Health and Safety Procedures

DMF Engineering
Health and Safety Procedures

Prepared by

DMF ENGINEERING
PO Box 123211, Dubai , United Arab Emirates
Dubai: T +971 4 227 2525 F +971 4 227 2524
Quality Information
Document Health & Safety Procedures

Ref DG/JNS/PB119

Date ………………..

Prepared by DMF Engineering

Reviewed by David Ghosheh

Revision History

Authorised
Revision Revision Date Details
Name/Position Signature
David Ghosheh
0 Health & Safety Procedures
President & CEO
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
1.0 Health & Safety Management 2
1.1 Management Responsibility 2
1.2 Employee Responsibility 2
1.3 Training 2
1.4 Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses 3
1.5 Contractors & Sub-Consultants 3
2.0 General Safety Procedures 4
2.1 Fire 4
2.2 Evacuation Procedures 4
2.3 Manual Handling - Lifting 4
2.4 Vehicle Safety and Road Rules 5
2.5 Good Practice Guidelines 5
2.5.1 Door and Drawers 5
2.5.2 Avoid Slips, Trips and Falls 5
2.5.3 Office Machines 6
2.5.4 VDU’s 6
2.5.5 Cuts and Puncture Wounds 6
3.0 Site Safety Plans 7
3.1 General 7
3.2 Hazards and Control Measures 7
3.3 Project Health & Safety 8
4.0 Site Safety Guidelines 9
4.1 Introduction 9
4.2 General Hazards 9
4.3 Site Visits 9
4.4 Site Investigation and Testing 10
4.5 Physical Hazards 10
4.5.1 Falls 10
4.5.2 Falling Objects 10
4.5.3 Work on Structures 10
4.5.4 Excavations 10
4.5.5 Prevention or Avoidance of Drowning 11
4.6 Confined Spaces 11
4.7 Moving Plant / Machinery and Operating Plant 11
4.8 Electrical Hazards 11
4.9 Dangerous or Hazardous Goods and Chemicals 11
4.10 Contamination and Biological Hazards 12
4.11 Construction Site Management 12
4.11.1 Traffic Routes, Vehicles, Doors and Gates 12
4.11.2 Site Facilities 12
4.12 Personal Protective Equipment 13
4.12.1 UV Light Protection 13
4.12.2 High Visibility Test 13
4.12.3 Safety Footwear 13
4.12.4 Safety Helmet 13
4.12.5 Safety Glasses 13
4.12.6 Hearing Protection 13
4.12.7 Hand Protection 13
4.12.8 Respiratory Protection 13
4.12.9 Long Sleeves 13
4.13 Emergency Procedures 14
4.13.1 Emergency Procedures 14
Executive Summary
DMF Engineering is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to maintaining safe
work practices for all our staff.

Occupational injury and illness can be prevented. This document sets out to establish and maintain a
management system that seeks to prevent workplace injury or illness. Hazards to health and safety shall be
removed or, where this is not practicable, they shall be managed.

It is DMF Engineering policy:-

™ To promote awareness of H&S issues amongst staff, contractors and sub-consultants.

™ To ensure all staff contractors and sub-consultants understand their responsibilities with regard to H&S.

™ To ensure that all staff contractors and sub-consultants are provided with suitable training, skills and
equipment for their tasks.

™ To review and endeavour to continuously improve the H&S management procedures.

™ To provide non-smoking offices.

™ That all staff, contractors and sub-consultants abide by the relevant health and safety regulations and
procedures in all aspects of their work.

The goal of the DMF Engineering Health & Safety Procedures is to maintain a record of zero staff time lost
due to injury or illness as a result of work activities.

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1.0 Health & Safety Management
1.1 Management Responsibility
The President & CEO, has overall responsibility for providing a safe and healthy working environment and
for maintaining safe work practices for all staff working in the Offices, so far as is practicable.

