Transport for London

London Underground

Operational Standards

Access, Health, Safety and

Environment briefing

Issue 1 November 2009

MAYOR OF LONDON
 Access, Health, Safety and Environment

Contents
Section Page

1 Preparing yourself for work 3

1.1 Method statement and risk assessment 3
1.2 Maximum working hours 3
1.3 Drugs and alcohol 4
1.4 Smoking 4
1.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 4
2 Getting to Work 5
2.1 Moving materials 5
2.2 Loading and unloading 5
2.3 Using a lift, escalator and moving walkway 6
2.4 Signing in and out 6
2.5 Person working alone 7
2.6 Site Person in Charge 7
2.7 Protection Master 8
3 Working on Site 9
3.1 Leptospirosis 9
3.2 Needle-stick injuries 9
3.3 Restricted items 10
3.4 Hand arm vibration 11
3.5 Reporting procedures 12
3.6 Reporting environmental incidents 12
 3.7 Noise and community nuisance 13
3.8 Waste management 13
3.9 Spillages 14
3.10 Pollution 15
3.11 Wildlife protection 15
3.12 Asbestos 16
3.13 Dust control 20
3.14 Hidden services 20
3.15 Working at height 21
3.16 High/low temperature working 22
3.17 Triangle of fire 22
3.18 Fire prevention 23
3.19 Classes of fire and extinguishers 24
3.20 Discovering a fire 25
3.21 Evacuation 25
3.22 Unattended items (suspect packages) 27
3.23 Accidents and near hits 27
3.24 Slips and trips 28
4 Finishing work 29
4.1 Storing Materials 29
4.2 Leaving the site 29
 Preparing yourself for work
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1 Preparing yourself for work

1.1 Method statement and risk assessment

Before any work is carried out on LU infrastructure you or
your Site Person in Charge will have a method statement, and
risk assessment that describes a safe system of work, and
contains details of individual elements of work, and how they
are integrated.

A risk assessment indentifies the hazards of health, safety and

the environment.

1.2 Maximum working hours

The working time regulations govern how many hours can be

worked over a set period of time.

You are not permitted to work more than:

•• 6 shifts in 7 consecutive days

•• 72 hours in 7 consecutive days

•• 12 hours in any one shift.

You must allow a minimum of 11 hours between shifts

Attending a learning intervention is considered as normal

working hours.

Any exception to the above must be authorised.

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1.3 Drugs and alcohol

It is an offence to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol

whilst working on LU infrastructure.

If you are taking any medication you must always report it to

your manager or Site Person in Charge before starting work you
should not drink more than 7 units of alcohol in the 24 hours
before work, and none in the 8 hours before work.

1.4 Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on LU infrastructure.

1.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

High visibility clothing should be worn at all times when working

on LU infrastructure. Other PPE (e.g. hard hat) should always
be worn as required for the job. PPE should always be in good
condition.

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 Getting to work
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2 Getting to Work

2.1 Moving materials

When moving materials you must be aware of:

•• Loading and unloading

•• Manual handling issues

•• Using a lift, escalator or moving walkway.

2.2 Loading and unloading

When loading and unloading you should:

•• Park in a responsible manner

•• Switch off vehicle motors when possible

•• Have consideration for neighbouring properties

•• Observe rules on manual handling

•• Only use designated routes to unload tools and equipment

•• Keep noise to a minimum.

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 2
section Getting to work

2.3 Using a lift, escalator and moving walkway

When using a lift, escalator or moving walkway for the

movement of tools and equipment you should ensure they are
used in such away as to prevent personal injury to an individual
or damage to the lift, escalator or moving walkway.

In order to use a lift, escalator or moving walkway to move tools

or equipment you will need:

•• A valid movements licence for the lift, escalator or moving

walkway, listing the tools and equipment to be moved

•• A certificated lift, escalator or moving walkway operator to

sign out the lift, escalator or moving walkway permit with
the Station Supervisor.

