Essential Requirements for Site Conditions

This article is a non-exhaustive introduction some of the essential requirements for site conditions.

Facilities for the safe unloading and distribution of flooring and accessory materials must be made available on site.

Provision of dry, clean, ventilated, waterproof, warm and secure storage area must be made available. Floorcoverings and associated materials such as chipboard must be unloaded with care and stored according to manufacturers’ instructions. On multi-storey work, suitable storage facilities must be made available on each floor as the work proceeds. Special storage facilities must be made available for highly flammable adhesives.

Safe lifting facilities on all floor levels must be made available.

A good standard of electric lighting to all work areas must be available. Electric power, generally at 110V but often at 240V for floor sanding machines, should be made available when using power tools.

NOTE: All portable electrical appliances should have been electrically tested to ensure they are safe to use and must be retested as appropriate. This process is known as Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

These Regulations, often abbreviated to PUWER, place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. PUWER also places responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees use work equipment, whether owned by them or not.

PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is:

• Suitable for the intended use
• Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate
• Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training
• Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings, and warning devices
• Used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and
  power presses
• Each work area must be clear of all other trades and their materials. Floors must be cleared of all rubbish and initially swept clean or, preferably, industrial vacuumed. All surface contamination must be removed in accordance with the relevant manufacturers’ instructions, ready to receive the next product to be applied

For more health and safety information, visit the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring.