Stallard Kane supports the HSE’s new Metalwork Inspections
As a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your employees and visitors to your premises. One way to meet this responsibility is by having an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on your electrical systems.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a thorough electrical installation inspection, including wiring, circuits, and electrical equipment. It identifies any defects, damage, or deterioration that may pose a safety hazard and any non-compliance with the relevant electrical safety regulations.
What are the benefits of an EICR?
1. Compliance with safety regulations
An EICR ensures that your electrical systems comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), which require all electrical systems to be safe and maintained in a safe condition. By having an up-to-date EICR, you can demonstrate to regulators, insurers, and other stakeholders that you are meeting your safety obligations.
2. Improved safety for employees and visitors
An EICR helps to identify and address potential safety hazards before they become a risk to your employees and visitors. By preventing electrical accidents, you can avoid injury or even fatalities, as well as the associated legal and reputational consequences.
3. Cost savings
By identifying potential hazards early on, an EICR can help prevent costly electrical faults or disruptions to your business operations.
4. Peace of mind
As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Knowing that your electrical systems are safe and compliant can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other aspects of your business.
How often should you get an EICR?
The recommended frequency for EICRs varies depending on the type of premises and the nature of the electrical systems. In general, commercial premises should have an EICR conducted every five years, and industrial premises every three years. More frequent inspections may be required for certain types of equipment or high-risk installations. A swimming pool distribution board, for example, should be tested annually.
Contact Us
At Stallard Kane, our experienced engineers can conduct a thorough EICR on your premises and provide a detailed report of any defects or non-compliance. We can also help you address any identified issues and keep your electrical systems safe and compliant. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote or advice on EICRs at compliance@skaltd.co.uk
Asbestos risk in any premises, particularly those built before 2000 when asbestos was still common in a whole range of building materials, must be managed correctly in line with the Duty to Manage requirements under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Where might you find asbestos?
Asbestos was widely used in electrical installations for many years due to its fire protection properties; it can still be found in many distribution boards in the form of flash-guards, ropes and arc chutes. These are particularly prevalent in older installations (prior to the mid-80s) as well as storage heaters and Asbestos Insulating Boards (AIBs) lining the inside of boiler rooms and meter cupboards.
It can also be found in asbestos cement, sprayed coatings on interior walls and ceilings, floor and ceiling tiles, and lagging.
What is the danger? And who is at risk?
Statistics posted by the HSE in 2021 listed over 5,000 asbestos-related deaths; this includes those related to mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as asbestosis.
The danger occurs when asbestos fibres are released into the air; this usually happens when products are damaged, disturbed or when the debris is dislodged. Accidental exposure is commonplace, unfortunately, particularly in premises where Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) haven’t been identified, and where contractors or visitors haven’t been alerted to their presence.
Asbestos exposure remains one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the UK. Asbestosis and mesothelioma have been prevalent both in males (most typically those who have been exposed in the workplace) as well as females (who typically were exposed to asbestos fibres in the home as a result of their partner’s exposure in the workplace).
How do you ensure you are fulfilling your Duty to Manage?
A full, up-to-date Asbestos Management Survey is a key starting point. Even if you’ve had one carried out before, if yours is a few years old - critically, if it pre-dates 2012 - call us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
It's important to ensure you are getting the right survey. If you are planning on undertaking extensive or intrusive repairs or refurbishment, you must commission a targeted R&D (Refurbishment and Demolition) survey in order to ensure that ACMs are properly identified in that area.
If ACMs are discovered during the survey, and confirmed via laboratory sampling, we can work with you to create an Asbestos Management Plan and a schedule of annual re-inspections. All ACMs are given a risk rating with a corresponding action: label and manage them in situ, encapsulate them, or remove them completely.
An asbestos register must be communicated to anyone likely to come into contact with the asbestos, or who has the potential to disturb ACMs. Generally, this would be relevant for anyone undertaking maintenance or repair work; as such, your asbestos register should form part of your contractor induction procedure.
Training is also vitally important in your ongoing management of asbestos within your premises. Ensuring that your employees are aware of the risks, how to manage the risks and how to respond to potential exposure is crucial.
Let us look after your #compliance, so you can do what you do best. Call us on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk for more information.
We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and compliant environment for schools, colleges and universities. Our range of services is specifically designed to address the unique needs of educational institutions.
Risk Solutions and Compliance
We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and compliant environment for schools, colleges and universities. Our range of services is specifically designed to address the unique needs of educational institutions.
Ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 through a comprehensive assessment conducted by our fully qualified Fire Risk Assessors.
Electrical Installation Condition Report:
Receive expert advice on the frequency of required tests, tailored to your specific premises, in accordance with regulations.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT):
Meet the requirements of the Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations 1998 and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 through an effective PAT testing regime.
In addition to these services, we also provide a wide range of additional solutions to support your premises safety and compliance needs:
- Installation and Servicing of Fire Extinguishers
- Asbestos Management Plans and Removals
- Gas Safety Inspections and Servicing
- Playground Equipment Inspections
- An e-Logbook hosted on the Members Area, giving you easy access to and storage of all your compliance documents.
Health & Safety
Our dedicated Health & Safety Team ensures your business meets legal requirements, implements best practices, and effectively manages its systems. We would provide you with an advisor who specialises in education settings and who would offer comprehensive advice and support tailored to your needs.
From small village primary schools to large multi-academy trusts, our education specialist advisors have worked closely with various schools, colleges and universities of varying sizes and have knowledge of all commonly used compliance and reporting software.
We are aware of how different each education setting can be, and we have created a variety of different packages to suit the needs of everyone.
What to Expect from SK Health & Safety:
- Arrange a face-to-face meeting with your dedicated advisor for:
- A thorough Health & Safety audit, specifically designed for education that provides a detailed report on your health and safety management systems
- An inspection of your premises to identify hazards and highlight good practices
- Development of key health and safety policies, all specifically designed for education
- Recommendations to improve health and safety practices
Following the audit, you will receive:
- A detailed report summarising the findings of the H&S Audit, including a GAP analysis
- An action plan with realistic time frames to enhance health and safety measures
- Customised Health & Safety Policies
- A tailored Health & Safety Booklet for distribution among your staff
- Exclusive access to our Business Shield members’ area, where all relevant documentation will be stored securely
As a Stallard Kane client, you will also benefit from:
- Unlimited telephone and email support from your dedicated advisor and our expert H&S team
- Access to a wide range of specialised risk assessment templates for various scenarios
- Assistance with RIDDOR and accident reporting
- Annual H&S Audits conducted by your designated advisor
- Regular email updates and informative articles to stay up-to-date on health and safety matters
Training
Training is crucial to effective Health & Safety and HR management systems.
At Stallard Kane, we offer a wide range of courses to assist organisations in achieving their training goals.
Tailored Training Solutions:
No matter your training requirements, we are here to help. Whether developing a training schedule or delivering bespoke courses customised to your needs, we've got you covered.
Accreditations and In-house Expertise:
Stallard Kane maintains various accreditations and boasts a team of experienced in-house trainers who deliver our courses.
Expanding Our Reach:
We have established partnerships with trusted training providers across the UK to offer an even broader selection of courses, both in terms of content and geographical availability. This enables us to provide our clients with a wider range of services at no additional cost.
Flexible Training Options:
As a Stallard Kane client you have the flexibility to spread training costs, ensuring you can access the training you need precisely when you need it. We offer both open and closed courses.
Open Courses:
These scheduled courses are available across the UK and are ideal for individuals and small businesses.
Closed Courses:
Exclusive to your organisation, these courses are tailored to your specific requirements and can be delivered at your site, one of our locations, or even through virtual classrooms.
Core Training:
Additional Training:
- Asbestos Awareness
- Mental Health First Aid
- Working At Height
- COSHH Awareness
- Paediatric First Aid
- Wellbeing Champion
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Employees are an organisation’s biggest asset, so it’s important, and beneficial to all, to take care of their physical and mental health.
Which is why we have added Mental Health and Wellbeing to our Training offering, with advice, free resources, downloads, training courses and signposting to helpful organisations on our website.
By investing in your staff’s mental health, you will:
- Cut sickness absence – over 70 million sick days are taken each year, due to mental health issues
- Reduce presenteeism – where employees force themselves into the workplace and underperform due to mental ill health
- Optimise staff performance
- Improve staff morale
- Retail staff/reduce turnover
- Decrease the likelihood of grievances from unhappy staff
- Create a healthier workplace
- Ensure legal compliance – the Equality Act 2020 states that an employer has a duty not to discriminate and must make reasonable adjustments in the workplace
Our extensive experience and friendly, personal service have helped keep thousands of companies across the UK safe and compliant for over 20 years.
Stallard Kane helps you and your clients easily navigate the ever-changing Health & Safety landscape. We build relationships through clear communication, trust and collaboration and aim to positively impact every client we connect with.