The Administration Manager has delegated responsibility to:

™ Provide a safe and healthy working environment and safe work practices for staff working in the
office environment
™ Ensure that company cars are maintained in safe working order
™ Nominate Fire Wardens and First Alders and ensure they receive appropriate training

Resident Engineers and Construction Managers have delegated responsibility to provide a safe and healthy
working environment and safe work practices for staff working on site on projects under their control, so far
as is practicable. These obligations can be fulfilled in part by working under client or contractor HS plans
(providing they meet legislative and regulatory requirements) or by establishing project specific procedures.

Resident Engineers and Construction Managers shall report any incidents and near misses to the President
& CEO.

1.2 Employee Responsibility

In the interests of safety, all employees of DMF Engineering, sub-consultants, contractors and others are
required to:

™ Take the necessary care and responsibility for their own safety and health.

™ Take the necessary care and responsibility for the safety and health of others who may be affected
by their actions in the workplace.

™ Not wilfully interfere with or misuse items or facilities provided in the interests of the safety, health
and welfare of company employees and others, such as fire extinguishers, first aid cabinets, etc.

™ Report potential and actual hazards and incidents /accidents to the President & CEO.

All employees have a duty and responsibility to take care of their own health and safety, and of others
affected by their actions at work.

DMF Engineering seeks the co-operation of all employees in realising our health and safety objectives and
creating a safe working environment.

1.3 Training
All staff shall receive training on:
™ The general operation of the H&S Management

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 ™ Their responsibilities to themselves and others
™ Safe work practices in the office

All staff shall receive a copy of this document for reference and are expected to use it and keep themselves
informed.

Those staff engaged in site work shall receive induction training relating to general safe work practices on
site and, where applicable, site specific induction training (which may be provided by the client or contractor
controlling the site).

1.4 Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported immediately to the President & CEO.

First aid treatment must be sought for all injuries, however minor. Small wounds can easily get worse if not
treated promptly. First aid attendants are listed on the Notice Board.

Incidents shall be investigated by a team comprising:

™ Persons or witnesses involved

™ President & CEO
™ H&S Representative
™ Client (if applicable)

Serious incidents (death, immediate hospitalisation, other serious injury, major plant or site failure) shall be
notified to Police immediately.

1.5 Contractors & Sub-Consultants

All Contractors and Sub-consultants shall be made aware of and comply with the requirements of the DMF
Engineering H&S Procedures.

Contractors and Sub-consultants undertaking unsupervised work on behalf of DMF Engineering shall have:
™ Documented H&S procedure, including adequate safe work procedures for all potentially hazardous
on-site activities
™ Demonstrated an understanding of the legislative requirements and all relevant codes of practice
™ Suitable qualifications for tasks performed, including training.

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2.0 General Safety Procedures
2.1 Fire
Awareness of types of all fire extinguishers and locations of fire extinguishers in the office is essential.
Employees shall familiarise themselves with the operation of the extinguishers.
™ Powder type stored pressure extinguishers are used on solids (i.e. paper and wood fires).
™ Carbon dioxide type extinguishers are used on electrical fires and flammable liquids

The first person to spot a fire shall act quickly but not panic. When using the extinguisher, start
approximately 2 metres from the fire - it is safer to advance towards the fire from a distance than to start too
close and risk being burnt.

Always remember in the event of fire or other emergencies necessitating action or evacuation - DO NOT
PANIC.

2.2 Evacuation Procedures

The following emergency procedures are used:

Automatic Fire Alarm

At the sound of the alert tone, move directly to your nearest assembly area and take your visitor with you.

At the sound of the evacuation tone or when requested to do so by your Manager, move into the fire stairs
and descend in an orderly manner to street level.

On reaching the street move to your safe assembly area - wait further instructions from the emergency
officer.

Other Emergencies
Advise everybody on your floor and commence evacuation of the floor - but tell the emergency control
officer what you have done.

On reaching the street, move to your safe assembly area - await further instructions from the emergency
control officer.

