AVANTIS

Procedure Name: DROPS Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-11 Date: 27th January 2020

1 27/01/2020 Gareth Haines Tom David Tom David Initial Issue

Issue Date Author Reviewed Approved Reason for Change
No

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: DROPS Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-11 Date: 27th January 2020

POLICY
Avantis recognises the importance of DROPS inspections and the implications it may have on Health and Safety
whilst working with the potential for dropped objects. As a company we will take all necessary steps to reduce
the risks to the lowest level reasonably practical.

Identification of a potential dropped object

There are two recognised descriptions for dropped objects Static and Dynamic dropped objects

• Static – any object that falls from its previous static position under its own weight.
• Dynamic – any object that falls from its static position due to applied force from equipment/ machinery or
moving objects.

PREVENTIVE CONTROLS
Where it is considered necessary, Avantis will undertake the following controls:

• Individual Awareness.
• Effective Task Planning
• Pre- task Assessment and Checks (Observation & Vigilance)
• Tool Aloft Log Book (High Risk Area’s)

MITIGATING MEASURES RISK ASSESSMENT

Where there is a high potential for dropped objects, a competent person prior to work starting will carry out a
risk assessment and all findings documented and risk awareness discussed with the team, in the form of a Tool
Box Talk (TBT) or time out for safety (TOFS), shall be conducted prior to commencing work.

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

All employees will be provided with appropriate information and training. The extent of training will depend on
the individual’s previous experience and the type of work they will undertake.

IMPLEMENTATION OF SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

For non-routine tasks, and where considered necessary, Avantis will ensure that no person will work unless a
documented safe system of work is prepared. It will consider the following 8 points and offer instruction on how
the task is completed.

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: DROPS Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-11 Date: 27th January 2020

Where applicable, A ‘Permit to Work’ system will be implemented for all potential dropped object-working
areas.

1. The Competent person shall perform a survey of the area / work site and shall record the results on a TBT sheet
and attach this to the PTW (where applicable), this will indicate the necessary actions to be taking with the
project team

2. When working at height, the potential for dropped objects is greater and continuous vigilance is crucial

3. Use only tools and equipment approved for work at height, including the appropriate lanyards and tool bags

4. Set up barriers beneath the work area and ensure the extent of the barrier zone is appropriate to the work
height, with due consideration of the potential deflection or ‘bounce’ of a dropped object

5. Check grating is secure and use mats where there is the potential for small items to fall through grating

6. Where a scaffolding platform is employed, ensure toe-boards are installed and gaps are secured where
required

7. Remain vigilant of other activities going on around you and below you

8. All sign off sheets from Risk Assessments and Toolbox talks must be returned and filed in the project
documentation file

In every case the pre-inspection of the worksite is encouraged so that a comprehensive RA is made.

RECORDS
Records will be kept for:

• Risk assessments undertaken

• Safe systems of work, including permits to work

• Information and training provided

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: DROPS Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-11 Date: 27th January 2020

Work at Height (DROPS) Safe System of Work

BEFORE YOU START ANY TASK, CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL FOR DROPPED OBJECTS:
• Even if your task is not at height, consider the environment where you will perform the task and any other
activities that may be going on around you

• Before work commences, visually inspect the work area for loose items and debris

• Check the equipment and structures in the work area to ensure that any fasteners, bolting, covers etc. are
properly secured

• Check that secondary retention is in place for all items secured above the work area, eg lighting,
PA equipment etc.

• Check that secondary retention is in place for all items secured above the work area, eg lighting,
PA equipment etc.

WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT:

• Use only tools and equipment approved for work at height, including the appropriate lanyards and tool bags
• Set up barriers beneath the work area and ensure the extent of the barriered zone is appropriate to the work
height
• Check that grating is secure and use mats where there is the potential for small items to fall through grating
• Where a scaffolding platform is employed, ensure toe boards are installed. Remain vigilant of other activities
going on around you and below you

WHERE THE TASK INVOLVES LOADING OR LIFTING:

• Ensure the lifting equipment, carrier or packaging is appropriate for the task and in good order.
• Ensure containerised loads are properly stacked, stored and secured Check tubulars for items left inside and
employ cap ends where practicable Check tops of containers and fork lift pockets for loose items and debris

WHEN WORK IS COMPLETE:

Clear all scrap, debris and loose items from the worksite and return all tools, before removing barriers

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