Safety Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd
Posts Tagged :

Safety

Get your facilities into shape with this free guide
By:

Facilities are among companies’ most important business assets, so are you still making the most of them? Are they maximised to support your needs and goals? Brady offers all of the solutions, and the know-how, to label your facilities into shape – with some extras, all from a single source.

Quality solutions, expert guidance

Brady offers a wide range of reliable identification solutions to increase the efficiency and safety of any industrial facility. Along with these solutions, we bring worldwide facility identification insights, best practices, standards and regulatory compliance to your doorstep, so you can apply the best identification solutions in the best way, with a single supplier.

Check out our tips >>

Optimise safety

Use reliable floor marking, pipe markers, safety signs, tags, spill control and Lockout/Tagout to visually and effectively optimise safety in the workplace. Guide, inform, caution and protect coworkers, counter risks and avoid accidents to send people back home safely, all while considerably contributing to facility efficiency and effectiveness.

Maximise efficiency

Fully support professionals on the workfloor with clear instructions printed on your signs and labels. Enable them to easily find the tools they require, and know these are in working condition. You could even include passive RFID antennas in any label to fully optimise tool tracking, inventory audits and item picking.

Print at your premises

No need to wait on deliveries or to store large amounts of printed solutions, when a set of blank label rolls and a versatile safety printer have got you covered. Our accompanying Brady Workstation software keeps your solution future-proof with regular updates to stay safe, efficient, and compliant with the latest standards and regulations.

Download the free guide: ”Work faster with clear maintenance visuals” >>

Brady Corporation

Tel: +44 (0) 1295 228 288

csuk@bradycorp.com

www.brady.co.uk

Don’t neglect electrical testing for home workers
By:

Businesses are being reminded of their legal obligation to ensure electrical equipment is safe to use at all times, even when being used by workers at home.

It comes as Dan Lee, Managing Director of phs Compliance, one of the UK’s leading providers of facilities management and compliance services, warns that many businesses are potentially not ensuring full compliance as staff continue to work from home.

He said: “The pandemic brought with it many challenges, including the concept of working from home for the first time for many businesses. Unfortunately, in the rush to get employees set up at home, many may have neglected to consider how they would continue to fulfil their legal health and safety obligations as staff worked remotely and clearly continue to do so.

“Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are responsible for the health, safety and well-being of all employees, whether they work on site or remotely. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 also states that all electrical equipment in the workplace must be suitable for use and maintained to ensure it is safe, including any equipment used at home to carry out their job.

“It’s a difficult situation for businesses. They are still liable if employees injure themselves at home, but mitigating the risks remotely is more challenging. Employees may not understand the risks that electrical equipment like laptops, printers and extension leads can pose, and dangerous practices like overloading sockets or leaving laptops charging on sofas can be commonplace.

“All users of electrical equipment should have some basic training in how to use the equipment safely, as well as what danger signs to be aware of. Users should feel confident in visually checking the equipment regularly for obvious signs of damage, as well as potential risks, such as cables trapped under desks or water hazards.

“However, the best way to protect your employees, and demonstrate your compliance with legislation, is to carry out regular PAT testing on all electrical equipment, whether on site or used remotely.

“PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) involves an examination of portable electrical equipment and appliances to ensure they are safe to use.  This should only be carried out by a competent person with the correct training and equipment. It is strongly recommended to employ an experienced and qualified PAT tester to test equipment every year.

“PAT engineers can be dispatched to employee’s homes to carry out the tests there, or employees can bring their equipment back into the office for testing. This may be a good option if there was a staff meeting, for example, as several pieces of equipment can be tested in one session.

“If you are unsure how to meet your health and safety obligations for electrical testing, phs Compliance can help with advice, guidance and over 400 experienced and trained engineers across the UK ready to start testing wherever you are.”

Click to view phs Compliance’s free PAT Testing Guide

With over 50 years’ experience, phs Compliance is one of the UK’s leading providers of facilities management and compliance services. As well as electrical, mechanical and fire safety testing and maintenance services, phsCompliance also provides specialist electrical and mechanical project services, including design, supply and installation for everything from power to lighting.

Consultation on competence framework for Building Safety Managers begins
By:

The BSI is consulting on the draft Publicly Available Specification (PAS) which lays out the competence framework for individual Building Safety Managers (BSMs) and nominated individuals working within an organisation Building Safety Manager carrying out the BSM duties.

