ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE ( ICT Networking And Telecom Engineering PPE )

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE )

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) is clothing and equipment worn by employees, students, contractors ,ICT Engineers , Network and Telecom Engineers or visitors to protect or shield their bodies from workplace hazards. Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 sets out the obligation of an employer ‘where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards at the workplace, to provide the employees with, or otherwise provide for the employees to have, such adequate personal protective clothing and Safety Tools.

Identifying health & safety hazards in ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) installation operations

In ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) The network installation sector has been a growing industry worldwide since the computer age began in earnest in the mid-1990s, and remains so to this day with the likelihood that you will be using some sort of network to read this article. As demand for computer usage in business and personal life continues to grow, so must the network installation sector adapt and grow to meet these challenges. Amongst these challenges are those of OH&S (occupational health and safety) as locations, circumstances, and degree of difficulties all become more complex to meet the expectations of network users’ needs. It therefore stands to reason that more network installation companies are turning to OHSAS 18001 to protect employee safety and well-being; so, given that identification and action against hazards is a critical part of OHSAS 18001, how would a network installation company go about identifying these hazards?

Hazards and how to identify them

In the previous article, How to classify ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) hazards, we discovered how to classify and categorize hazards that exist in the workplace. The OHSAS 18001 standard defines a hazard as a “source, situation, or act with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health, or a combination of these”; therefore, we can begin to imagine where to look to identify hazards that may be present during the activities of a network installation company. But, what type of area should we be looking in, and what specific considerations should we make to ensure that we can accurately identify hazards and ensure that our OH&SMS (Operational Health and Safety Management System) performance is acceptable? Let us look at some examples:

ISO 45001 GAP ANALYSIS TOOL

Free online tool to find out your level of compliance with ISO 45001

• Working with power tools: It is not unusual that a network installation team must drill through walls and even modify buildings to install a network and cables. Does your team have the correct equipment? Is it calibrated and maintained, and does your team have the correct training and protective equipment to use it safely?
• Knowledge of dangerous areas and substances in buildings: It is possible that your network team may be working in areas of danger within a building. Whether that is down to hazardous gases or substances that may be released if a drilling operation goes wrong, does your team have the knowledge and expertise to respond to that situation and mitigate the risk of accident by taking the correct action?
• Correct product and electrical knowledge: Working with networks and electrical circuits has an inherent level of danger. Is your team properly qualified, trained, and instructed? Has the correct information been shared with the team, and any anomalies pointed out to allow the risk of an accident to be reduced?
• Working at height: This is common for network installation teams. Does your team have the correct equipment and training, and have the risks been correctly quantified before the project has begun?
• General health and safety training: Network installation sites are often buildings that are not fully complete, so the normal hazards of “slips and trips” will usually exist. Training your staff to recognize these situations can remove much of the danger that these hazards bring.

We now have some idea of how hazards present themselves in a situation where a network installation team may be called upon to operate, but let us look at what measures can be taken to prevent these identified hazards from becoming the cause of actual accidents:

• Risk assessment: A critical part of the identification of hazards is risk assessment. Does your organization have a process whereby sites are assessed for risks to prevent hazards from becoming reasons for incidents or accidents? Risk assessment is at the core of any OHSAS 18001-certified OH&SMS, and it should be for any organization operating in the network installation sector. Effective risk assessment can play a central part in reducing hazards and lowering risk in most predicted workplace circumstances. The article How to perform risk assessment in OHSAS 18001 can assist you with this.
• First aid training: Has your team had the necessary training to ensure that they can deal with an accident or emergency at what might be a remote site? Does your team carry a basic first aid kit to deal with such situations? Does your team have good methods of communication, such as mobile phones to allow them to communicate in a situation where hazards are present? First aid training can also help in a preventive sense – extra knowledge of how to treat accidents can help to formulate ideas on how to identify hazards and prevent accidents.

Ensuring safety in the ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE )  installation sector

If you establish an OHSAS 18001-certified OH&SMS in any business, the fundamentals and requirements will remain the same, and the network installation sector is no different. Ensure that you consult with your employees, use the knowledge that they have accumulated, make vital decisions jointly, and make sure that all decisions and policies are communicated effectively. Ensure that your top management team plays its part in setting examples and decision making, and you will help to build a culture where health and safety is viewed as vital. Combine all the above attributes and you will have an OH&SMS where identification of hazards is a prime motivator, and when this is the case, your employee safety and morale will benefit accordingly.

Why not use our free  ISO 45001 Gap Analysis Tool to measure the difference between the ISO 45001 standard and your health & safety management?

Safety gloves for intricate work and harsh environments

We use our hands all day, every day; at work and at home, making them deserving of the best possible protection. Working in the telecommunications industry, workers need safety gloves that allow them to perform intricate tasks effortlessly to avoid hand fatigue. Gloves also need to protect against changing weather conditions, wet and oily equipment and cut hazards. The uvex range of safety gloves is subject to the most stringent control measures ensuring first-class quality and a glove solution for almost any workplace hazard.

PPE In ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE )

PPE is also an important feature like HSSE.

P-Personal
P-Protection
E-Equipment

When any person working on height they must have their Personal Protection Equipment(PPE) or tools.

PPE Requirements for ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE )

Gloves
Harness
Helmets
Heigh Visibility Clothing
Safety Boots
Safety Belts

Hazards in telecommunication industry

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) Like many trade and industrial jobs, the role of telecoms engineer comes with its dangers. From working at a height to working closely with electricity, there are so many things to be aware of. In today’s blog we’ll be looking at the main dangers that telecoms engineers face and offering our top health and safety tips for a happier, healthier workforce. 

Safety concern #1 Working at extreme heights

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) Linesman and engineers are often required to work at vast heights for long periods of time, checking cables, repairing damaged or faulty lines and fittings, and monitoring power outputs. Expert training in this field is essential to ensure safety and competence on the job.

Safety concern #2 Working long hours 

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) More often than not an engineers workload will be different everyday – and like most industrial and trade jobs, one may need to work long hours or late nights to complete a job. Tiredness or lack of sleep can put a tremendous strain on a person and result in poor perception and decision-making. Unnecessary risks may also be taken when a worker is tired as they attempt to cut corners. Adequate measures should be taken with regards to staff levels and breaks to ensure fatigue doesn’t set in.

Safety concern #3 Working around live electricity

One of the main hazards is working with electricity. While eclectic shocks are uncommon they do happen. To prevent them from happening it’s essential that you check that you, and the electrical items, are grounded properly so that there’s a clear pathway to the ground.

Safety concern #4 Working in poor weather conditions

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) Working outdoors means engineers are exposed to the elements all year round. To protect against the dangers of windy, wet days, appropriate PPE should be worn at all times. Insulated boots, with a good grip, should be worn, along with items such as goggles and gloves when necessary. It is also a good idea to wear a strong harness for extra protection when maneuvering through the air.

Safety concern #5 Failing to use harnesses and lanyards

ICT Networking PPE Or ICT Networking And Telecommunications Engineering PPE (Telecom Engineering PPE ) usually have to secure a harness when climbing telephone pylons and poles. This means that they need to be fully and correctly trained to secure themselves in. When used incorrectly, safety equipment provides no protection at all.

At Browns Ladders you’ll find a huge range of access equipment and safety systems designed for the telecoms industry. If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for, give us a call on 01282 515517 and we will suggest an alternative.

If you’d like to refresh your knowledge of key safety topics why not book on to one of our courses? Our Work at Height Safety Training Course covers all the theoretical and practical information you need to keep you safe on the job.