Date of issue: 20 March 2012
Code of Practice and Instructions to Contractors Working
for Viridor
Prepared by:
Ian Powell
Head of Safety Management
4.6.3 Revision: 2.0
Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Legal obligations .................................................................................................................................. 2
Competence ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Hazards at Viridor sites ........................................................................................................................ 3
Planning & communication ................................................................................................................... 3
Insurance ............................................................................................................................................. 4
CDM ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Before arriving on site .......................................................................................................................... 4
Arriving at and leaving site ................................................................................................................... 5
Waste disposal ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Pollution control .................................................................................................................................... 5
Protective clothing & equipment (PPE) ................................................................................................ 6
Authorisation to Work ........................................................................................................................... 6
Permit to Work ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Incidents, hazards, near misses & unsafe conditions ........................................................................... 6
Accidents, dangerous occurrences & damage ..................................................................................... 7
Behaviour ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Drugs & alcohol .................................................................................................................................... 7
Working area(s) & access .................................................................................................................... 7
Movement of vehicles........................................................................................................................... 7
Security ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Fire safety ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Smoking ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Welding and hot work ........................................................................................................................... 8
Compressed gasses & flammable materials ........................................................................................ 8
CoSHH ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Tools & equipment ............................................................................................................................... 8
Services ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Machine guards & fences ..................................................................................................................... 9
Isolation and Lock-off/Tag-off of Plant and Equipment ......................................................................... 9
Excavations ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Scaffold, ladders & work at height ...................................................................................................... 10
Lifting operations ................................................................................................................................ 10
Confined spaces ................................................................................................................................ 10
Electrical supplies & equipment ......................................................................................................... 11
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
Introduction
This Code of Practice has been produced to inform the Owners, Directors and Managers of
contracting companies providing services to Viridor and its subsidiaries of the standards and behavior
expected from their employees when working on Viridor sites.
The information should be used to brief employees on what they need to do before arriving at a
Viridor site and what to expect when they get there.
Viridor is committed to the safety of its employees and to other people who are engaged to carry out
work for Viridor or affected by its operations. The company is also committed to its environmental
responsibilities. Complying with this Code of Practice is a requirement of working for Viridor as a
contractor.
Viridor retains the right to inspect any works, equipment and tools and documentation relevant to the
works.
If in doubt ask for advice from the Contractor Manager or Safety Coordinator (see ‘Planning and
Communication’).
Legal obligations
It is the duty of the Owners, Directors and Managers of contract companies to make their employees
aware of their statutory duties. Contractors are responsible for communicating the information in this
Code of Practice to, and ensuring any contractors they engage apply the same standards.
Self-employed contractors have the same duty to work safely and comply with statutory duties and to
comply with this Code of Practice.
Contractors must ensure that all of their employees and any sub-contractor they engage comply with
this Code of Practice and the requirements of all relevant statutory Acts, Regulations and Codes of
Practice. They must conduct their activities in such a way as to ensure that the health and safety of
their employees, and any other persons is not put at unreasonable risk.
By signing in at any Viridor site you agree to comply with this Code of Practice and ensure those you
supervise, employ and engage also comply.
The objective is to operate the site safely and meet all statutory requirements of health, safety and
environmental regulations, related Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance.
Anything provided for the purpose of health and safety of Viridor employees or others must not be
interfered with.
Further copies of this code are available for distribution upon request.
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
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Competence
Each contractor must have the appropriate level of competence to carry out quality work in a safe
and compliant manner. This includes a capability to understand signs and instructions as appropriate.
Where this cannot be assured such workers must be provided, as their abilities dictate, with adequate
supervision by a person with an appropriate level of ability to communicate.
Plant operator’s certificates, competence cards or other relevant certificates must be produced –
certificates will be photocopied and filed. These should be scanned and emailed to the Contractor
Manager in good time to avoid delays.
Hazards at Viridor sites
Hazards vary from site to site and you will be made aware of relevant hazards at the planning and
inductions stages. Significant hazards may include;
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Moving plant and vehicles.
Reversing plant and vehicles
Slips and trips
Dust
Confined spaces
Explosive atmospheres
Noise
Overhead and underground services
Planning & communication
Risks can be kept to a practical minimum by adequate planning and communication. Viridor sites and
site operations vary significantly. At any one time different works involving different contractors may
be in progress or due to start. For this reason it is vitally important that adequate planning takes place
to avoid additional risk and delay.