We strongly encourage those who are responsible for building management to engage with this PAS as it will set the requirements for the BSM against which they will need to be certified.

This specification – PAS 8673 – is based on the recommendations regarding competence (i.e. skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours) and assessment given in Working Group 8’s (WG8) report Safer people, safer homes: building safety management.

IWFM was a key member of WG8 and is also part of the steering group involved in the development of this PAS, which is sponsored by MHCLG.

PAS 8673 specifies requirements for building safety competence relevant to the role, functions, activities and tasks of BSMs, the new statutory role outlined in the Building Safety Bill. The IWFM has compiled this briefing note on the Building Safety Bill to provide members with greater context to the PAS and the BSM role.

The PAS was also mapped against the recommendations and core competence criteria set out in BSI Flex 8670 Built environment – Core criteria for building safety in competence frameworks – Code of practice. ‘Building safety’ is used in the sense defined in BSI Flex 8670 and encompasses fire safety, structural safety, public safety and public health.

The draft PAS 8673 covers the competence and commitment of BSMs in regard to:

  • building structures and building systems
  • interaction of systems and components
  • operational practices necessary to maintain buildings safe for occupants
  • risk management
  • managing change, including the consequences of human behaviour
  • leadership, communication and planning skills
  • personal commitment to ethical behaviour and professional standards.

The specification describes different levels of competence for classifying BSMs and indicates the pathways between the levels. It shows how these levels relate to the competence requirements for managing buildings of different complexity and safety risks. The PAS also gives guidance on assessment of individuals.

IWFM’s Life Safety Working Group will review the proposed specification and will consult with other relevant stakeholders before submitting a response to the consultation (closing date is 15 September 2021).

See a person, not an object, with PrintFace
By:

By Brady Corporation

Because safety is personal. See a person instead of an object by printing a face directly on your Lockout/Tagout padlocks. Build on the one person, one lock, one key principle for maximum Lockout/Tagout safety! Find out how to fully personalise padlocks.

A Lockout/Tagout padlock is often the last obstacle to prevent a premature machine energisation, and a potential maintenance accident with impact on professionals and on their personal lives. To strongly highlight that Lockout/Tagout padlocks protect people, Brady Corporation now offers PrintFace: a complete padlock personalisation, up to printing coworkers’ pictures directly on their padlocks.

Personal padlocks

By printing a face on padlocks, each Lockout/Tagout padlock can clearly show who it is protecting. PrintFace will help deter padlock tampering and will highlight that safety is very personal. Removing padlocks in Lockout/Tagout should only be done by the padlock owner, who is shown on the lock. Team leaders, or a site safety manager, can step in if necessary, by following an agreed on procedure that maintains safety. Next to adding a picture, other personalisation options are available including adding a company logo, serial number, text and more.

Highly reliable prints

Personalisation can be printed in full colour and in high resolution directly on Brady’s nylon SafeKey-padlocks for Lockout/Tagout. The print is abrasion -, chemical -, and UV-resistant and highly reliable in both in- and outdoor lockouts. In addition, padlock engraving is available to achieve an even higher reliability, at the expense of colour and complex shapes. As a third, standard approach to personalise padlocks, it is also possible to write or print basic information on self-adhesive labels supplied with any Brady padlock.”

Achieve the highest Lockout/Tagout safety

Brady’s SafeKey Lockout Padlocks offer 700% more lock and key combinations than a standard safety padlock. An innovative lock mechanism enables 100 000+ combinations that can optimally support complex key hierarchies including several master and grandmaster keys. All key numbers are charted to ensure no two keys in the same company will open the same lock if so required. This enables a safe, future-proof Lockout/Tagout programme that fully respects the procedure’s one person, one lock, one key principle.”

Discover personalisation options >>

Track assets more efficiently with fully customisable RFID labelling solutions
By:

Brady Corporation can design the optimal RFID labelling solution for asset tracking and inventory management that can fit any surface. Customisation options include select antennas, chips, optional sensors, label materials, adhesives and prints. Brady specialists are ready to assist you in finding the right combination of RFID products to solve your identification need.

