this Policy and its contents will be the subject of disciplinary action the outcome of which could include dismissal.
11.2 If you are not sure on any matters of safety inform your supervisor immediately.
C. C. Park
Operations Director, Power Testing Ltd.
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Safety Policy 