Adequate time must be allowed for planning and communication. Viridor will nominate a ‘Contractor
Manager’ and Safety Coordinator’ for the works The Contractor Manager is the person at Viridor who
engaged the contractor and is the main contact for organising, programme and decision making. The
Safety Coordinator is the point of contact for day to day health and safety matters.
On simple projects the Contractor Manager and Safety Coordinator may be the same person. On
larger projects the role may be split.
Legislation requires arrangements for an appropriate level of communication and coordination for
health and safety. The contractor is responsible for making similar appointments and ensuring lines
of communication are maintained.
Risk assessments and method statements must be supplied with adequate time for these to be
reviewed. Late submission and inadequate documents will lead to delays in work starting.
A pre-start meeting must be held to ensure risks to health and safety and environmental / ecology
issues between the Contractor and Viridor are discussed, coordinated and effectively managed. This
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
meeting should include someone from the compliance / environment and health and safety team
where additional advice is required.
Significant changes of plan must be notified to Viridor’s Contractor Manager before they take place.
Risk assessments and safe methods of work may need revising.
Any lay-down and materials delivery areas must be set-up and arrangements for parking and bringing
vehicles on site agreed.
Insurance
Adequate insurance must be in place before work starts. Additional cover may be required depending
on the location of the work and loss potential.
CDM
This Code of Practice is not intended for contract work subject to CDM as the Principal Contractor is
responsible for health and safety of works subject to CDM. However it does set out Viridor’s
expectations of compliant working as a Client and should be referenced.
It may be necessary for contractors working in the CDM area to use entrances, routes and facilities in
common with non-CDM workers. Management of these shared areas must be discussed and
organised at the planning stage.
Areas subject to CDM will be under the control of the Principal Contractor. Whenever possible these
will be physically sectioned off. Where this is not practical, clear demarcation and signs must be
displayed.
Viridor employees should be managed as visitors or contractors when entering these areas.
Arrangements for signing in and out and emergency procedures will be defined at the planning stage
and are likely to be managed separately to Viridor requirements.
Before arriving on site
Where a Contractor uses sub-contractors, the main Contractor is responsible for health and safety
and communication to their sub-contractor(s). The main contractor must inform everyone who works
on a Viridor site of their duties under health, safety and environmental legislation which our outlined
in this Code of Practice and Viridor’s Contractor Induction video. This can be accessed at
www.viridor.co.uk . Watching this before arriving at site will save time.
Ensure that they have the skills and training necessary to deliver work to the appropriate standard.
Ensure where possible that they are briefed about the nature and scope of the works they will be
carrying out.
Ensure that they have the tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to complete the job
in a safe and efficient manner. PPE includes safety footwear, hard hat, high visibility vest or jacket.
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
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March 2012
Additional PPE may be required depending on local site rules and your risk assessment.
Inform them about Viridor’s requirements relating to the standards of behavior, site access and the
safety rules which apply on any Viridor site and which are outlined later in this Code of Practice.
Arriving at and leaving site
On arrival at any Viridor site for the first time, the contractor’s senior representative must report to the
Viridor Unit Manager or nominated person to arrange inductions.
If the Contractor Induction Video has not been watched, it will be shown before work starts. By
signing in on site each contractor is agreeing to follow the safe working rules in the video, site
induction and this Code of Practice.
A site induction covering local site rules, evacuation procedures, assembly points, hazards and
location of welfare facilities will be given.
Contractors must sign in and out every time they enter or leave the site so that they can be
accounted for during an evacuation. Where control of an area has been handed over e.g. CDM area,
subject to agreement, control of signing in and out for the works may be transferred to the main or
Principal Contractor.
At the end of the working day workplaces must be left in a safe condition. This may e.g. mean taking
down ladders or fitting anti-climb features or securing gates. Security of tools, materials and
equipment provided or used by the contractor is the responsibility of the contractor.
Waste disposal
Arrangements are to be discussed and agreed with the Contractor Manager at the planning stage.
Unless the contract provides to the contrary, salvaged equipment and materials remain the property
of Viridor.
Contractors are responsible for the regular removal of all waste materials, spoil, rubble, etc. arising
from their work activities, including any wastes produced by their own chemical or chemically based
materials irrespective of the quantity.
Toxic, harmful and flammable wastes must be disposed of in accordance with relevant statutory
requirements.
Oils, solvents, or chemicals shall not be disposed of down any drains, care must also be taken to
ensure that sand, soil, cement or other building waste is not washed down Viridor drains or sewers.