An RFID label tailored to your environment

Brady leverages all of its knowledge and capabilities to provide complex industries with unique RFID labelling solutions tailored to specific applications and environments. Customisable RFID label components include RFID antennas, chips, optional sensors, adhesives, industrial grade label material, label shape and colour, label preprints and preprogramming. The high level of customisation enables RFID read range modification, applications that require abrasion, chemical, oil or outdoor resistance, and applications both on- and off-metal surfaces.

Leverage RFID benefits in any industrial environment

Scan and identify or locate multiple items at once from a distance, or 1 by 1 in close proximity. RFID benefits include efficiencies in goods receiving, picking, loading and shipping, in production, in assembly, in maintenance and in inventory tracking, monitoring and auditing. With handheld scanners and strategically placed fixed scanners, almost any item can be tracked and traced automatically.

A complete solution

Brady can provide a complete solution that includes print-and-programme RFID printers and scanners for custom RFID labels. Software can be provided and integrated to manage RFID driven processes, which can include proximity detection, maintenance or installation guidance, shipment control, warehouse forklift automation or simple item counting at specific scanner gates.

Discover Brady’s complete RFID solution, read the case studies & download the guide >>

The Case Study: Fast, paperless asset safety inspections
By:

A very large chemicals processer increased the efficiency of asset safety inspections with inspection templates and automated reporting using reliable Unitags and SafeTrak software from Scafftag. Read the case study and find out how can be thousands of asset inspections managed easily.

Challenge: Easily manage thousands of asset inspections

A large chemical processing plant was keeping track of asset inspections on paper. With thousands of ladders, handrails and floor gratings on the list of assets that need regular safety inspection, the paper trail became exceedingly complex and time intensive to manage.

The plant was already using Unitag to communicate which assets were inspected, and deemed safe, or out of use. To keep employees safe and the facility compliant in an efficient way, a solution was needed to replace time-consuming handwritten inspection reports.

Solution: A digital asset inspection trail

Scafftag proposed the SafeTrak software to replace the entire inspection paper trail with an online tool. All assets that need inspection can be set up in SafeTrak to make inspection planning and follow-up a lot more practical. Asset inspections can be planned at regular intervals, and to each type of asset a standard or custom inspection template can be linked.

In-house inspectors receive a notification on their ATEX-compliant handheld from SafeTrak and can start an asset inspection by scanning the asset’s RFID-enabled Multi-Tag from Scafftag. A pre-defined inspection template guides the inspectors in the field, and a report is shared automatically with stakeholders on inspection completion.

Assets are identified in the field with the RFID-enabled Unitag that can resist intensive cleaning processes. The tag’s RFID-chip can be programmed to link the actual field asset to its corresponding inspection history and asset details in SafeTrak.

To answer specific customer needs, Scafftag customised the flexible SafeTrak software in just 3 months. This enabled our customer to quickly and easily implement the solution in its existing inspection processes.

Result: Fast asset inspection and automated reporting

The chemicals processing plant can now inspect assets faster in a more accurate and easier way. More assets are inspected in a shorter time-span. Digital inspection reports are automatically generated and shared, and the time-consuming asset inspection paper trail is no longer needed.

Discover a wide range of tools and equipment you can immediately increase compliance for >>

Scafftag – A Brady Business

customer.services@scafftag.com

Tel 0845 089 4060

www.scafftag.com

Getting the facts straight about electrical testing
By:

“Electrical testing is something that every single business has to do, regardless of current restrictions, but there is a lot of conflicting information about what electrical items need to be tested, and how often,” says Darren Blackbird, Sales Director at leading electrical testing and maintenance provider phs Compliance.

“The advice does not always take into account different types of business environments either, making it all the harder to ensure compliance.

“The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that all electrical equipment in the workplace must be suitable for use and maintained to ensure it is safe. However, it does not specify how equipment should be maintained, how often it needs attention or who should carry out any maintenance, often leaving a question mark hanging over this important issue.

“Adding to the confusion is the misconception that you can simply delay or push back electrical testing because of the current pandemic, and that is leaving many businesses vulnerable. No-one wants to put their employees, their job or their business at risk.

“Generally, regular PAT testing and fixed wire testing are recommended by the experts as the best way to feel confident that you are meeting your legal obligations.

