Hot topics

10 toolbox talks from the European Bitumen Association have been added to Safequarry covering the following topics

1. Pocket Guide on the Safe Delivery of Bitumen
2. Bitumen storage tank content gauges and high level alarms
3. Bitumen delivery driver inductions
4. Bitumen discharge permit
5. Ground based pumps
6. Bitumen - Blocked and partially blocked pipelines
7. Bitumen - Emergency safety showers
8. Emergency shutdown of bitumen delivery vehicles
9. Bitumen – Personal protective equipment
10. Trace heating of bitumen pipelines

https://www.safequarry.com/home/toolbox-talks.aspx

As Covid-19 cases are on the rise nationally, it is useful to consider any  additional measure to reduce the potential for transmission in the workplace.  The attached poster has been created to publicise and communicate CEMEX’s new  ‘Mask and Move’ policy for shared offices. Members may wish to consider whether introducing such a policy could be a useful additional control measure within their operations.

CEMEX has recently implemented a ‘Mask and Move’ Policy  in all shared office areas. This means that staff are asked to wear a face covering whenever they are away from their desk or workstation in all shared office areas and applies to everyone other than those who would normally be exempt from the mandatory wearing of face coverings under government guidelines. A poster is also downloadable from the resources section of Safequarry

Downloadable cards provide advice to individuals that own, manage or are responsible for a specific business or organisation within the community on how to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak by;

• Identifying an outbreak of COVID-19 (one or more confirmed case depending on the business or organisation)
• Reporting the outbreak to your local health protection team
• Working with your local health protection team to respond

Each situation has an individual Action Card which provides specific COVID-19 Early Outbreak Management Information for that location. The Action Cards are designed to be printed or downloaded to keep on-hand in your business or organisation. (Please note these assets are cleared for use in England only.)

With the forecast hot weather many people will be seeking to cool off at the coast. Others may be tempted to visit inland water near where they live such as a local reservoir or quarry lake. The water may look very inviting to them but conceal a range of hazards they are not aware of. 

Please remember to check warning signs, fencing and other safety measures at the quarry sites you are responsible for, particularly if they have lakes or water filled voids.

Please also share with your employees and colleagues this video. Ask them to share with their friends and family - it could be a life saver. It explains a simple technique anyone can use if they suddenly find themselves in trouble in water.

RNLI's video 'Float to Live' video  

REMEMBER THE SIMPLE MEASURES THAT WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES SAFE FROM COVID 19

The increased amount of travel and social interaction which is now permitted, presents much greater opportunity to contract and transmit Coronavirus and the gains achieved during lockdown could easily be lost. Recent press reports suggest that numbers of cases are increasing and a second wave may already be occurring, with some very localised spikes in businesses and towns.

It is essential that organisations and individuals remain vigilant. The basic control measures (social distancing, good hygiene etc.) that were identified at the outset continue to be relevant and effective.

Members are therefore advised to:

• Ensure their workplaces remain COVID safe
• Review and if necessary supplement the control measures in place
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of the COVID measures
• Monitor compliance with site COVID rules
• Provide regular and frequent refresher toolbox talks to maintain awareness and reinforce the message
• Having contingency measures in place that will ensure that further site shutdowns can be implemented quickly and safely if this becomes necessary.

The MPA’s ‘Ten Rules of Engagement’ are as applicable now as much as ever…

Please go to the COVID 19 section of Safequarry if you want to download any of the free posters.

The rollover of a tipper in the Midlands this week reinforces the importance of ensuring that drivers and operators understand how to prevent these incidents. CEMEX has produced a video on rollover prevention, this topic is also covered in MPA's Driver's Handbook.

View CEMEX Video

HSE has issued an article on disinfecting premises. Fog, mist, vapour or UV treatments may be suitable options to help control the spread of Coronavirus, by cleaning and disinfecting larger workspaces/rooms. The article provides information on the different methods available, the suitability and limitations of each system and the safety considerations. Any use of these treatments should be risk assessed.

View Article

Cemex UK has produced a short video on vehicle rollovers.

CEMEX Rollover Video

The video provides information on how vehicles, including mixer trucks and articulated tippers can become unstable and the measures that drivers can take to prevent rollovers. The video includes video footage of actual incidents which provide an impactful message. MPA recommends the video to members as an ideal way to raise awareness amongst their employees and contractors on the potential for vehicle rollovers and the actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of such occurrences.

HSE has issued a Waste and Recycling eBulletin on ‘not forgetting the basics’ whilst managing COVID-19 risks. Such issues are equally relevant to other sectors and members are reminded to check that they have not lost focus on the day-to-day risks in their operations, whilst managing the COVID-19 risks.