•• Any damage to a lift, escalator or moving walkway must be

reported.

2.4 Signing in and out

You should always sign in at a station:

•• To allow you entry to LU premises

•• So that you can be located in the event of an evacuation.

You should always sign in at a station so that you do not have to

be looked for in the event of a fire or emergency.

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 Getting to work
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2.5 Person working alone

If you are working alone, you are responsible for:

•• Reporting to, and signing in and out of a station with the

Station Supervisor

•• Your worksite safety.

2.6 Site Person in Charge

A Site Person in Charge is responsible for:

•• A safe system of work

•• Signing in and out with the Station Supervisor and signing

the workgroup in and out of a station

•• Liaising with the Station Supervisor and Protection Master

where required.

A Site Person in Charge can be identified by a white armband

worn on the left arm above the elbow. Your contact with the
Site Person in Charge will be if you are working as part of a
workgroup.

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2.7 Protection Master

A Protection Master is responsible for providing protection

when a workgroup is working on or about the track in either
traffic hours, engineering hours or in a depot.

A Protection Master can be identified by a blue armband worn

on the right arm above the elbow.

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 Working on site
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3 Working on Site

3.1 Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis (also known as Weils disease) is a bacterial

infection which is transmitted by infected animals, most
commonly from the urine of rats.

You can avoid infection by:

•• Covering exposed cuts and abrasions with a waterproof

dressing

•• Using suitable PPE

•• Removing dirty work clothing before eating

•• Washing your hands and forearms with soap and water as

soon as possible.

3.2 Needle-stick injuries

Hypodermic syringes left lying around LU infrastructure can be a

danger to you and anyone working with you.

If you see any hypodermic syringes you should:

•• Not touch them as you could become contaminated (e.g

HIV/hepatitis)

•• Report them to ensure they are removed safely

•• Not put your bare hands into any spaces you cannot see
into. 9
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3 Working on site

3.3 Restricted items

In an effort to improve safety LU has restricted the use of:

•• Radios, personal audio devices, mobile phones with

earpieces

•• Food and drink in non designated areas

•• Metal ladders or scaffolding near live electricity.

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3.4 Hand arm vibration

Hand arm vibration:

•• Is vibration transmitted from work processes into workers

hands and arms. It can be caused by operating hand held
power tools

•• Can cause a range of conditions collectively known as hand

arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), as well as specific diseases
such as carpal tunnel syndrome

•• Causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves in your

fingers and hands. This is irreversible once at this stage.

The Symptoms include any combination of:

•• Tingling and numbness in the fingers

•• Not being able to feel things properly

•• Loss of strength in the hands

•• The fingers going white (blanching) and becoming red and

painful on recovery (particularly in the cold and wet, and
probably on in the tips at first).

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3.5 Reporting procedures

An incident is something that can result in harm and should be

reported as soon as possible.

Reporting procedures help in the identification of problems, and

their future eradication in the workplace.

All incidents must be reported through the incident line.

All injuries must be recorded in the site accident book.

3.6 Reporting environmental incidents

There are many issues that can be considered to be

environmental incidents e.g :

•• Spillages and leaks of polluting materials

•• Illegal tipping of waste

•• Damage to protected species

•• Noise complaints.

All incidents and complaints must be reported to your Site

Person in Charge or manager, or follow your company reporting
instructions usually via an Incident Report Form.

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3.7 Noise and community nuisance

All work on LU infrastructure can potentially disturb neighbours.

Noise nuisance is an offence. The local authority can stop work

and prosecute you and your company.

You should keep shouting to the minimum and turn off plant
and equipment when not in use.

Exposure to noisy power tools or machinery for 30 minutes or

more per shift could lead to you suffering from noise related
hearing problems.

Exposure to noise would have been identified in the method

statement and risk assessment, and the necessary controls put
in place.