“PAT testing applies to portable electrical items, such as kettles, drills, laptops and computers, and fixed wire testing is relevant to fixed electrical installations, such as lighting or heating systems.

“The responsibility is placed on the duty holder to assess the risk level and decide on the frequency of inspections. This is usually determined by the type of equipment, how often it is being used and whether the working environment is considered high risk or low risk. Good practice is an annual test.

“For example, a drill used multiple times every day on a construction site will need more frequent inspections than a vacuum cleaner in a holiday let.

“Within BS 7671 it is recommended that electrical installations are tested everyone to five years, however this is dependant on the type of electrical installation, how often it is used and whether it’s in a low or high-risk environment. These frequencies are the maximum recommended, but again it is at the discretion of the duty holder and should depend on the type of electrical installation, how often it is used and whether it’s in a low or high-risk environment.

“Most offices require less frequent testing – once every five years, for example. However, a higher risk environment, like a swimming pool, which would be exposed to high levels of moisture, or an industrial unit with high dust levels, would require more frequent testing to ensure safety. This would more likely be everyone year for swimming pools and three years for industrial sites.

“It can be a minefield, which is why many businesses turn to a professional to ensure their equipment is correctly maintained. With expert advice, guidance and testing, they can feel confident that they are compliant.”

Click to view phs Compliance’s free PAT Testing Guide or Fixed Wire Testing Guide for further information.

With over 50 years’ experience, phs Compliance is one of the UK’s leading providers of facilities management and compliance services with over 400 engineers across the UK. As well as electrical, mechanical and fire safety testing and maintenance services, phs Compliance also provides specialist electrical and mechanical project services, including design, supply and installation for everything from power to lighting.

BS 1710-compliant pipe markers for more safety at work
By:

By Brady

British Standard 1710-compliant, industrial-grade pipe markers that can be applied to any pipe will help you to clearly identify pipes for more safety at work. Discover the complete BS 1710 pipe marker offer from Brady, read about colour scheme, download the brochure and see the infographic!

Clearly highlight hidden pipe contents with British Standard 1710-compliant pipe markers, printed on reliable pipe marker materials that stay attached and remain legible in tough conditions.

Clear pipe identification for increased safety

  • clear and highly recognisable British Standard 1710-compliant pipe marking
  • easily visualise the contents inside your pipes
  • warn against any risks related to pipe contents

Reliable on any pipe in many environments

  • resists high and low temperatures, chemicals and fuels
  • can fit any pipe diameter
  • self-adhesive, adhesive strip, magnetic and mountable application options

Hassle-free

  • no need to deep-dive into the norm, our pipe markers are compliant
  • ready-to-apply pipe markers for delivery anywhere in the world
  • print-at-your-premises using pipe diameter and substance input”

Curious about British Standard 1710 pipe markers?

Discover Brady’s British Standard 1710 pipe marker offer >>

WEBINAR: How to easily manage Lockout/Tagout with Link360 management software solution & procedure writing services
By:

Get acquainted with Brady Safety Management software solutions & the Brady Lockout Tagout Service offer during the short dedicated webinar. Read a case study on how a large food processor increased the efficiency of Lockout/Tagout procedures for safer maintenance with support from Brady. The customer has now fully optimised Lockout/Tagout with a clear view on all Lockout procedures and on all machinery in use at 2 production sites.

Zero maintenance accidents with Lockout/Tagout/Tryout

Brady Safety Webinar: 23rd March 2021, 14:00-14:45 GMT

  • » LoTo safety procedures enable maintenance engineer teams to safely perform their jobs.
  • » Brady offers a safety management software for Lockout/Tagout procedure management. This software is called Link360.
  • » Brady engineers have created thousands of lockout procedures for hundreds of companies in various industries. They can write your Lockout procedures too.

Brady offers a complete Lockout/Tagout service. The most recommended solution called Full VLOP and includes an on-site audit, training and specific Lockout procedures for all your machines in LINK360.

Free webinar – Register now >>

The case study: Optimised Lockout/Tagout with a clear view on all Lockout procedures and on all machinery in use at 2 production sites

A large food processor already had a number of Lockout/Tagout solutions in place. However, as the number of machines increased and became more complex, the need to optimise existing Lockout/Tagout procedures became a priority. The food processor wanted a practical system that could offer a clear view on all Lockout procedures and on all machinery in use at 2 production sites.

