The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Personal Protective Equipment Policy

Transcription

1 The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Personal Protective Equipment Policy Version : 3.1 Effective From: 1 September 2015 Expiry Date: 1 September 2018 Date Ratified: 1 August 2015 Ratified By: Trust Health and safety Committee 1 Introduction The Trust will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when the risk presented by a work activity cannot be adequately controlled by other means. All reasonable steps will be taken by the Trust to secure the health and safety of employees who work with PPE. It is the intention of the Trust to ensure, through the proper use of this equipment, that any risks are reduced to a minimum. The Trust will give information and training to enable a fuller understanding of these issues. The implementation of this policy requires the total co-operation of all management and staff. There will be full consultation with employee representatives through existing channels of communication. 2 Scope This policy applies to all employees that are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment that has been deemed necessary as the result of a risk assessment. 3 Aims This policy is intended to provide guidance to Managers and all other staff that have a need to use PPE and to ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities and how to comply with Health and Safety legislation. 4 Duties (Roles & Responsibilities) 4.1 Trust The Trust s overall responsibility is to provide a safe working environment for all of its employees, and ensure they are appropriately and adequately trained. 4.2 Trust Board The Trust Board is ultimately responsible for fulfilling all Health and Safety duties as an employer, including all Statute Health and Safety Law requirements. Page 1 of 6

2 4.3 Chief Executive The Chief Executive has overall responsibility to the Trust Board for ensuring that appropriate and effective health and safety management systems are in place including for the use of PPE. 4.4 Executive Director The Chief Executive delegates responsibility for health and safety to the Director of Quality and Effectiveness. In practice the Director of Quality and Effectiveness deals with matters of health and safety in close association with Executive Directors, Clinical Directors, Senior Managers and the Health and Safety Lead. 4.5 Directorate Managers & Directorate Directors Directorate Directors are responsible for ensuring that day-to-day activities of the Directorate/Department are conducted in a safe and suitable manner and this policy is effectively and correctly employed within their own Directorate. Directorate/department managers have the ultimate responsibility for all health and safety issues within their directorate/department. They must ensure that there is a sound local health and safety function as well as well developed health and safety awareness and culture within there remit including Personal Protective Equipment. 4.6 Head of Department Managers should establish local procedural guidelines specific to their own departments. These should draw upon closely related Trust policies e.g. Personal Protective Equipment Policy. Managers should ensure that risk assessments are in place to establish the need for Personal Protective Equipment. Managers are responsible for appointing a Departmental Risk Assessor, and must ensure that they undergo appropriate training prior to commencing risk assessments within that department. Managers are responsible for actioning and assessing the outcomes of risk assessments including training, cost and maintenance where necessary to improve the protection of staff. This should be included as part of the Directorate budget setting when compiling budgets plans for approval. 4.7 All Staff All employees are expected to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of themselves, their colleagues, patients and the public at all times. Therefore all members of staff are expected to comply with the Trust Policies, Procedures and Personal Protective Equipment requirements including the outcome of risk assessments which are provided for their protection. Page 2 of 6

3 5 Definitions Under section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their activities at work. They also have a duty to cooperate with their employer to enable the employer to comply with health and safety duties. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 requires employees to make full and proper use of any personal protective equipment (PPE) which is provided in accordance with instruction and training received. The employee also has a duty to take reasonable care of the PPE by; cleaning and examining it as appropriate, reporting to the employer if the equipment is defective in any way or if there is any loss and to store it safely after use in the accommodation provided 6 Personal Protective Equipment 6.1 Personal Protective Equipment Regulations PPE is defined in the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 as all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects the wearer against one or more risks to their health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective. E.g. safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high visibility clothing and safety footwear. When choosing general footwear that may have an impact on general safety but has not been identified as PPE, please refer to the Dress, Appearance & Uniform Policy. Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by these regulations because other regulations apply to them. However, both hearing and respiratory protective equipment need to be compatible with any other PPE provided. The regulations require the Trust to ensure the following: An assessment of proposed PPE is carried out to determine whether it is suitable. All necessary measures to remedy any risks found as a result of the assessment are undertaken. That where two (or more) items of PPE are used simultaneously, these items are compatible and are as effective together as they are separately. Adequate accommodation for correct storage of the PPE is provided. In accordance with manufacturers instructions, steps for the maintenance, cleaning and repair of PPE are implemented. Staff are trained in the safe use of PPE for all risks within the organisation. PPE provided to meet a statutory obligation is replaced as necessary and at no cost to the employee. Page 3 of 6

4 Every employee is informed of the risks and possible H&S implications if PPE is not worn. PPE is reassessed as necessary if substances used or work processes change. Managers are aware of their responsibility for maintaining stocks of PPE. 6.2 Protocol Within all Wards and Departments a COSHH and Risk Assessor should be appointed. Training will be given to assessors to prepare them to assess the need for PPE where necessary and to take appropriate action in conjunction with the Manager to reduce any possible risks within their department. 6.3 Procedures for Dealing with Health and Safety Issues Where an employee raises a matter related to health and safety in the use of PPE, the Trust will: Take all necessary steps to investigate the circumstances. Take corrective measures where appropriate. Advise the employee of action taken. Where a problem arises in the use of PPE the employee must: Inform a supervisor or manager immediately In the case of an adverse health condition, advise the Occupational Health department and his or her own general practitioner. 6.4 Safe System of Work The use of PPE is an important means of controlling risks involved in various work activities. To ensure that it is effective, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer s and employer s instructions on its correct use. When using PPE the wearer should: Ensure that protective clothing fits properly and can be adjusted so that it is comfortable when working. Make sure that the PPE is functioning correctly before use in specified work activity: If in any doubt, report the suspected defect. When using two (or more) types of PPE together, ensure that items are compatible when used together and their combined use does not reduce their effectiveness. Report symptoms of discomfort or ill health immediately. Inform the employer of any training needs. Page 4 of 6

