Section 2 company policy v10 _nfco_ update _2_ _4_

The National Flooring Company Ltd
Health & Safety Policy Version 10, 14/2/2012

Health & Safety Policy
Arrangements for Health & Safety at Work
General Statement of Intent
The Managing Director of The National Flooring Co Ltd regards the promotion of Health & Safety measures at work as an important objective for all. It is, therefore, the organization's policy to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent personal injury and hazards to health of all persons who may come into contact with our undertaking. In particular, the Directors accept their responsibilities as employers: To provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions and safe means of access and egress, taking into account any statutory requirements under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. To provide and maintain plant and systems of work; the provision of such adequate information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure employees perform their work safely and efficiently and to make them aware of their responsibilities to their colleagues and themselves. We will also ensure so far as reasonably practicable there are no risks to health in the use, handling, storage and transportation of articles and substances. We also accept our responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of other people, including visitors and contractors, who may be affected by the organization's undertaking. To make available the necessary financial resources to meet Health & Safety requirements. To ensure effective liability insurances are in force and renewed to maintain insurance cover for Employers Liability and Public Liability as required under Health & Safety legislation. In return, employees are required under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that they take reasonable care for health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Also, to co-operate with the employer so far as is necessary to enable the employer to meet its statutory provisions. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything which is provided for the interest of Health, Safety and Welfare. The intention of this policy statement is to clearly declare the organization's commitment towards Health & Safety and will prove useful in securing the co-operation of all employees in making this business a safe place to work. Allocated responsibilities and specific health and safety arrangements are noted within the Health & Safety Policy document. This will be regularly reviewed particularly as the business changes in nature and size and will be communicated to employees and ‘other's e.g. contractors as required. Date: 14/2/2012 _ Position: Managing Director _ The National Flooring Company Ltd Health & Safety Policy Issue10, 14/2/12 National Flooring H&S Organisation Chart NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Company Policy
• Any new equipment that is introduced will be assessed by Contracts Director/Manager and any requisite training carried out at Toolbox Health and Safety issues are to be reviewed
talks. Faulty equipment is to be reported to at least annually and to be updated as
Contracts Director/Manager and placed in appropriate in response to feedback or
faulty equipment area in warehouse. reference information received. Consultation
between Directors and personnel will take
• Fire extinguishers will be placed inside the place at monthly Operations meetings. We
are committed to continuous monitoring of
this policy by auditing and reviewing its
No naked flames, sparks or incandescent effectiveness in the workplace.
lights to be within 18m of the work area. • National Flooring teams will incorporate client's own Health & Safety requirements into the project Method Statement and National Flooring is committed to maintaining a ensure that staff on site comply with client safe environment for the efficient installation of standards of safety procedures including Degafloor® MMA and Altro polyurethane resin Safety Induction Courses, Safety Briefings floors. We are dedicated to protecting the health and being escorted and logged on and off and safety of our employees, customers and site, as required. others working under our control or who may be affected by our activities. • All hazardous substances used will be To this end we have worked closely over the assessed in accordance with COSHH, taking years with large manufacturers of reactive resins, using their considerable knowledge and exposure, workers health and emergency experience, and have adopted their policies on actions. The assessments will be distributed safe handling of all products. to all operatives and any changes will be notified at Toolbox Talks. Operatives are to • All areas of work are to be free of other acknowledge receipt of information by trades and equipment to allow for the safe signature and records to be kept in the office. installation of our proposed Flooring System. Air monitoring will take place at appropriate intervals throughout installation. During preparation and installation, only National Flooring personnel will be allowed • Staff are issued with updated versions of inside the work area. H&S policy. Weekly Contract meetings are • All personnel will wear suitable protective held at which any H&S issues are raised and clothing and equipment, recorded and signed training needs established. Meetings are for. Personnel will be issued with PPE on minuted to be actioned in a realistic time thereafter on request. PPE checks will be carried out and recorded by Contracts Managers on a monthly basis. implementation of all works reference to be made to site information, site surveys, material Ventilation is essential during installation and safety and EC datasheets, best practice curing. In the event of sealed areas, forced guidance, Method Statements, client's own ventilation should be used. Areas of work should be barriered off to prohibit entry of unauthorised personnel. contractors may be necessary before, during • All equipment is to be PAT tested at regular and after works that will include all safety provisions and procedures. Method statements manufacturers recommendations. All records are project specific. to be kept on file in Finance Office. NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Staff Training
All operatives will be CSCS Health and Safety trained. Each operative is specifically trained in the use of hazardous substances, the correct use of PPE and manual handling. Asbestos Subcontractors will be instructed for any Awareness training is updated annually for all shotblasting that is required. They will be operatives. Employees will receive training selected with regard to their experience and appropriate to their responsibilities. Supervisors technical capability and due regard will be given to their Health and Safety record. They will will hold SSSTS certification. Induction training provide their Health and Safety policy, insurance is provided for new employees to include Company procedures and H&S awareness. schedules and relevant training details for their Toolbox talks are given regularly to update operatives. All equipment brought on to site employees on new substances, machinery and must be tested and tagged. The Health and Safety Sub-Contractor Statement must be completed prior to commencement of each project. Risk assessments and method EEC data sheets are issued for all new substances together with suitable PPE. All statements are to be provided National Flooring work is carried out on Clients sites and prior to commencement of each new project operatives will be given a safety briefing information file. from the Installation Manager utilising Client's own Health and Safety, Fire and Emergency Product handling