2.3 Manual Handling - Lifting

If you need to lift a heavy object:
™ Get help if you think the load may be too heavy
™ Use a ladder to reach high objects
™ Use as a trolley, if possible, instead of lifting
™ Plan the lift so the area is clear
™ Stand close to the load with feet solidly placed and slightly apart
™ Ensure knees are bent
™ Grasp the object firmly and then lift by straightening the legs

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 ™ Avoid twisting and bending

2.4 Vehicle Safety and Road Rules

When using a car on company business:
™ The driver must have a full valid drivers licence
™ The road rules must be obeyed at all times, including speed limits
™ Allow sufficient time for your journey, including time for parking, refuelling and traffic congestion
™ Report any safety or mechanical problems with the vehicle to the Administration Manager
immediately on return. If you think the vehicle is unsafe for arty reason, do not drive it and make
alternative travel arrangements

2.5 Good Practice Guidelines

2.5.1 Door and Drawers

™ Go slowly and look carefully for clear glass doors to avoid collision.
™ Approach closed doors from the side away from the hinges. This shall enable you to step out of the
way if someone comes through.
™ Avoid overloading top drawers. This can cause the cabinet to fall on you.
™ Close one drawer before opening another to avoid banging your head and to prevent the cabinet
from tipping.
™ Close drawers gently. Use handles to avoid pinching fingers.
™ Do not struggle with stuck drawers. You may hurt your back.
™ Stack objects neatly inside cabinets, not on top.
™ Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
™ Do not overload cabinets, especially those that aren’t bolted to the floor or wall. They might tip over.
™ Store heavy or breakable items on lower shelves.

2.5.2 Avoid Slips, Trips and Falls

™ Watch out for loose carpet.

™ Wipe up all spills.
™ Wear appropriate shoes.
™ Pick up pencils, paper clips and other objects that may cause a slip.
™ Keep your chair on the floor at all times. Tilting back in a chair often results in overbalancing.
™ Check your chair for broken springs, loose screws and defective welds.
™ Be sure footed when climbing. Use a step ladder not a chair.
™ Beware of telephone and electrical leads lying across the floor. Catching your heel on a lead almost
guarantees a fall.
™ Avoid obstructing your vision with large loads. Do not hurry, especially around corners.
™ Report dusty or out of order lights promptly.
™ Keep corridors and walkways clear of obstruction.

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2.5.3 Office Machines

™ Learn how to operate machines safely before use.

™ Be alert for electrical hazards such as frayed or bare wires, overloaded outlets or improperly
grounded wires.
™ Unplug any machine that overheats smokes, sparks or causes shocks, and report the problem.
™ Repairs shall only be undertaken by qualified persons.
™ Avoid wearing loose sleeves, scarves, belts, dangling jewellery, long hair etc. around machines with
exposed or unguarded moving parts.

2.5.4 VDU’s

™ Minimise eye-strain by preventing glare. To do this, adjust the angle of the screen, change the
viewing distance, alter the lighting by adjusting blinds etc. Adjust the brightness control as
necessary. Keep the screen clean.
™ Have eyes tested regularly. This shall help ensure good vision by monitoring any changes in
eyesight. It shall also make you aware of the need for new eyeglasses or contact lenses.
™ Vary your routine if possible. Periodic breaks increase physical movement, and alternating screen
work with other work, if possible, may be helpful.
™ Practice good posture by keeping your back straight and feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

2.5.5 Cuts and Puncture Wounds

™ Do not test a jammed stapler by holding your thumb over the end or by discharging it near your
eyes.
™ Wear finger guards when handling stacks of paper.
™ Moisten stamps and envelopes with a sponge or sealing device.
™ Keep pointed objects boxed separately in a drawer. Never reach for them blindly.
™ Store razor blades in a covered container. To dispose of razor blades, wrap them in paper and
mark the paper accordingly.
™ Use separate containers to store drawing pins/tacks. Never mix drawing pins with paper clips.