Pollution control
All cases of contamination and spillage must be reported immediately to Viridor’s Contractor Manager
or Safety Coordinator. At the same time every effort should be made to minimise further
contamination and spread.
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
Protective clothing & equipment (PPE)
Contractors are responsible for providing their own PPE which must be appropriate for the task and
where necessary be tested and in date.
The need for the use of any special protective clothing or equipment should be discussed with the
Viridor Unit Manager or Health & Safety Team.
Authorisation to Work
Before a contractor starts any works an Authorisation to Work will be issued as a record that Viridor
and the Contractor have reviewed the proposed works and relevant documentation and that any
related hazards are effectively managed.
Permit to Work
Before starting any particularly hazardous works e.g. hot work (welding, cutting) work at height,
confined spaces, excavation/breaking ground, electricity, etc. a Permit to Work may be required and
will be issued to the contractor.
Permit to Work is used to ensure work with higher risk potential is adequately planned and controlled.
The need for Permit to Work will be discussed with the Contractor Manager at the planning stage
when hazards are identified.
Contractors shall not enter any confined spaces where there are or are likely to be toxic or dangerous
fumes, or where there is a likely to be a lack of oxygen, without first taking such precautions as are
laid down in The Confined Space Regulations.
All work in confined spaces must be notified in advance to the Viridor Unit Manager or nominated
person as a Permit to Work will be required.
Incidents, hazards, near misses & unsafe conditions
We welcome all suggestions on improving health and safety on any Viridor site.
On discovering a hazard, unsafe or potentially hazardous situation contractors should try to make
safe and also report it to;
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4.6.3
Viridor’s site manager or
Contractor Manager or
Safety Coordinator or
By telephoning the Incident reporting Line on 0845 676 2080 (open 24/7/365).
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
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March 2012
Accidents, dangerous occurrences & damage
All accidents, dangerous occurrences and damage must be reported immediately as detailed in the
previous section. A thorough investigation will be carried out. Where necessary the Health & Safety
Executive will be informed.
Behaviour
Any person caught stealing, causing willful damage, bringing alcoholic drinks onto a site, engaging in
horseplay or any other activity, which could jeopardize the safety of any person, is strictly forbidden
and will not be tolerated.
Anything provided for the purpose of health and safety of Viridor employees or others must not be
interfered with.
Drugs & alcohol
Viridor operates a random and for-cause drugs and alcohol policy. All contractors are required to
comply. Any person or suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be excluded
from the site.
Working area(s) & access
Contractors should confine themselves to the designated area of work and agreed travel routes
Movement outside these areas is only permitted with permission of the Contractor Manager as
changes in working patterns and movements may increase risks to people on site or cause delays.
Movement of vehicles
Site traffic signs and speed limits are to be observed by all contractors driving vehicles and plant.
Security
Viridor reserves the right to refuse entry and examine the contents of any vehicle entering or leaving
the site.
Fire safety
Contractors will be made aware of fire procedures during induction. For your safety and the safety of
others please familiarise yourself the site fire safety and emergency arrangements taking note of the
location of fire extinguishers and fire alarm call-points in the area in which you work.
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
Smoking
Viridor operates a no smoking policy on all sites including inside vehicles. Smoking is only permitted
in designated smoking areas which will be identified during site inductions.
Welding and hot work
All hot work must be carefully controlled and agreed in the plan before staring. A Permit to Work may
be required.
Hot work includes; welding, brazing, cutting, grinding, paint burning, friction welding.
The contractor shall provide adequate screens, sheets and barriers to ensure safety from the work
e.g. arc flashes and to prevent fire risk.
Compressed gasses & flammable materials
Compressed gasses and flammable materials must be stored and used in accordance with statutory
requirements and any addition conditions specified by Viridor.
Use of gasses and flammables must be identified at the planning stage and included in risk
assessments and method statements.
Containers must be properly labeled with the name of the contents and be suitable for the particular
substance and returned to storage when not in use.
CoSHH
Substances hazardous to health used during or created by the works must be identified as part of the
planning process and the necessary CoSHH assessments carried out. Steps must be taken to
ensure that exposure of any person is kept to a minimum, and in any case below the exposure limit.
Tools & equipment
Contractors will provide tools, plant and equipment for the works. They shall be in good working order
and, where appropriate have current test certificates. They must be maintained to be safe and
suitable for the work in hand.
Using Viridor’s equipment is not permitted without written agreement of the Contractor Manager.
Where Viridor agrees to loan or hire tools, and/or equipment, they will be used by the contractors
entirely at their own risk, and any loss, damage or injury, however caused, will be the contractor's
responsibility.
