The British Hydropower Association (BHA) aims to ensure that all activities carried out on its premises, or undertaken (wherever) by its volunteers, contractors or employees, are managed in such a manner so as to avoid, reduce or control all foreseeable risks to the health and safety of any person(s) who may be affected by such activities, to a tolerable level.
General Policy Statement
In furtherance of the above statement and the need to ensure compliance with all relevant health & safety legislation and all regulations made under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the BHA will pay particular attention to the provision of:
• A healthy working environment (where applicable)
• A safe place in which to work with safe means of access and egress (where applicable)
• Suitable and sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable all volunteers, contractors and employees and members (where applicable) to comply with BHA’s Health & Safety Policy
• Safe plant, equipment and systems of work (where applicable)
• Arrangements for the safe use, handling, storage and transport of articles
• Appropriate management procedures and consultative arrangements to monitor and audit compliance with the Health & Safety Policy
• Appropriate arrangements to assess and control the risks associated with work activities undertaken by BHA volunteers, contractors, employees and members
Introduction
We recognise that safe and healthy working practices are an essential part of the duties of all volunteers, contractors, employees and members and seek to encourage participation in such practices. However, it is further recognised that to have effective health & safety systems, managers must recognise that health & safety management is an integral part of their role and that being part of management brings additional responsibilities.
Responsibility for implementation of the BHA Health & Safety Policy rests formally with the Directors.
Directors and Managers
Directors and Managers have the following responsibilities:
- Be aware of their own role in regard to health & safety management
- Ensure appropriate health & safety information, instruction, training and supervision are provided for volunteers, contractors, employees, members and others under their control
- Implement appropriate consultation and communication procedures
- Develop and maintain a Health & Safety Management system
- Monitor the effectiveness of the implementation of the Health & Safety Management system
- Ensure that adequate resources are allocated to health & safety
- Ensure any accidents and incidents are reported when required in accordance with RIDDOR regulations
All Volunteers, Contractors, Employees and Members
Volunteers, contractors, employees and members have the following responsibilities:
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions
- Cooperate with BHA on matters of health and safety
- Do not interfere with or misuse any item provided for health, safety or welfare purposes
- Report anything that they consider a serious and immediate danger to health and safety
- Report to management any shortcomings in BHA health & safety arrangements
Shared Responsibilities
Where shared responsibilities exist between BHA volunteers, contractors, employees and other organisations, an agreement must be drawn up to clearly distinguish the responsibilities of each party and how cooperation and coordination between the organisations will be achieved.
Where employees or personnel from other organisations work on BHA premises (where applicable), they must comply with BHA Health & Safety Policy and all subsidiary local rules and guidance.
Risk Assessment
All volunteers, contractors and employees must ensure that every work activity to be undertaken has been subjected to a health & safety risk assessment prior to the activity starting and that those undertaking the work have been instructed and trained appropriately. Risk assessments must be regularly reviewed (at a minimum period of every five years) or updated when any significant changes occur either to the process or to the requirements for assessment.
Working at External Premises
At times, BHA volunteers, contractors or employees might deliver training and consulting at a client’s or hired premises (host premises). BHA volunteers/contractors/employees are required to carry out all activities with due regard to their own health and safety and that of those around them.
The health & safety policies and procedures of the host premises must always be adhered to whilst training and consulting services are provided. When at a hired premises, BHA personnel should familiarise themselves with and brief delegates according to the venue requirements where relevant.
As a minimum, any potential hazard should be reported to a member of the host premises’ staff.
Fire Evacuation Procedure
BHA personnel must ensure they are aware of all regulations and actions to be taken in the event of a fire.
- On discovering a fire: Activate the alarm immediately using the nearest ‘break glass’ point.
- On hearing alarm: Exit the building quickly and calmly by the indicated route and meet at the designated assembly point.
Accident Reporting
In the event of an accident, the policy and procedure of the host premises is to be followed.
First Aid
First aid treatment should be available via the host premises. All incidents requiring first aid are to be reported to the venue’s personnel immediately.