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3.0 Site Safety Plans
3.1 General
Any work conducted out of the office on site has the potential to expose staff to numerous safety hazards. It
is important, therefore, that the appropriate measures are taken to ensure:
™ Staffs are aware of hazards to health and safety.
™ The appropriate protective equipment is made available.
™ Procedures exist for dealing with hazards that are likely to be encountered.
™ Staffs receive training appropriate to their exposure and responsibility in hazard identification, use
of equipment, safe work practices and emergency procedures.

All site work is project based, so the process of ensuring safety on site is a project management activity.

3.2 Hazards and Control Measures

Work typically undertaken by DMF Engineering staff on site includes:
™ Site inspection
™ Site investigation and testing
™ Construction surveillance
™ Attendance at progress meetings

The hazards that can be encountered include:

™ Exposure to the weather (hot/cold)
™ Traffic
™ Operating test or sampling equipment
™ Mechanical plant
™ Working on electrical plant
™ Construction activities
™ Contamination
™ Pollution
™ Working over water
™ Working at heights
™ Confined spaces

Control measures are intended to remove a hazard or to reduce its level of risk. Examples include:
™ Training in safety awareness and safe work practices.
™ Training in safe operation of testing and sampling equipment.
™ Use of personal protective equipment.
™ Finding alternative safer methods or work.
™ Development and implementation of safe work practices to address a specific situation.
™ Seeking and acting on specialist advise.

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3.3 Project Health & Safety
As part of the project planning process defined in the corporate standards, a safety review is required to
identify hazards that could be encountered during the course of the project.

Where the project comprises office based activities, it will only be necessary to follow the General Safety
Procedures. If the project contains an element of site work, it will be necessary to identify site hazards and
provide appropriate control measures and safe working procedures.

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4.0 Site Safety Guidelines
4.1 Introduction
This section provides general advice relating to common hazards found on site and typical control
measures and safe work practices.

4.2 General Hazards

™ Exposure to extreme heat conditions will be minimised by wearing appropriate clothing, drinking
water to avoid dehydration, and having rests in the shade or
indoors.
™ In the event of adverse weather conditions the Project Manager will determine if work can continue
without endangering the health and safety of field workers. Items
to be considered when determining if work should continue include:
™ Potential for heat stress
™ Treacherous weather-related working conditions
™ Limited visibility
™ Potential for electrical storms
™ First aid must be applied in the event of all accidents such as cuts or abrasions, no matter how
minor.
™ Irate residents, interested parties or the media will be dealt with politely and referred to the Client or
Project Manager.
™ In a remote area, if your vehicle breaks down and cannot be repaired or you become lost, do not
attempt to walk for help. Stay with the vehicle.

4.3 Site Visits

™ Site visits are for the purpose of observation.
™ Take comprehensive notes of your observations and all relevant details of the site visit.
™ Take an office camera with plenty of camera film. Cameras can be booked using the intranet public
folder system.
™ Consider taking a mobile phone if you are travelling alone. Office mobile phones are available at
reception.
™ Your actions on site must be responsible. Endeavour to avoid dangerous situations.
™ If you are concerned that an inspection will compromise your safety, check with site personnel first.
If the situation remains unsafe or not appropriate, decline to
participate.
™ You must not direct a contractor how to undertake any work (although you may assist a contractor
to identify job risks). If you see a contractor’s personnel engaged in work practices that you believe
are unsafe, immediately advise the contractor’s foreman or project manager that you are
concerned.
™ If an incident causing personal injury or property damage occurs during a site visit, it must be
recorded and reported to the Project Manager and Project Director
immediately on return to the office.

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 ™ If a major incident occurs on site and is attended by Police investigators, remember that anything
you say may be taken down and used in evidence against you!

4.4 Site Investigation and Testing

™ Tools and equipment shall be inspected before use and, where appropriate, checked for adequate
operation.
™ Return all tools and field equipment to the correct location.
™ Clean dirty equipment prior to return.
™ Document and report any equipment breakages as soon as possible.
™ Maintain field specimens in good order and store, label and document appropriately.
™ Clean the vehicle of rubbish and debris at the end of the day.
™ Remove equipment from the vehicle that will not be required during the course of the days work
and store appropriately.