3.8 Waste management

You and the company you are employed by can be fined for not
managing waste or causing litter.

All waste must be adequately contained away from drains,

stored and disposed of correctly.

Waste must not be brought in from home; this is considered fly

tipping and is against the law.

Waste must never be left on site at the end of a shift.

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3 Working on site

Hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste must always be kept

segregated from each other under legislation.

Minimise waste by considering the 3Rs in waste management:

•• Reduce

•• Re-use

•• Re-cycle.

3.9 Spillages

Transfer liquids over a drip tray, and use a funnel to reduce the
potential harm created by spillage.

Make sure you have spill kits available and the appropriate PPE
to deal with any spillage.

If chemicals or hazardous material come into contact with the

skin, seek first aid immediately.

If a spill kit is not available you should try to contain the spill or
absorb it by other means e.g. sand.

You must act immediately if you discover a spill or a leak. Follow

your local spill response procedure. All spills and leaks must be
reported to your Site Person in Charge.

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3.10 Pollution

Polluting land, rivers, streams, groundwater and sewers is illegal.

It is important for you to note that even very small amounts of

some materials can cause serious pollution. (e.g. 1 litre of oil
can pollute a lake the size of two football pitches).

Many drains go directly to rivers or streams, and therefore must

not be used as a means of disposal for wastes (e.g. concrete
wash out and cleaning fluids).

3.11 Wildlife protection

LU infrastructure is home to many species controlled or

protected legally and there are a few simple things that you can
do to help. For example:

•• Do not disturb nesting birds

•• Do not disturb protected species e.g. bats, badgers, slow

worms etc

•• Do not spread Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed

•• Report any accidental disturbance to your Site Person in

Charge.

Any species that you need to be made aware of should be

highlighted in your site briefing and method statement.

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3.12 Asbestos

Asbestos is:

A natural material formed in rock

A unique material in the way that it is:

•• Fire proof
•• Strong
•• Waterproof
•• A good insulator
•• Chemically inert.

There are three types of asbestos:

•• White
•• Brown
•• Blue.

Asbestos can be dangerous if it is disturbed (e.g. a risk of

cancer).

Various materials on LU infrastructure are known to contain

asbestos e.g sheathing for cable, roofing, insulation and fire
resistant materials.

You must avoid disturbing or attempt to remove known

asbestos and unknown materials as it can be dangerous.

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If you uncover or discover anything that may be asbestos you
must:

•• Stop any work which may disturb it

•• Report it to the Site Person in Charge, and ask for it to be

identified

•• Not return to the area until you are told it is safe to do so.

If there is not a Site Person in Charge report it to the Station

Supervisor and show them the material if they wish to see it.

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3 Working on site

Hazardous substances

Hazardous substances in the work place can be identified by the

following symbols.

Symbol Workplace Hazard

example

Sulphuric acid Can destroy living tissue

on contact

Lead paint Can cause damage to

health

Chlorine Reacts with other

chemicals

Hilti gun cartridges Anything that can

explode

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 Working on site
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Symbol Workplace Hazard
example

Engine oil or cement Can present an

slury immediate or delayed
danger to a component
of the environment

Metholated spririts Substances that can

catch fire

Bleach or cement Can cause inflamation to

the skin

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3.13 Dust control

Dust can be mainly found in tunnels but can also be caused by

cutting, drilling and digging. You should make every effort to
reduce dust by:

•• Damping down where possible

•• Eliminating unnecessary clutter

•• Using the appropriate ventilation systems.

•• Wearing the correct PPE.

3.14 Hidden services

Always use drawings, surveys and scans when carrying out work
where hidden services could be present.

Hidden services include:

•• Gas

•• Water

•• Electricity

•• Telephone wires

•• Signalling.

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 Working on site
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3.15 Working at height

When working at height you should:

•• Where possible wear a safety harness properly secured to a

sound anchor, as high above the site as possible to limit the
distance that can be fallen

•• Try to avoid working from a ladder and certainly not for

periods of longer than 30 minutes. 