5 7 Training The Trust will give sufficient information, instruction and training, including demonstrations in the wearing of PPE, to ensure the health and safety of workers using PPE. In addition to staff in direct employment this includes; temporary staff, work experience placements within the Trust and contractors. Managers and supervisors who are responsible for users of PPE must also receive appropriate training. 8 Equality & Diversity The Trust is committed to ensuring that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the way we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their individual needs and does not discriminate against individuals or groups on any grounds. This policy has been appropriately assessed. 9 Monitoring Compliance Monitoring compliance with this policy will be the responsibility of the Health and Safety Advisors. This responsibility will be undertaken by: Standard / Process / Issue Risk assessment Monitoring & Audit Method By Committee Frequency Health and Safety Compliance Questionnaire Health and Safety Advisers Health and Safety Committee Quarterly 10 Consultation & Review This policy has been reviewed in consultation with the Clinical Effectiveness Manager, the Quality and Effectiveness Manager, the Director of Quality and Clinical Effectiveness, HR Director, Counter Fraud Specialist, and Risk Management. 11 Implementation (including raising awareness) The Clinical Effectiveness Manager will remind the Chairs of the approving bodies of the need to refuse or consider strategies, policies and procedures which have not been submitted with the Ratification Form and Impact Assessment, or which do not conform to the standards laid down in this policy. 12 References Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992 Personnel Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 Control of ise at Work Regulations 2005 Page 5 of 6

6 Ionizing Radiations Regulations 1999 Page 6 of 6

7 The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Equality Analysis Form A This form must be completed and attached to any procedural document when submitted to the appropriate committee for consideration and approval. PART 1 1. Assessment Date: 01/06/ Name of policy / strategy / service: Personal Protective Equipment Policy 3. Name and designation of Author: Ian Gaffney Health and Safety Advisor 4. Names & designations of those involved in the impact analysis screening process: Ian Gaffney Health and Safety Advisor 5. Is this a: Policy x Strategy Service Is this: New Revised x Who is affected Employees x Service Users Wider Community 6. What are the main aims, objectives of the policy, strategy, or service and the intended outcomes? (These can be cut and pasted from your policy) To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is used correctly, is identified by the risk assessment process, is made available to employees free of charge and is fit for purpose 7. Does this policy, strategy, or service have any equality implications? Yes x If, state reasons and the information used to make this decision, please refer to paragraph 2.3 of the Equality Analysis Guidance before providing reasons: To help demonstrate Trust is committed to providing an environment that is healthy and safe for all staff, patients and visitors. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all employers who employ more than five employees to produce and maintain a safety policy and to bring it to the attention of all its employees. In addition the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) requires that all employers will have in place an effective strategy for the management of health and safety

8 within its organisation. This policy sets out the Trust approach, arrangements and responsibilities for meeting the requirements Health and Safety legislation. Review of policy document against evidence criteria acknowledges a number of measures in place relating to the health and safety of staff and others. Policy arrangements are in place mainly for staff activities and related risks but recognising the duty of care under health and safety legislation to patients, service users, visitors and contractors.

9 8. Summary of evidence related to protected characteristics Protected Characteristic Race / Ethnic origin (including gypsies and travellers) Sex (male/ female) Evidence, i.e. What evidence do you have that the Trust is meeting the needs of people in various protected Groups Does evidence/engagement highlight areas of direct or indirect discrimination? If yes describe steps to be taken to address (by whom, completion date and review date) ne relevant to this policy Pregnant Workers Policy and associated risk assessment recognises the specific risk areas for those new and expectant mothers Does the evidence highlight any areas to advance opportunities or foster good relations. If yes what steps will be taken? (by whom, completion date and review date) One to One specific risk assessment undertaken already. Religion and Belief Chaplaincy support role in notification and follow up to incidents of serious violence and aggression against staff. Chaplaincy support to Stress Group. Sexual orientation including lesbian, gay and bisexual people Age Incidents where particular individuals or groups are targeted are escalated to senior management for investigation. So that assessors are aware of the drivers for this measure and is not a local Trust imposed restriction. Disability learning difficulties, physical disability, sensory impairment and mental health. Consider the needs of carers in this section Gender Re-assignment Marriage and Civil Partnership Maternity / Pregnancy Individual assessment of protective equipment needed is carried out. This is in included in the policy Incidents where particular individuals or groups are targeted are escalated to senior management for investigation. Staff complete E&D Training as part of mandatory training. Health and Safety legislation places some restrictions on the risks that new and expectant mothers may be exposed to. To ensure that the reasons for this including legislative requirement are explained when conducting pregnancy related risk assessment. So that assessors are aware of the drivers for this measure and is not a local Trust imposed restriction.

10 9. Are there any gaps in the evidence outlined above? If yes how will these be rectified? 10. Engagement has taken place with people who have protected characteristics and will continue through the Equality Delivery System and the Equality Diversity and Human Rights Group. Please note you may require further engagement in respect of any significant changes to policies, new developments and or changes to service delivery. In such circumstances please contact the Equality and Diversity Lead or the Involvement and Equalities Officer. Do you require further engagement? Yes x 11. Could the policy, strategy or service have a negative impact on human rights? (E.g. the right to respect for private and family life, the right to a fair hearing and the right to education? PART 2 Name: Ian Gaffney Date of completion: 01/06/2015 (If any reader of this procedural document identifies a potential discriminatory impact that has not been identified, please refer to the Policy Author identified above, together with any suggestions for action required to avoid/reduce the impact.)