ProceduresWhen you work for a construction company it will have a series ofprocedures which you will have to follow. A good example is theemergency procedure. This will explain precisely what is required inthe case of an emergency on site and who will have responsibility forcarrying out particular duties.

Procedures are there to show you the right way of doing something.Another good example of a procedure is the procurement or buyingprocedure. This will outline: who is authorised to buy what, and how much individuals are allowed to spend any forms or documents that have to be completed when buying.

SpecificationsIn addition to drawings it is usually necessary to have documentsknown as specifications. These provide much more information, as can be seen in Fig 2.10.

The specifications give you a precise description.

They will include:• the address and description of the site• on-site services (e.g. water and electricity)• materials description, outlining the size, finish,• quality and tolerances• specific requirements, such as the individual• who will authorise or approve work carried out• any restrictions on site, such as working hours.

Extract from a specification:

SchedulesSchedules are cross-referenced to drawings that have been prepared by an architect. They will show specific design information. Usually they are prepared for jobs that will be carried out regularly on site, such as:

• working on windows, doors,• floors, walls or ceilings• working on drainage, lintels or sanitary ware.The schedule is very useful for a number of purposes, such as:• working out the quantities of materials needed• ordering materials and components and then

checking them against deliveries• locating where specific materials will be used.

Manufacturers Technical Information• Almost everything that is bought to be used on

site will come with a variety of types of information.

The basic technical information provided will show what the equipment or material is intended to be used for, how it should be stored and any particular requirements it may have, such as for handling or maintenance.Technical information from the manufacturer can come from a variety of different sources. These may include:• printed or downloadable data sheets• printed or downloadable user instructions• manufacturers’ catalogues or brochures• manufacturers’ websites.

Example of Manufacturers Info

Policies• Policies are sets of principles or a programme of• actions. These are two good examples:• Environmental policy – how the business goes

about protecting the environment.• Safety policy – how the business deals with health

and safety matters and who is responsible for monitoring and maintaining it.

You will normally find both policies and procedures in site rules. These are usually explained to each new employee when they first join the company.

Sometimes there may be additional site rules, depending on the job and the location of the work.

Organisational Documentation• The potential list of organisational documentation and paperwork is

extensive. These are outlined in below.

Example of a Timesheet

Example of a Day Worksheet

Example of a Variation Order

Training & Development Records

Training and development is an important part of any job, as it ensuresthat employees have all the skills and knowledge that they need to do their work. Most medium to large employers will have training policies that set out how they intend to do this.

Employers will have a range of different documents to keep records and to make sure that they are on track. These documents will record all the training that an employee has undertaken.Training can take place in a number of different ways and different places. It can include:• induction• toolbox talks• in-house training• specialist training• training or education leading to formal

qualifications.

TOOL BOX TALKS

Holding tool box talk ( TBT)meetings is an excellent and quick way of increasing safety involvement and awareness at grass roots level. However, there are a few simple tips to follow if you want to use this tool effectively.

First of all toolbox meetings are usually run in small work groups by the supervisor, leading hand, team leader etc. of the group. The meetings are short, about 5 to 10 minutes, and informal.

The basic idea is to provide a direct method of communication and exchange of information between management, supervision and the shop floor with the purpose of improving safety and health by directly involving workers in issues that are important to them. Using tool box meetings is an ideal way to get employees involved in matters relating to their own safety, finding solutions to problems, as well as building a committed and productive team.

The name comes from the team gathering around a toolbox at a construction site for the talk, but these meetings can be held at any workplace; Vision Safety, can help you arrange TBTs and provide you with a portfolio of examples suitable for your workplace.

Examples of Toolbox Talks

Checking for ConformityThe information to be checked can include drawings, programmes ofwork, schedules, policies, procedures, specifications and so on. Theterm ‘conformity’ in this sense means:

• making sure that any part of the assembly or component is suitable for the job

• making sure that the standard of work meets the necessary performance requirements.

This may mean that there could be an industry or trade standard thatwill need to be followed. The actual job or client may also requirespecific standards.