•• Never work off the top steps of any ladder

•• Ensure any tools and equipment are safe and secure at the
site and cannot fall

•• Ensure your footwear/ladder rungs are not greasy or muddy

•• Keep the site tidy to prevent tripping.

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3.16 High/low temperature working

In cool or cold weather you should wear layers as they are easier
to remove.

You should be aware of the change in underfoot conditions in

cold weather.

Take the following precautions when working outside in the heat

•• Wear a hat

•• Use sunscreen

•• Drink plenty of water.

3.17 Triangle of fire

The three elements of the triangle of fire are:

•• Fuel

•• Heat

•• Oxygen
EN

Oxygen - Smother
FU
G

Heat - Cool
XY

EL

FIRE
O

Fuel - Starve
HEAT

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3.18 Fire prevention

Examples of good fire prevention:

•• Tidying away rubbish

•• Not overloading electrical circuits

•• Keeping flammable liquids in sealed metal containers

•• Switching off electrical equipment when not in use

•• Maintaining electrical equipment.

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3.19 Classes of fire and extinguishers

Class Description Extinguisher Types

A Flammable solids Water

AFFF
B Flammable liquids CO2
AFFF
C Gases Turn off the supply
and then tackle any
burning materials with
the appropriate fire
extinguisher

Types of fire extinguisher

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3.20 Discovering a fire

If you discover or cause a fire on LU infrastructure you will need

to:

•• Raise the alarm by using a fire call point, informing others

around you and informing a member of staff

•• Evacuate the station, and go to the Staff Assembly Point

(SAP).

The Station Supervisor will call the Fire Brigade.

3.21 Evacuation

If the evacuation alarm sounds whilst you are in the workplace

you must:

•• Immediately follow the instructions given to you at a safety

briefing

•• Evacuate ensuring others are evacuating with you, always

walk, and don’t run

•• Not delay to collect your belongings

•• Not use the lifts

•• Close doors and windows behind you, if possible

•• Go to the staff assembly point

•• Not re enter the workplace until you are told to do so by an

authorised person.
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3.22 British Standards safety signs

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3.23 Unattended items (suspect packages)

By leaving items unattended or lying around LU infrastructure

they could be treated as a suspect package.

If you find an unattended item you must report it to station

staff or the Site Person in Charge immediately.

If you find an unattended item you should not:

•• Touch or move it

•• Use a radio or mobile phone in the vicinity.

3.24 Accidents and near hits

All accidents, incidents and near hits must be reported as soon

as possible using the appropriate process in place for your
company.

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3.25 Slips and trips

To avoid slips and trips:

•• Follow good housekeeping guidelines

•• Keep the worksite tidy

•• Pay attention to what you are doing

•• Do not cut corners when it comes to safety

•• Do not be distracted from the task in hand

•• Do not leave tools lying around.

Slips and trips can be caused by:

•• Contamination – anything that ends up on the floor

•• Obstacles – poor housekeeping

•• Flooring – unsuitable for the type of work

•• People – behaviour

•• Footwear – unsuitable for the environment

•• Environment – lighting, noise, weather, humidity and

condensation

•• Cleaning – damp floors or trailing leads.

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 Finishing work
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4 Finishing work

4.1 Storing Materials

The Site Person in Charge must display a storage licence at the

storage location.

All tools and materials that are stored must be secured.

You should not mix unsafe materials.

4.2 Leaving the site

You should always make sure that the site is left clean and tidy
to allow stations to open and trains to run.

It is the responsibility of the Site Person in Charge to arrange for

the removal and storage from the worksite of any:

•• Equipment

•• Materials

•• Plant and tools.

When you have finished work you should return your visitors
badge or sticker to the Station Supervisor if you signed in
individually or to the Site Person in Charge if there are more than
ten persons in the workgroup.

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