Contact Us
Health and Safety
01427 420 402
HR & Employment Law
01427 420 403
Training
01427 420 405
Risk Solutions
01427 420 404
Martyn’s Law, or Protect Duty as it is officially known, came about following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. Martyn Hett was one of the 22 people killed and, in his memory, a campaign was launched for new legislation to ensure that lessons would be learned.
The Bill will impose a duty on the owners and operators of certain locations to increase their preparedness for and protection from a terrorist attack, by requiring them to take proportionate steps depending on the size of the business and the nature of the activities that take place there.
What premises are included in Martyn's Law?
This law specifies ‘eligible locations’ where ‘qualifying activities’ take place. This will
include locations for purposes such as:
- Entertainment and leisure
- Retail
- Food and drink
- Museums and galleries
- Sports grounds
- Public areas of local and central government buildings (e.g. town halls)
- Visitor attractions
- Temporary events
- Places of worship
- Health
- Education
It is proposed that the duty will apply to eligible premises, which are either: a building(including collections of buildings used for the same purposes, e.g. a campus); or a location/event (including a temporary event) that has a defined boundary, allowing capacity to be known. Eligible locations whose maximum occupancy meets the above-specified thresholds will then be drawn into the relevant tier.
Proportionality is a fundamental consideration for this legislation. It will therefore establish a tiered model linked to the activity that takes place at a location and its capacity:
A standard tier will drive good preparedness outcomes. Duty holders will be required to undertake simple yet effective activities to improve protective security and preparedness. This will apply to qualifying locations with a maximum capacity of over 100. This could include larger retail stores, bars, or restaurants.
An enhanced tier will see additional requirements placed on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potentially catastrophic consequences of a successful attack. This will apply to locations with a capacity of over 800 people at any time. This could include live music venues, theatres, and department stores.
Where can I find more advice?
Government Guidance on the subject is provided in the first instance via the National Counter Terrorism Security Office. NaCTSO has developed an online platform which should be the first point of call for any business looking for further support:
https://www.protectuk.police.uk/
It should be noted that while many organisations will be looking to approach public venues of all types, there will be some who are looking to capitalise on the opportunity. Free, realistic and practical advice is available locally through CTSA (Counter Terrorism Security Advisers) based within each regional police force
Businesses and organisations which fall into the ‘eligible’ category are also encouraged to join their local resilience forum. These groups all over the UK are made up of key people from the emergency services, local councils and organisations in the target industries and are a great way of building a network and learning from best practice.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-resilience-forums-contact-details
How we can help
If you require further information or any assistance with building an incident management plan or business continuity plan or require advice in developing practical protocols and procedures, contact the team at SK Compliance on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk
Fire doors help contain fire and smoke to the area where it originated and help keep access routes, corridors, and fire exits clear for longer to aid escape. In short, fire doors help save lives; so having regular audits and inspecting the condition of fire doors is essential.
A building’s fire doors are often overlooked, yet they are an essential part of a successful fire safety strategy. The most common issues surrounding the performance of fire doors are incorrect installation and doors falling into disrepair from poor maintenance. This is why both routine checks and a regular fire door inspection carried out by qualified assessors are so important.
When you carry out your own regular fire door checks, you should look for the following:
- Certification
There should be a label or plug on the top or side of the door to show it is a certificated fire door. If there isn’t a label or plug contact your landlord, or call us.
- Gaps
Check around the top and sides of the door to ensure the gaps are consistently less than 4mm when closed. You can invest in a fire door gap gauge but a good tip is to use a £1 coin to give an idea of scale; this is about 3mm thick.
As a general guide, if you can see the light under the door, the gap is likely to be too big.
- Damage
If your fire door has any signs of damage, it is likely that fire and smoke will be able to get through. Report it immediately and ensure the necessary remedial works are carried out as soon as possible.
- Seals
There should be intumescent seals around the door; these seals are vital to the fire door’s performance, as they expand when in contact with heat to ensure fire or smoke can’t move through any gaps. If any seals are missing or appear damaged, report it and ensure the necessary remedial works are carried out.
- Hinges
All fire doors should have at least three hinges to minimise the risk of warping; these should be firmly fixed with no missing or broken screws. If there are fewer than three hinges, or if screws are broken or missing, then remedial work is required.
- Check the fire door closes correctly.
To test this, open the door halfway, let it go, and allow the door to close by itself. The door should close smoothly and fully, without sticking to the frame.