4.5 Physical Hazards

4.5.1 Falls

™ If falls from height are not prevented by physical precautions (guard rails, etc), use equipment that
will arrest falls (safety harnesses, etc.).
™ Ensure there are physical precautions to prevent falls through fragile materials.
™ Scaffolding, access equipment, harnesses and nets can only be used under the supervision of a
competent person.

4.5.2 Falling Objects

™ Wear a helmet if there is danger from falling objects.

™ Take steps to prevent materials or objects from falling, to protect people at work and others where
necessary.
™ Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent falling materials, ensure there are precautions to
prevent people from being struck, eg. covered walkways.
™ Do not throw any materials or objects down from a height if they could strike someone.
™ Materials and equipment should be stored safely.

4.5.3 Work on Structures

™ Wear a safety helmet.

™ Check that new or existing structures or those under construction are not likely to collapse.
™ Any dismantling or demolition of any structure must be planned and carried out in a safe manner
under the supervision of a competent person.

4.5.4 Excavations

™ Do not enter an excavation unless under supervision of a competent person.

™ Check for potential collapse of ground both in and above excavations.
™ Identify and prevent risk from underground cables and other services.

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4.5.5 Prevention or Avoidance of Drowning

™ Take steps to prevent people from falling into water or other liquid as far as is reasonably
practicable.
™ Ensure that personal protective and rescue equipment is immediately available for use and
maintained, in the event of a fail.
™ Make sure safe transport by water is under the control of a competent person.

4.6 Confined Spaces

Confined spaces include any vat, tank, pit, pipe, duct, flue, oven, chimney, silo, reaction vessel, container,
receptacle, underground sewer, shaft, well, trench, tunnel or other similar enclosed or partially enclosed
structure where:
™ The space is intended, or likely to be, entered by a person.
™ The space has limited or restricted means of entry or exit.
™ Contains, or is likely to contain, an atmosphere with a harmful level of contaminant.
™ Contains, or is likely to contain, an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level.
™ Contains, or is likely to contain, any substance that could cause engulfment (except liquids).

Entry to confined spaces is restricted to authorised persons, who must obtain an entry permit and comply
with the established procedures.

4.7 Moving Plant / Machinery and Operating Plant

™ Personnel operating plant or equipment must be authorised by the plant owner and must be familiar
with operation and required safety procedures.
™ Hands, loose clothing, hair, etc. must be kept away from moving machinery.
™ Ensure all sources of energy (compressed air, moving parts, etc.) are properly isolated prior to
access to the plant or machinery.

4.8 Electrical Hazards

™ Only appropriately qualified personnel shall work in the vicinity of live electrical equipment.
™ Unqualified personnel shall not work near exposed electrical wires unless the wires have been
rendered not alive’ by qualified personnel.

4.9 Dangerous or Hazardous Goods and Chemicals

It is unlikely that DMF Engineering will need to store or transport dangerous or hazardous goods and
chemicals. Staff may, however, need to work on sites where such products are in use and should be aware
of basic management procedures.
™ All persons working with the chemicals must be trained in safe use, storage, handling and
transportation.
™ Take precautions to avoid exposure.
™ Avoid ignition sources (including portable electronic equipment).

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 ™ A register must be kept of dangerous goods with details of quantities, classifications, etc.
™ Material safety data sheets must be available for each chemical product used or stored on site.
Refer to data sheets if near or exposed to chemicals.

4.10 Contamination and Biological Hazards

™ Only appropriately trained and equipped personnel will be allowed to work in potentially
contaminated areas.
™ Field personnel will wear the appropriate safety equipment during field activities.
™ No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted during the excavation of soil or any other similar
activities. Site personnel will wash their hands before eating, drinking, smoking or toilet breaks, or
leaving the site.
™ Field activities will be conducted in a manner that minimises dust generation and exposure to
chemical hazards.

