Information and guidance for contractors

• remember your designated working area and the official name of the contract or project you are working on
• provide adequate notice of out-of-hours working
• introduce yourself to our site staff if they are available
• contact our headquarters and ask the Estates Management department on 01392 872279 (tel:01392 872279) about any health and safety concerns.

• leave the building for temporary periods without signing out
• wander outside your designated work area
• leave unattended packages in the building
• leave plant or materials insecure at the end of a working shift.

• Break the glass of the nearest fire alarm point (if fitted).
• Tell a member of Service staff at those premises, the location and extent of the fire.
• At on-call stations, follow the instructions shown on the telephone in the office.
• Only tackle the fire with the equipment provided if it is safe to do so and only if you have been trained in how to use it.
• Leave the building by the nearest available exit door and go to the nearest designated assembly point.

• Leave the building by the nearest available exit.
• Assemble in the designated assembly area to which you will be directed.
• Do not return for personal belongings and tools.
• Do not return to the building for any reason until told to do so by the duty fire officer.
• Call 999 (not all stations are monitored).

• Work in your designated area and only carry out operations related to your project or work.
• Do not tamper with or obstruct any fire doors (indicated with a blue circular sign).
• Please report any findings to the site foreman or to the officer-in-charge of the premises.
• Put barriers and signs around the working area where appropriate and remove them when the work is complete.
• Leave your work area clean and tidy and in a safe condition at the end of a shift.

• Do not remove any guards, barriers, or locks without express permission.
• Do not use makeshift tools or equipment.
• Do not climb upon any structure unless authorised to do so.
• Transport equipment and materials in a safe manner along agreed routes.
• Do not enter machinery enclosures unless power has been isolated.
• Do not leave plant or equipment in a dangerous condition or unguarded.
• Wear personal protective equipment where necessary.
• Provide suitable warning signs.

• All electrical equipment is to be tested and marked as required under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
• All electrical tools in use should be either DC supplied or suitably protected, for example through an RCD.
• Do not carry out any electrical isolation or reinstatement of electrical equipment without permission.

Some work processes are more hazardous than others and need tighter control. The Service’s premises manager must be consulted where any of the following work is intended to be carried out.

• Hot work. Do not start hot work without first ensuring the authorised isolation of the heat or smoke detectors in the immediate area, and that other suitable fire precautions are in place.
• Entry into confined spaces.
• Cutting into any pipework carrying hazardous substances.
• Mechanical or electrical work requiring the isolation of the power source. For example, before work on the inside of a large machine or any similar hazardous activity.

• Check the premises asbestos register before work starts.
• If asbestos is found or you are unsure, stop work and contact the Estates department on 01392 872279 (tel:01392 872279) for guidance.

• Keep all aisles, corridors, access and exits clear.
• Do not block fire exits.
• Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.
• You must properly bag any rubbish before removal from the site.

Report all accidents, near misses, and hazards to a member of staff. The Service will provide first aid. The location of first aid equipment is indicated on the Service’s health and safety noticeboard.

• Obey all safety signs.
• Do not work alone on potentially hazardous operations.
• In the event of a 999 call, a siren or bell will sound on crewed fire stations and an electronic beeper on our on-call fire stations. Please ensure you stand well clear of any fire service vehicles.
• On our on-call fire stations, be aware that firefighters may arrive in their vehicles. Ensure you vacate the drill yard areas and do not obstruct their entry.
• You are expected to maintain an intelligent attitude towards your health and safety and minimise the chances of an accident occurring whilst on our premises.
• Please make sure that all work undertaken is done with the minimum of disruption to the Service’s operations.

A telephone for emergency use is shown on the premises plan on the Health and Safety noticeboard.

You may use the kitchen facilities if agreed with the Service’s representative and then only during stipulated times. When using the catering facilities, you must wear clean clothes. Access will be denied to anyone wearing soiled working clothes.

These facilities are primarily for the Service’s staff and are to be kept clean, tidy, and not abused.

Smoking is not allowed on our premises, except for designated areas.

Drinking alcohol is not allowed on our premises.

Food and drink must not be consumed in working areas.

You should minimise the effects of dirty, dusty or noisy work. All electric hand tools are to be suppressed to prevent electronic interference.

• Car parking may not always be available during normal working hours.
• No extended parking of lorries or large vans is allowed without prior approval of the Service.
• There is a 15 mph speed limit on all Service premises. In some circumstances, this is lower.
• Your vehicles should not block access or exits for Service vehicles including fire engines.
• Refer to the contractors 'onsite record book' for information about passes.