FAQ
Question: When does the NO SMOKING Legislation start?
Answer: On 1st July 07, England will follow Scotland and the Republic of Ireland and bring in legislation preventing smoking in enclosed public places. The Welsh Assembly also plans to introduce similar legislation on 2nd April and Northern Ireland on the 30th April 2007. Following these dates, almost all workplaces must be smoke free or employers face prosecution. Shared space has to be smoke free.
Question: What needs to be done to comply with the SMOKING BAN?
Answer: No smoking safety signs must be displayed at each public entrance in a position that is prominently visible to persons entering the premises.
Question: What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Answer: Fines of up to £1,000 for failing to display the correct signage.
Fines of up to £2,500 for failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place.
Question: Do Health and Safety laws apply to me?
Answer: Yes. They apply to all businesses, however small. The laws also apply to both self- employed and to employees.
Question: Why go to more expense buying more signs for around the workplace?
Answer: The small amount of money spent on a few signs now could save you lots of money in accident claims and possible fines in the future!
Question: Who enforces the Health and Safety law?
Answer: Inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) or your local authority.
Question: Do I need to display any posters?
Answer: YES - The Health & Safety Law poster if you employ anyone. Alternatively you can provide your employees with individual copies in the form of a leaflet.
Question: Do I need to have employers' liability compulsory insurance?
Answer: It's the law if you employ anyone. You should always display the certificate. See the free leaflet, Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969. Go to www.hsebooks.co.uk
Question: Where are the correct positions for Escape Route Signs
Answer: The Code of Practice for escape route signing states:
"1. A fire exit or exit sign with an arrow must be used where the escape route from a building is not visible or confusion could occur.
2. Changes in direction in corridors, on stairways and in open spaces that form part of an escape route should be marked with additional signs"
Question: Can you provide some useful links?
Answer: Yes. Below are some useful links to web sites and some leaflets you may find handy from the HSE.
Fire Safety Information - http://www.fireservice.co.uk/
Fire Safety Legislation - http://www.fsiuk.co.uk/fire_safety_legislation_regs.htm
Health Act 2006 - Part 1- Smoking - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/60028--b.htm#6
COSHH Essentials (COSHH Essentials provides advice on controlling the use of chemicals for a range of common tasks, eg mixing, or drying ) - http://www.coshh-essentials.org.uk/Home.asp
Health & Safety Executive - http://www.hse.gov.uk/
Seat belt Use legislation - http://www.etsc.be/enforcement-seatbeltuse-legislation.php
Minibus & Coach Seat belts (PDF)
Leaflets from The Health & Safety Executive
Health and Safety Regulation: A short guide (PDF)
Health and Safety Law: What you should know (PDF)
Directors’ responsibilities for health and safety (PDF)
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: A guide for employers (PDF)
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: A guide for employees and their representatives (PDF)
Five Steps to Risk Assessment (PDF)
Risk Assessment worksheet (PDF)
First-aid At Work: Your Questions Answered (PDF)
Basic Advice On First Aid At Work (PDF)
Electrical Safety and You (PDF)
Safety in electrical testing at work - general guidance (PDF)
Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low-risk environments (PDF)
Aching arms (or RSI) in small businesses (PDF)
RIDDOR reporting: Information about the new incident centre (PDF)
Getting to grips with manual handling (PDF)
Mark a parcel, save a back (PDF)
Manual handling assessment chart tool (MAC Tool) (PDF)
Disclaimer: Saltwell Signs Ltd have provided the ‘FAQ’ on the basis that the content and advice contained within these documents is to the best of our knowledge accurate at the time of publication. Saltwell Signs Ltd does not accept any liability for the accuracy of the information provided in the ‘FAQ'.
