Engineering in business andthe environment

Lesson 6: Health and safety legislation

Objectives for this lesson

to be able to assess the implications of health and safety legislation for engineering companies.

Legislation Health and Safety at Work Act special Acts governing particular

industries - mines, railways etc Electricity at Work Act COSHH Regulations special regulations for specific

materials, eg asbestos

Health and Safety at Work places responsibility on employers and all

employees requires risk assessments to be carried out identifies dangerous situations in work assesses risk of injury – if risk significant, remove or modify

situation to minimize risk.

Electricity at Work Act only defence against liability for accidents is

evidence of good practice and regular maintenance

fixed installation – regular maintenance portable appliances – register and frequent

recorded checking.

COSHH Regulations Certification of Substances Hazardous to

Health suppliers of materials must provide data sheets data sheets state hazards of use – and

precautions to prevent injury employer maintains register of all data sheets materials only to be used in accordance with

data sheets.

Codes of practice

industry standards – voluntary standards setting out good practice.

Review objectives

to be able to assess the implications of health and safety legislation for engineering companies.