4.11 Construction Site Management

Construction sites are generally controlled by the main contractor and staff must follow the procedures set
in place by the contractor.

4.11.1 Traffic Routes, Vehicles, Doors and Gates

™ Construction sites should be organised so that pedestrians and vehicles can both move safely and
without risks to health.
™ Routes must be suitable and sufficient for the people or vehicles using them.
™ Unintended movement of any vehicle must be prevented or controlled.
™ Vehicles must be operated safely, and riding or remaining in unsafe positions prohibited.
™ Doors and gates which could present danger such as trapping risk of powered doors and gates,
should be provided with suitable safeguards.

4.11.2 Site Facilities

™ Sanitary and washing facilities and an adequate supply of drinking water should be provided.
™ Rest facilities and facilities to change and store clothing should be provided.
™ Sufficient fresh or purified air should be available at every workplace, and associated plant capable
of giving visible or audible warning of failure.
™ A reasonable working temperature should be maintained at indoor work places during working
hours.
™ Facilities for protection against adverse weather conditions should be provided.
™ Suitable and sufficient emergency lighting should be available, including secondary lighting where
there would be a risk to health or safety if primary or artificial lighting failed.
™ Construction sites should be kept in good order and in a reasonable state of cleanliness.
™ The perimeter of a construction site to which people, other than those working on the site could
gain access, mist be marked by suitable signs so that its extent can be easily identified.
™ All plant and equipment used for construction work must be safe, of sound construction and used
and maintained so that it remains safe and without risks to health.

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4.12 Personal Protective Equipment
The following is a list of standard Personal Protective Equipment that is typically used on site and is readily
available. Staff shall use standard Personal Protective Equipment appropriate to the site requirements.

4.12.1 UV Light Protection

To reduce the risk of sunburn, wear a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses, long trousers and a long sleeve
shirt.

4.12.2 High Visibility Test

High visibility vests are required on all construction sites and in many industrial sites and shall be worn
when working near traffic.

4.12.3 Safety Footwear

Safety footwear (steel capped boots or shoes) are required on all construction sites and many industrial
sites. They shall be worn whenever there is a risk of injury to your feet due to falling objects, rough
surfaces, etc. High cut boots shall be worn in rough conditions, such as mines and construction sites.

4.12.4 Safety Helmet

Safety helmets are required on all construction sites and many industrial sites. They shall be worn
whenever there is a risk of an object falling from overhead or of hitting your head on objects and when
cranes are in use.

4.12.5 Safety Glasses

Safety glasses shall be worn in dusty environments and if there is any risk or sparks or flying debris. Face
masks, acid proof goggles and other protective equipment shall be used where appropriate for the risk.

4.12.6 Hearing Protection

Hearing protection shall be used in designated areas when noise hazardous equipment is in use.

4.12.7 Hand Protection

Appropriate gloves shall be worn when handling timber, wire, chemicals, solvents, fuels, etc.

4.12.8 Respiratory Protection

The appropriate masks or respirator shall be used in areas of fine dust, gas or fumes.

4.12.9 Long Sleeves

Long sleeves clothing can provide initial protection in case of flash fire and can reduce the risk of abrasion,
etc.

Long sleeve clothing, preferably cotton, providing ankle to wrist cover shall be worn where dangerous
goods are present or where there is a risk from abrasion, etc.

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4.13 Emergency Procedures
4.13.1 Emergency Procedures

For prevention and control of emergencies:

™ Be aware of potential risks from fire, explosion, flooding and asphyxiation.
™ Identify emergency routes and exits.
™ Establish, or find out, the prevailing arrangements for dealing with emergencies, including
procedures for evacuating the site.

Where applicable, the project H&S plan should include details of:

™ Emergency Contact Numbers.

™ Route to the nearest Hospital with emergency facilities.

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