Procedures which are to be followed in Products used are typically, Degafloor®, Altro® accordance with Clients site regulations. Advice PU and Acropol® polymer material systems. For will be taken from the Clients own H & S adviser the product proposed and used it is most as appropriate. All operatives are first aid important that the correct "design, preparation and installation instructions" are matched with the correct EC safety datasheet and that the Names and location of office-based first aiders procedures are followed. COSHH assessments can be found on rest-room noticeboards. First will be carried out for all hazardous products aid kits are located in the finance office and used and H&S Data Sheets carried for all warehouse in the office building. products. PPE shall be worn as appropriate. Staff Welfare
This relates to occupational safety for installation teams, all operatives being trained in the The Operations Manager shall ensure during his handling of hazardous substances, manual initial site visit that adequate Welfare facilities handling and also the quality of the finished including suitable toilet/washing facilities are product for safe performance under working available on site for the comfort of all employees. conditions for customers. [These floors are Employees and sub-contractors shall be made usually design solutions for heavy duty aware of these facilities during initial safety briefings on site. workforces with heavy physical and/or chemical loading and for safe operations under foot.] When travelling distances over 60 miles/or taking longer than 2 hours rest intervals are to Employees are advised not to manually handle be taken by driver. loads that they feel incapable of handling and to use alternative lifting/carrying techniques where possible as instructed during Manual Handling Training Course. NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Preparation
Industrial flooring systems require correct sub-floor preparation. The following are the general Only National Flooring approved installation methods and the safety requirements adopted. teams will lay product. The main system used is Degafloor and comprehensive information is • The National Flooring team or a specialist included in this section. subcontractor carries out preparation. In general this is vacuum assisted shot blast Detailed Information for all products used, including contact details for technical services of documentation relevant safety information all suppliers, is held on file at this Office. supplied by any approved subcontractors. National Flooring will carry out a site survey in consultation with the client/contractor to ensure that all aspects of safety and risk are understood • Vacuum assisted floor planer. Operatives and dealt with. Risk assessments are carried out must wear suitable: continuously by employees throughout their • eye protection Polymer systems
• hearing protection Acropol polymer is used as a filler and scrape coat when levels need to be made up in preparation for resin floor laying. Refer to Safety Data Sheets and product • Preparation by grinding. Operatives must Polyurethane systems
• eye protection Refer to Altro Resin Safety Data Sheets and • hearing protection Altro "Design, preparation and installation • head protection • hand protection Note that there is a large variety of Altro products but we only use a select range of the PU systems. It is most important to match the Small hand tools, e.g.; Kango breakers. correct reference information. Operatives must wear suitable: MMA systems
• eye protection Degafloor® systems are installed using a simple • hearing protection drill mixing procedure, and spread by rake and • head protection trowel. Refer to Degussa EC Safety Data • hand protection • Protective aids, equipment and clothing Operatives are fully trained in the use of should be worn as above equipment and provided with suitable PPE to be maintained individually. Prolonged use of hand- • Mixing drills should be checked and certified held machinery is to be avoided at all times. on a regular basis When using such equipment regular breaks • All employees have been instructed in the must be taken in line with relevant risk NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Degafloor is based on Degadur solvent-free,
Associated Risks
methylmethacrylate Depending on the flooring system required, the resins are combined on site with specially blended Degafloor aggregates. Degafloor resins are flammable until curing is Degafloor resins harden through polymerisation. complete (1-2 hours after addition of the The necessary accelerator is included in the hardener). In the work area, as defined by the resin and hardening is initiated by adding a Degafloor site manager, the following must be hardener catalyst, di-benzoyl peroxide 50%. observed by employees: To ensure safe handling of Degafloor resins • No smoking
storage, mixing and work areas must be well organised and laid out. Food, tobacco, etc. • No open flames or other ignition sources
should never be taken into the work area. Good • No welding, cutting, grinding or any other
practice includes the use of barrier creams and process that may generate a spark
protective clothing, e.g.; safety shoes, gloves and goggles. • Welding and cutting permits should be
strictly enforced
Work clothes must be removed on leaving the work area for breaks. Hands, etc. must be Site supervisors are responsible for keeping carefully washed. Particular attention should be operating areas safe from fire ensuring staff are paid to washing hands BEFORE using toilets. trained in proper fire prevention practices and First aid equipment must always be present at emergency evacuation procedures. the job site and must always include sealed sterilised eye- wash bottles. Always ensure Suitable signs and/or barriers must be erected to good cross-ventilation of the work area. ensure that unauthorised personnel do not enter Reporting of Hazards and Defects
Note however that tests conducted at the Berlin
Institut fur Bautechnik (Institute for Structural
Responsibilities of employees:
Engineering) show that a 5mm cured Degafloor All employees have a responsibility to ensure resin floor is categorised as "hardly inflammable" that they report any hazards and defects noted (Class B 1 according to DIN 4102, Part 1) in the workplace. All hazards and defects should be reported to their supervisor. Toxicity
Responsibilities of Supervisors and
Between 1975 and 1980 the major chemical Managers:
industries undertook a research programme to Managers have a special responsibility to ensure investigate any possible toxic effects of exposure the health and safety at work of employees and to methylmethacrylate. The working party visitors to site. To this end they must ensure included research on: that any hazards or defects reported to them are dealt with appropriately within a reasonable timescale. Any hazard noted should be thoroughly investigated and the risks to employees fully assessed and any necessary Other health risk actions recommended Manager. Defective equipment must be taken Their results can be summarised as follows: out of service immediately and stored in an appropriately signed safe place until repaired. NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

a
Cancer risk
Occupational Safety
Studies of long-term and short-term exposure of MMA to rats and hamsters were carried out. Inhalation
MMA did not cause cancer in the study animals. During the application of Degafloor methyl b Birth defects
Pregnant rats and mice were subjected to high characteristic odour, are briefly given off until vapour concentrations of MMA, with no curing has occurred. deformities in the new born. This typical odour functions as a warning as the Mutagenic risk
perception threshold for methacrylate lies Despite many tests being conducted, no between 0.05 and 0.21 ml/m3 (ppm), which is evidence was found of MMA having any Mutagenic effect. concentration for the work place (MAK-value) of 50 ml/m3 (ppm) or 210 mg/ m3 (1989, Germany). d Other health risks
The MAK value may differ from country to Further tests carried out with animals and observation of workers in five different MMA The MAK-value corresponds to a level that, in examinations have shown no evidence of health general, does not pose a health risk to workers, hazard while in contact with the resin. even when they are exposed to the substance on a long term and work a 40 hour week and an It is also notable that MMA resin has been used 8 hour day. It is permissible to exceed the MAK- for many years in bone surgery (e.g.; as an value for MMA briefly up to 8 times per shift over adhesive for skull fractures and hip joint a period of 5 minutes up to 100 ppm. If high replacement) and in dentistry (e.g. in the concentrations occur additional occupational manufacture of false teeth). safety measures are required, e.g. gas masks (according to TRGS 415). Contact With Skin
As with all other types of resin flooring, when installing Degafloor in food industry areas there Direct contact with skin may result in local is a risk of tainting and any food products should irritations. High concentration of MMA fumes be removed during application and curing of the can irritate the conjunctiva, the mucous resins. MMA emits a strong but harmless smell. membranes of the mouth and pharynx, and the upper respiratory tract (coughing). The intensity Odour and taste, especially of fat containing food of these effects is subject to individual sensitivity. products, are influenced by methyl methacrylate Allergic reactions, in the form of skin rashes, can (MMA). This also applies to packed food occur in cases of specific over sensitivity; further products if there is a possibility of MMA vapours contact with MMA containing products should be penetrating the packaging material. avoided in such cases. Note however that curing of Degafloor resins is
Barrier creams should always be used. Care complete within 1-2 hours of addition of the should be taken to wrists and ankles. If resin hardener. Appropriate ventilation and extraction comes into contact with the skin it should procedures should ensure that the work area is immediately be washed off using resin removal free from MMA vapour and available for cream, detergent. Barrier cream should then be production use a very short time after installation Never use solvents for washing hands, which can induce dermatitis reactions due to leaching out of skin oils. NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Contact With Eyes
If hardener comes into contact with the eyes, Respiratory organs
burns leading to blindness can be expected. • Move the patient out of the danger area and Safety glasses must be worn during all work with hardeners e.g. removal from the drum, addition • Keep the patient absolutely still and warm to resin, stirring, application of coating, etc. • If possible supply oxygen Safety glasses should have a side protection. • Transport the patient to hospital, lay the patient down (on the side if there is a danger First Aid Procedures
of loss of consciousness) Accidents Definition: An unplanned event
Digestive organs
•
that causes injury to person or persons, damage Drink plenty of water, in small sips (dilution to property, plant or a combination of both. Additionally, administer activated charcoal (1 tablespoon activated charcoal alumied in 1 All accidents are to be reported using Company documentation provided, all accident records will • Consult a doctor and inform of the chemical be kept at the office. Any notifiable accidents (methylmethacrylate will be reported in accordance with RIDDOR, and/or di-benzoyl peroxide) and the first aid investigated by senior management and any measures already carried out. action taken recorded .In the event of a serious accident HSE must be informed immediately by telephone. First Aid facilities on site will be Contact With Skin
noted during initial site visit and operatives will • Remove contaminated clothing, including be briefed on their location. shoes. Immediately remove any splashes on the skin with clean, dry cotton wool. Additionally, each van will carry a portable first • Flush skin with plenty of water aid kit for use on site. • Never use solvents to wash skin • If necessary bandage wounds sterile Near misses (an unplanned event that does not cause injury or damage but could do so if a Consult a doctor and inform of the chemical similar thing happened again) must also be (methylmethacrylate reported to senior management for investigation. and/or di-benzoyl peroxide) and the first aid measures already carried out. Emergencies
Contact With Eyes
In case of emergencies, the clients own • Protect the undamaged eye while flushing the procedures will be followed. These will be made eye with plenty of water and spreading the clear to National Flooring employees during their eye lids wide open initial safety briefing on site. • Order the patient to move the eye in all directions during flushing Emergency procedures within the office building • Consult an eye specialist and inform of the can be found in each office together with (methylmethacrylate information on nearest fire exit. Fire marshals and/or di-benzoyl peroxide) and the first aid are appointed to ensure regular maintenance measures already carried out and testing of fire alarms and also fire drills. All records to be kept in Fire Safety Log book in

