Rank: Forum user 
|
I am sure this may have cropped up before so apologies for this.
I have been asked to clarify a position of what is needed by people cutting grass verges by hand wearing hi-vis vests/tabards.
I am being told that the law has changed and staff now need to wear long sleeve clothing when cutting the grass. This is mainly on housing estates where the speed limit is 30mph or lower. The risk assessment highlights the wearing of tabards and hi vis vests.
I cannot find any concrete evidence that says what HAS to be worn. I have read the streetworks act and even googling just says risk assessment based.
Any help or direction to where to look for this other than "whatever risk assessment says".
Many thanks...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Cutting grass verges by hand - crikey, give them a lawnmower!
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
The issue over the long sleeves I would suggest is to do with exposure to the sun and therefore the risk of skin cancer, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
The hi vis part of this activity aside, the hazards from objects being ejected from the mower/brush cutter would mean that long sleeves would be required. A full face visor and hearing defenders would also be required
The hazard from any weeds from the 'hog-weed' family would also require the skin be covered. The hazards from dog fouling and needle stick injuries would also be an issue.
Taking this into account, it may as well be hi vis into the bargain, to minimise the risk presented by traffic and maximise the conspicuity of the operators
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
There is no law as such but the need for long-sleeved Hi-Vis (and trousers) comes from codes of practices for street works and is primary needed so drivers can see the full outline of a worker at night but also improves all-round visibility. There are a number of codes and guides that cover low and high speed roads.
It is some time since I have been involved in street works but if you cutting highway verges with live traffic you have to wear them or justify why not. Although these codes have not been produced by the HSE the do carry the same weight in court and are difficult to go against.
If you are cutting grass close to a highway then you have more options and could justify not using long-sleeve hi-vis through your risk assessment.
Hi-Vis makes you perspire so they can be unpopular but I believe there are manufactures out there that have tried to tackle this issue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks for comments. The issue is around the Hi Viz element and all other hazards are also covered e.g. heat, sunlight etc. The issue that has been raised regarding heat is one of the issues. Pushing a mower around all day is hard work and making people wear long sleeves at all times could cause a bigger hazard than the traffic. Vests and sleeveless Hi-Vis is a minimum and it is just the extra arm protection that I was querying.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Also remember that insects are attracted to Hi Vis attire.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Google, Safety at Streetworks and Roadworks.
Here is describes the minimum required, this document is an ACOP and applies to anyone working on the highway. The Highway includes the verge.
PPE is a minor inconvenience when placed against the higher risks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
This is from the above ACOP (not in itself law, but may be used as evidence etc. etc.).
I was intrigued to see a distinction between England and Wales.
RA determines in England, long sleeves an explicit expectation in Wales and Scotland.
"High visibility clothing (England and Northern Ireland)
The standard of high visibility clothing required should be determined by a risk assessment. In most
circumstances for work outside the working space, an adequate assessment is likely to indicate a
requirement for a jacket with the greatest minimum amount of visible material specified in the relevant
current British or European standards.
High visibility clothing (Scotland and Wales)
High visibility jackets must have full length sleeves and comply with the relevant current British or
European standards. Sleeves may be varied to three quarter length where a risk assessment shows full
length sleeves would present increased risk due to the activity being undertaken."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
clegg1966 wrote:Thanks for comments. The issue is around the Hi Viz element and all other hazards are also covered e.g. heat, sunlight etc. The issue that has been raised regarding heat is one of the issues. Pushing a mower around all day is hard work and making people wear long sleeves at all times could cause a bigger hazard than the traffic. Vests and sleeveless Hi-Vis is a minimum and it is just the extra arm protection that I was querying. Pushing a lawnmower????? Surely walking behind a motorised lawn mower? I agree still hard work in hot weather, however there is some high vis clothing that allows for this. It is not amongst the cheaper end though
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.