Health & Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

9CH Ltd is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, clients, and members of the public affected by our work activities. We recognise our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related legislation.

2. Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for:

• Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation
• Conducting risk assessments for all work activities
• Providing and maintaining safe equipment and tools
• Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage
• Investigating accidents and near misses
• Reviewing and updating health and safety procedures

3. Risk Assessment

Before commencing any work, a risk assessment will be conducted to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. This includes:

• Identifying hazards associated with the task
• Assessing who might be harmed and how
• Evaluating risks and implementing control measures
• Recording findings and communicating them as necessary
• Reviewing assessments regularly and following any incidents

4. Common Hazards and Controls

Working at Height

• Use appropriate ladders and access equipment in good condition
• Ensure stable ground and secure ladder positioning
• Avoid overreaching and maintain three points of contact

Electrical Work

• Ensure electrical installations comply with BS 7671 regulations
• Use properly maintained tools and equipment
• Isolate circuits before commencing work
• Test installations before energising

Manual Handling

• Assess loads before lifting
• Use correct lifting techniques
• Use mechanical aids where appropriate
• Request assistance for heavy or awkward items

Hand and Power Tools

• Inspect tools before use
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment
• Maintain tools in good working order
• Follow manufacturer's instructions

Hazardous Substances

• Review safety data sheets before use
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• Store substances safely and securely
• Dispose of waste in accordance with regulations

5. Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate PPE will be used based on risk assessment findings, including:

• Safety footwear
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection
• Gloves
• High-visibility clothing

6. Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be recorded, including:

• Date, time, and location
• Details of what happened
• Injuries sustained (if any)
• Immediate actions taken
• Preventive measures to avoid recurrence

Reportable incidents will be notified to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) as required.

7. Fire Safety

When working on client premises:

• Identify emergency exits and assembly points
• Ensure hot work is conducted safely with appropriate precautions
• Store flammable materials safely
• Follow client fire safety procedures

8. Client Responsibilities

Clients are requested to:

• Provide information about site-specific hazards
• Ensure safe access to work areas
• Inform us of any vulnerable occupants
• Keep children and pets away from work areas

9. Insurance

9CH Ltd maintains appropriate insurance coverage, including:

• Public liability insurance (£5,000,000)

Certificates of insurance are available upon request.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant changes to working practices, legislation, or after any serious incident.

11. Contact Information

Director: Rick Keenan
Email: rick-the-handyman@proton.me
Phone: 07909 912 038
Address: 15 Gainsborough St, Sudbury, CO10 2EU