Regular Fire Door Inspections
During a fire door audit, a competent and certified inspector will visit your site to undertake a full audit of all fire doors within the premises to check they are compliant.
The entire door set and its integrity will be thoroughly assessed to ensure it will perform correctly in the event of a fire. A full report will then be presented noting any inaccessible areas and detailing the condition of each door against a number of pre-determined criteria, along with detailed images of any problem areas or defects. All doors inspected will be given an asset number which will be highlighted on a floor plan of the building to aid with future inspections and corrective work. A schedule of any required remedial work will also be provided.
It is recommended that fire doors be fully audited every six months but, as ever, a risk-based approach is recommended to ensure doors are being checked regularly enough in your premises. If the building users are considered vulnerable, include members of the public who are unfamiliar with the layout, or if you are carrying out high-risk activities, then all doors should be checked regularly on a round of internal inspections.
To find out more information or to get a no-obligation quote, call our Compliance Team on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced their latest initiative to tackle occupational lung disease within the woodworking industry, supported by their latest Dust Kills campaign.
HSE's recent inspections have revealed that many woodworking businesses fail to implement necessary measures to prevent or control exposure to wood dust, thereby endangering the lives of their workers. To address this alarming issue, HSE inspectors across the UK will visit woodworking businesses, particularly those involved in sawmilling, composite boards, and carpentry, specifically focusing on respiratory risks associated with wood dust.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, HSE inspectors will assess whether employers have considered the appropriate control measures to reduce workers' exposure to wood dust. They will also evaluate workers' understanding of the risks and check for effective control measures to safeguard their health. In cases where necessary, enforcement action will be taken to ensure workers' protection.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Knowledge
Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Compliance with regulations and protecting employees from hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and vapours, is essential. Our workplace exposure monitoring services assist you in mitigating risks and providing regulatory compliance. We also provide guidance on noise and vibration hazards, helping you prevent long-term health issues like noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Find out more by visiting our Workplace Exposure Monitoring page.
Training and Education
Equipping employers and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills is paramount to controlling dust effectively. We offer various training courses designed to raise awareness and promote best practices. We offer UK-wide training options that can be created bespoke for your business and delivered virtually, on site, or at one of our accredited course centres. Our expert trainers cater to the specific needs of different industries and roles.
Find out more by visiting our Training page.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Control Measures
Face Fit Testing
To optimise protection against hazardous materials, conducting face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial. Our experienced trainers are competent in performing accurate and reliable RPE fit tests. By ensuring a tight fit of the facepiece, we help prevent leaks and guarantee the utmost safety for workers in diverse roles and physical characteristics.
Find out more by visiting our Face Fit Testing page.
LEV
When working correctly, LEV systems should carry away any harmful dust, mist, fumes or gas in the air. This is to prevent individuals from breathing in dangerous impurities. Correctly fitted and maintained, LEV will collect the air that contains the contaminants and make sure they are contained and removed. Our team can provide regular testing and inspections to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.
Occupational Health Assessments
Early identification of ill-health effects is vital for implementing better control measures. Our comprehensive occupational health assessments help identify potential health risks in the workplace, provide a robust way of measuring the effectiveness of existing control measures, and offer tailored strategies for improvement. Spirometry, otherwise known as Lung Function Testing, carried out on a regular basis will give you the information you require about your employees lung capacity.
Used on an ongoing basis, it will help diagnose and monitor lung conditions and the impact certain exposures may have on your employees.
Find out more by visiting our Occupational Health Assessments page.
There is nothing quite like a British heatwave - but ensuring you stay safe as temperatures soar takes more than just a decent sunscreen. You have a duty of care to ensure the safety of your staff, and effective facilities management can help.
Stallard Kane shares a few tips for keeping your employees safe and well during a heatwave.
USE NATURAL AIR IN A HEATWAVE
Though air conditioning can be a fan favourite in heatwaves, natural or fresh air ventilation should be used wherever possible. Natural air ventilation can be achieved simply by opening a window or, if your air conditioning system is fitted (or can be retrofitted) with a fresh air supply, selecting fresh air rather than recirculation. This will reduce the infection rate in highly populated spaces and limit the spread of transmissible infections, including Covid-19.
ENSURE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING IS CLEAN
If you’ve got air conditioning or ducted air handling, it must be regularly cleaned and serviced to ensure it works optimally. This is true both in terms of energy efficiency and the reduction of pollen, dust and bacteria in the air.
