2.2b Legislation

Question 1

Regulatory and legislative framework

Answer 1

• Legislation exists to protect employees involved in
  manufacturing and in the work place. The main acts are:
  » Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAW)
  » Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
  » Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
  (PPE).
• Employers are expected to:
  » ensure the workplace is safe and free of any risks to
  health
  » provide welfare facilities and services
  » ensure dangerous items and substances are stored
  away securely to avoid any potential harm
  » provide information, training and supervision
  regarding health and safety.
  Training:
  Employees have the right to training for the role they are
  expected to carry out and in the safe use of the machinery or
  equipment they will use.
  Guards on machines:
  Regulations state that machines must have protective guards
  fitted to prevent employees from serious injury. Machines
  should also have emergency stop buttons in case of an
  emergency.
  Extraction:
  Extractors should be in place to protect employees from
  dust or fumes which are produced during manufacturing
  processes. Some dust particles, such as CFRP and GRP are
  hazardous to health.

Question 2

Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAW)

Answer 2

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAW) was passed
to ensure employees are safe and are protected in their
workplace.
* The effect and impact of the Act:
» Employers could be criminally liable if they fail to meet
regulations.
» The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) was set up
to ensure the act followed. HSE and local authority
inspectors visit workplaces for this reason.
» Employees have the right to representation on health
and safety matters.
» Employers are obligated to supply and use safety
equipment.
* Employers are required to carry out risk assessments of
activities to identify hazards in the workplace and in order
to put the right protocols in place to protect employees.
* Companies must appoint a Health and Safety officer who
will oversee procedures on safety in the workplace.
This role includes checking that:
» all equipment, tools and machinery are safe to work
with and are regularly tested and checked
» PPE is supplied to all employees who need it
» the environment is safe and healthy
» procedures do not adversely affect the health of
workers.
* Regulations state that there should be a person in place
in charge of first aid and that a fully stocked first aid kit is
readily available.
* Employees also have a responsibility to follow the rules
and guidelines for their own benefit as well as that of
their co-worker

Question 3

Control of Substances Hazardous
to health (COSHH)

Answer 3

• Many hazardous materials and chemicals exist within
  manufacturing industries such as chemical finishes
  applied to fabrics and materials, dyestuffs and cleaning
  materials. All of which could have harmful effects on
  workers’ health and well-being.
• The act states that all hazardous materials should be
  stored and used correctly and should form part of the
  company’s risk assessment.
• Exposure to hazardous materials could result in:
  » eye irritation
  » asthma
  » chronic lung disease
  » rashes or other skin problems
  » other complaints from inhalation of fumes.
• All hazardous materials should carry appropriate warning
  labels.

Question 4

Personal Protective Equipment
at Work Regulations (PPE)

Answer 4

• Some processes require workers to use personal
  protective equipment – PPE.
• This is specialist safety wear and could include overalls,
  gloves, goggles, masks, hard hats or specialist footwear.
  Workers using cutting machines should for example wear
  goggles and a chain mail glove.

Question 5

The Electricity at Work Regulations

Answer 5

• The act states that frayed cables should be replaced
  immediately, and only qualified electricians should carry
  out electrical repairs.
• Plugs, sockets and electrical appliances should not come
  into contact with water.
• Electrical equipment should be regularly maintained and
  checked by an electrician.