Brady Solution: Lockout procedure writing service & software for management system

We proposed full Lockout/Tagout Services for both sites. After a kickoff meeting to fine-tune the scope of each service, Brady sent an overview of all deliverables with a clear pricing system and an ambitious 6-month horizon for final delivery.

A Brady engineer visited both sites, accompanied by an experienced customer maintenance professional. During these visits, our engineer looked closely at every machine in use, took notes and pictures to write efficient, machine specific Lockout/ Tagout procedures. Our engineer also illustrated the procedures with machine and energy control point pictures for fast recognition on the work floor.

Customer stakeholders received illustrated procedures via Brady’s unique LINK360 Safety Procedure Management Software. The software offers a clear view on all Lockout procedures in use and can be accessed by stakeholders across sites to approve, edit, scale, print or digitally share procedures. Brady provided LINK360 training so that our customer can keep the procedure management software up to date independently.

Lockout devices were already available at both sites to block energy control points in the off-position, together with safety padlocks to lock the devices in place. Brady can easily supply additional devices and padlocks if needed, complete with padlock engraving and key charting.

Results: Optimised, efficient Lockout/Tagout

While Lockout/Tagout procedure writing was ongoing for the 2 sites, our customer increased the scope to include another site in the same country, and 1 more in a neighbouring country. At all 4 sites, we are now looking into making a total of 1000+ efficient, machine specific best practice Lockout/Tagout procedures available to relevant employees on smartphones and tablets with the Brady Smart Lockout App.

Discover Link360 & Watch a video >>

Brady Corporation Ltd.

www.brady.co.uk

Custom Lockout shadowboards: Efficient, top of mind safety in the workplace
By:

Make safety top of mind in the workplace and optimise Lockout/Tagout efficiency with highly visible, custom lockout shadowboards. Shadowboards increase the impact of Lockout/Tagout and help to further reduce maintenance risks and accidents. Read the case study from the large e-commerce company’s warehouse.

Why custom shadowboards?

  • increase efficiency by organising relevant lockout procedures, padlocks, devices, tags and accessories on shadowboards
  • keep safety and Lockout/Tagout top of mind in the workplace with highly visible shadowboards
  • maintain efficiency by promoting the return of tools to the board with tool shadows

Interested in the custom shadowboard approach? Get a custom shadowboard layout for free!

Read the case study from a large e-commerce organisation’s warehouses, where they already use highly visible custom shadowboards to optimise Lockout/Tagout efficiency and to keep safety top of mind in the workplace.

E-commerce warehouse has increased Lockout/Tagout visibility & efficiency with shadowboards

A large e-commerce organization wanted to improve maintenance safety by facilitating the use of Lockout/Tagout and by creating visibility on ongoing maintenance projects that require Lockout/Tagout in their warehouses.

Solution: Customisable master shadowboard

Brady proposed a custom master shadowboard to create the desired visibility for ongoing lockout maintenance. The master shadowboard was installed as a pilot in one of our customer’s major warehouses.

Shadowboards make Lockout/Tagout considerably more efficient, by clearly showing employees and contractors which tools they need to retrieve, and where they need to store them after servicing a machine. After a trial period, the master shadowboard was finetuned and presented as a starting point to our customer’s other warehouses. Brady customised the master version to accommodate sitespecific needs when required.

Each shadowboard is 1.4 metres high and consists of 90 cm wide panels. The board has rounded corners, and was made out of 8 mm thick white plexiglass. These large boards, that can span one or several panels, include ‘shadows’ of every Lockout/Tagout padlock, device and accessory used in a specific workplace area. All corresponding Lockout/Tagout tools are added to the board. Shadowboards make it very easy and efficient for employees to retrieve the tools they need, and to bring them back after servicing a machine. They also very visible in the workplace and serve as a constant reminder to keep safety top of mind.

Results: Efficient and highly visible Lockout/Tagout

The large e-commerce company’s warehouse employees now have Lockout/ Tagout solutions within reach to protect themselves during machine interventions. The Lockout/Tagout padlocks, decives and accessories, as well as the tags, are presented on large, highly visible shadowboards that make it easy and fast to retrieve the right tools to protect their safety.

Get a custom shadowboard layout for free!

Brady Corporation

www.brady.co.uk