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Storage Transport And Handling
• GGVE, GGVS, RID, ADR: Class 3, 3ob • IMDG-Code Class 3.2. UN No. 1247 PG.II Degafloor resins are low-viscosity mixtures of • ICAO-TI/ITA-DGR Class 3, UN No. 1247 special polymers in monomeric methacrylic acid esters. The content of methylmethacrylate • Flammable, flash point +10oC to +13oC monomer (MMA) determines their storage, methylmethacrylate, handling and transport regulations. • EMS No. 3-03 MFAG No. 330 • Not permitted for mail dispatch • Packages containing Degafloor resins have Due to their content of methylmethacrylate to be labelled with danger labels of model 3 monomer (MMA) Degafloor resins are rated (flammable liquids) flammable and are subject to Group A, Hazard Class 1 of the German VbF (Regulation on Combustible Liquids). Therefore the regulations Handling
for "Working with Solvents" as published in the information sheet by the Trade Association of The directive 67/548/EC for classification of dangerous substances lists MMA under 607- 035-00-6. Degafloor resins must be labelled MMA vapours are heavier than air! The with the symbols F (highly flammable) and Xi evaporation rate of monomeric MMA is 3 (for (irritating) and R-phrases R-11-36/37/38-43 comparison: diethyl ether = 1). (according to directive 88/379/EC). Never store Degafloor resins near sources of • In case of leaks: ignition (sparks, etc.). Degafloor resins should Absorb any spilled resin with sawdust or sand be stored in cool places (shaded from direct and dispose of by controlled incineration sunlight and radiant heat) and in closed containers, preferably at temperatures between • In case of fire: 15-20oC. Adequate ventilation of the storage Extinguish fire with dry foam or sand area should be provided. Hardener powder and accelerator must be stored separately. Under operation of these guidelines the minimum shelf life of Degafloor resins is 6 months. Paraffin separation and lumps can be re-dissolved by heating the container to +35 oC while stirring. Transport
Signed ……………………………… The flashpoints of Degafloor resins range from +10oC to +13oC (DIN 51755). Therefore Position: Managing Director Degafloor resins belong to Class 3 (flammable liquids) of the transport regulations. Date …14 Feb 2012………. The following transport regulations apply:

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

Safe Use of MMA's

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

NATIONAL FLOORING
F l o o r s F o r I n d u s t r y
The National Flooring Company Limited, Crusader House, High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9HQ Tel: 01778 343670 Fax: 01778 380912 Health & Safety Information

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