Health and Safety Guidelines

Saunders

At Saunders, safety is our top priority. As an electrical, gas, and catering solutions provider, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, clients, and the general public. These guidelines outline our policies, practices, and responsibilities to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with applicable health and safety legislation.

1. Introduction

Health and safety is integral to our operations at Saunders.

Our goal is to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses by fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

2. Legal Compliance

Saunders complies with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
  • The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
  • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Management

  • Ensure health and safety policies are in place, up-to-date, and adhered to.
  • Conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures.
  • Provide training, equipment, and resources to maintain safety standards.
  • Investigate accidents or incidents and take corrective action.

3.2 Employees and Subcontractors

  • Follow all health and safety instructions, policies, and training.
  • Use tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed.
  • Report hazards, accidents, or near-misses immediately.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

3.3 Clients and the Public

  • Ensure areas where work is conducted are accessible and safe.
  • Comply with any safety instructions provided by Saunders personnel.

4. Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are carried out to identify hazards and mitigate risks associated with our operations.

4.1 Hazard Identification

Common hazards in our industry include:

  • Electrical Risks: Faulty wiring, live currents, or improper insulation.
  • Gas Risks: Leaks, explosions, or carbon monoxide exposure.
  • Catering Risks: Faulty appliances, hot surfaces, or chemical cleaning agents.

4.2 Risk Control Measures

  • Use of appropriate tools and safety equipment.
  • Clear labelling of hazardous areas.
  • Implementation of safe work practices.

Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and updated to reflect changes in operations or regulations.

5. Training and Competency

5.1 Employee Training

All employees undergo health and safety training tailored to their roles. This includes:

  • Safe use of electrical, gas, and catering equipment.
  • Emergency procedures, including fire and first aid response.
  • Awareness of workplace hazards and how to mitigate them.

5.2 Certifications and Competency

Employees working on electrical, gas and catering systems are certified by relevant bodies, such as:

  • Gas Safe Register for gas safety.
  • National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) for electrical safety.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is provided to all employees and subcontractors to minimise exposure to workplace hazards.

PPE is regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced as necessary to ensure it remains effective.

7. Emergency Procedures

7.1 First Aid

  • First aid kits are available at all work sites.
  • At least one employee trained in first aid is present on every job site.

7.2 Fire Safety

  • Fire extinguishers are available and regularly maintained.
  • Employees are trained in fire prevention and response.

7.3 Gas and Carbon Monoxide Emergencies

  • Gas detectors are used to monitor air quality.
  • In case of a suspected gas leak, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services.

8. Incident Reporting and Investigation

8.1 Reporting

All incidents, including near-misses, must be reported to management immediately.

8.2 Investigation

Management will investigate incidents to determine their cause and prevent recurrence. Findings are documented and shared with employees as needed.

9. Tool and Equipment Maintenance

Regular maintenance of tools and equipment is essential for safety.

9.1 Inspection

  • Tools are inspected before each use.
  • Faulty or damaged equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

9.2 Testing

  • Electrical and gas systems are tested regularly to ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is performed on electrical equipment where applicable.

10. Environmental Safety

10.1 Waste Management

  • Dispose of hazardous waste (e.g., old wiring, gas components) in accordance with environmental regulations.
  • Recycle materials wherever possible.

10.2 Minimising Hazards to the Public

  • Secure work areas to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Use signage to warn of potential hazards, such as “Caution: Live Wires.”

11. Health and Wellbeing

We prioritise the physical and mental wellbeing of our employees.

11.1 Workplace Ergonomics

  • Provide tools and equipment designed to reduce physical strain.
  • Encourage regular breaks during long work hours.

11.2 Mental Health Support

  • Offer resources and support for employees experiencing stress or mental health challenges.
  • Foster a workplace culture that promotes open communication.

12. Review and Continuous Improvement

Our health and safety guidelines are reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect:

  • Changes in operations or regulations.
  • Feedback from employees, clients, or subcontractors.
  • Lessons learned from incident investigations.

13. Client Responsibilities

Clients play an essential role in ensuring a safe work environment. This includes:

  • Providing access to the worksite.
  • Informing us of any known hazards (e.g., asbestos, faulty systems).
  • Following safety instructions provided by our team.

14. Contact Information

For questions or concerns about health and safety, please contact us:

Saunders
Phone: 0117 961 4330
Email: enquires@saunderssolution.co.uk
Address: Unit 8 Trubody’s Business Park, 121 London Road, Bridgeyate, Bristol, BS30 5NA

This information represents a summary of our Health and Safety policy and procedures. For further information regarding our current processes and procedures, please contact us.