PAT TEST YOUR FANS AND COOLING TOWERS
Desk fans and cooling towers suddenly appear across offices and public spaces as the temperature rises. But be careful if you use cooling or tower fans in your workplace – make sure they are PAT tested, avoid daisy-chaining the plugs, and check for trip hazards from trailing wires.
CHECK-IN ON YOUR TEAM WITH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING
A robust occupational health screening programme will help you identify potential risk factors in your workforce. Some vulnerable workers might need reasonable adjustments or be more likely to require additional support in extreme heat. Occupational health screening is a proactive way of identifying risks, helping signpost your employees to pathways for extra help and reducing absenteeism.
NO TWO PEOPLE ARE THE SAME
Everyone reacts to heat differently, and your employees should be trained to recognise the symptoms of heat illness. Regular occupational health surveillance or an effective employee wellbeing programme is a great platform to help you get the message across.
ENSURE YOUR ELECTRICS HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE - AND SATISFACTORY - EICR
Overheating cables can be a risk in extreme heat; cables cannot carry their current capacity when it’s very hot and subsequently become a greater fire risk. Ensuring you have a regular EICR with correct cabling identification will inform you of any potential for overloading. For any remedial advice, please call our electrical team.
Need help in the heatwave and beyond? Our team are here to help. To find out more information on anything we have discussed in this article, contact compliance@skaltd.co.uk
The devastating impact of construction dust on workers' health is alarming, with numerous individuals suffering from chronic illnesses and loss of life. A critical initiative called "Dust Kills" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just launched, empowering employers to control dust and safeguard their workers' lung health effectively.
Understanding the Dust Kills Initiative
The HSE has launched a health inspection initiative focusing on the respiratory risks of silica and wood dust exposure. Running from May 15th to July 14th, this campaign aims to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of implementing vigorous control measures within the construction industry.
Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers' lung health, making it imperative to act promptly.
Inspectors will be checking the control measures to protect workers from inhaling construction dust, including silica (Respirable Crystalline Silica/RCS) and wood dust. They will also gain assurances that asbestos containing materials have been identified and removed or managed where necessary to prevent or reduce exposure.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Knowledge
Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Compliance with regulations and protecting employees from hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and vapours, is essential. Our workplace exposure monitoring services assist you in mitigating risks and providing regulatory compliance. We also provide guidance on noise and vibration hazards, helping you prevent long-term health issues like noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Find out more by visiting our Workplace Exposure Monitoring page.
Training and Education
Equipping employers and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills is paramount to controlling dust effectively. We offer various training courses designed to raise awareness and promote best practices. We offer UK-wide training options that can be created bespoke for your business and delivered virtually, on site, or at one of our accredited course centres. Our expert trainers cater to the specific needs of different industries and roles.
Find out more by visiting our Training page.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Control Measures
Face Fit Testing
To optimise protection against hazardous materials, conducting face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial. Our experienced trainers are competent in performing accurate and reliable RPE fit tests. By ensuring a tight fit of the facepiece, we help prevent leaks and guarantee the utmost safety for workers in diverse roles and physical characteristics.
Find out more by visiting our Face Fit Testing page.
Occupational Health Assessments
Early identification of ill-health effects is vital for implementing better control measures. Our comprehensive occupational health assessments help identify potential health risks in the workplace, provide a robust way of measuring the effectiveness of existing control measures, and offer tailored strategies for improvement. Spirometry, otherwise known as Lung Function Testing, carried out on a regular basis will give you the information you require about your employees lung capacity. Used on an ongoing basis it will help not only to diagnose but also monitor lung conditions and the impact certain exposures may have on your employees.
Find out more by visiting our Occupational Health Assessments page.
The Dust Kills initiative highlights the critical importance of controlling construction dust and protecting workers' lung health.
Stallard Kane is a supporter of this campaign, and we provide essential services and courses to help businesses fulfil their legal obligations and create a safe working environment. By using our face fit testing, occupational health assessments, asbestos management, workplace exposure monitoring, and training solutions, you can protect the wellbeing of your employees and contribute to a healthier, dust-free future.
Remember, long or even short term exposure to dust can cause debilitating, chronic illnesses, many of which have irreversible impacts.
Act now to protect your future and ensure the safety of your workforce.
Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of services and courses. Together, we’ll build a safer and healthier workplace environment.
To find out more information or discuss your training needs, talk to our Training Team by calling 01427 420 405 or email training@skaltd.co.uk
To find out more information or to get a no obligation quote, call our Compliance Team on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk / risksolutions@skaltd.co.uk