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
Services
Contractors must obtain the permission from Viridor before interrupting or making use of electricity,
gas, water, data, communications or any other service.
Machine guards & fences
Guards and fences must not be removed from any plant or machinery unless agreed as part of the
agreed works. Where guards have to be removed, plant or machinery must be isolated and lockoff/tag-off implemented to prevent inadvertent start-up.
A Permit to Work must be obtained and suitable warning notices shall be displayed.
Isolation and Lock-off/Tag-off of Plant and Equipment
Effective isolation is the only practical way to eliminate the risks from hazardous energy. This can
mean simply unplugging or disconnecting. Where this is not possible lock-off/tag-off is required. The
primarily purpose of lock off / tag off is to protect people.
Hazards which lock off / tag off procedures can control include:
Electricity
Competent persons require an understanding not only of effective isolation, but also procedures such
as ‘proving dead’, earth bonding and use of using certified test equipment, etc.
Although electrical equipment should be rated for the environment in which it is used (e.g. wet
conditions), leaks and water ingress can occur which increase the risk of indirect contact with
electricity.
Machinery Hazards
The main hazard from machinery is contact with moving parts. Many machines used in waste
processing are potentially very dangerous with death or amputations a likely outcome. Many
machines are set to cycle automatically or are triggered by sensors making these machines even
more dangerous.
Maintenance and cleaning can require guards to be removed and when this is the case effective
isolation is the only way to ensure safety. Interlock switches on guards and safety stops must never
be considered as the main method for making safe, they are only a secondary system.
Compressed Gasses, Hazardous Gases, Hazardous Liquids & Liquids under Pressure
Compressors, receivers, gas, water and hydraulic systems present significant dangers from the
accidental release of pressurised air or gas, hot gas, liquids or chemicals. Effective isolation and
proof that a line or vessel is not pressurised is essential to safe working.
Releasing stored pressure, particularly where chemicals and gases are involved must be done with
extreme caution. A risk assessment should first be carried out. Hazards and risks include, but are not
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
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March 2012
limited to; confined spaces, asphyxiation, oxygen rich environments, chemical burns, fire and
explosion.
Hydraulic oil, compressed air and steam lines can be relieved of pressure by slowly opening valves to
atmosphere or carefully opening joints or connections. Particular care should be taken to divert any
exhausting pressure or substances away from people and equipment to prevent danger.
Excavations
A Permit to Work is required for any excavation deeper than 100mm.
All excavation work must be carried out in accordance with the guidance in HSE publication HSG 47
‘Avoiding danger from underground services’.
Before any excavation starts work the location of any buried services must be identified and safe
methods of digging implemented.
During excavation work the surrounding area shall be maintained in a safe condition.
Excavations must be securely fenced or covered and suitable warning notices displayed.
During hours of darkness, excavations must be marked by a sufficient number of warning lights
where necessary.
Precautions must be taken to avoid the collapse of trench walls or other excavations.
Scaffold, ladders & work at height
Falls from height can be fatal and also result in serious disabling injuries. Scaffolds, ladders and other
access equipment must be in good condition, adequate for the purpose and properly maintained.
Erection of scaffolds and scaffold towers must only be carried out under the supervision of a
competent accredited person and scaffolds must be certified and routinely inspected as required.
Work at height and requiring access equipment must be discussed at the planning stage.
A Permit to Work may be required.
Lifting operations
Viridor lifting equipment, hoists or vehicles shall not be used by contractor’s employees.
Lifting appliances, lifting gear, mobile cranes, hoists, chains, ropes, etc. will be used in accordance
with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and The Provision and Use of
Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Lifting operations must be discussed at the planning stage
as a Permit to Work may be required.
Confined spaces
See section on ‘Permit to Work’.
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Code of Practice and Instructions to
Contractors Working for Viridor
March 2012
Electrical supplies & equipment
Where there is a possibility of persons coming into contact with electrical equipment which is live or
could become live, work will not start without a Permit to Work .
Electrically powered tools and equipment must be properly protected and maintained in good safe
condition.
Trailing leads and other temporary connections must be adequate for the purpose and be insulated,
terminated, positioned and protected so as to prevent danger.
Wherever practical, electrically powered hand tools should be used. These should be battery or low
voltage (110v) type connected to transformers that are centre tapped to earth. If 240v supply must be
used, tools must be RCD protected.
All portable electrical appliances shall be tested and identified in accordance with the Electricity at
Work Regulations.
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