Category: Health & Safety

A Permit to Work (PTW) system is a formal, written control process used to manage high‑risk, non‑routine or hazardous activities. It provides documented authorisation for specific work to proceed, confirms that hazards have been identified and controlled, and ensures that all relevant parties understand the conditions under which work may be carried out.

Example of activities that require a Permit To Work include:

• Hot work (e.g. welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, use of blow lamps)
• Confined space entry (e.g. tanks, vessels, pits, silos, sewers, manholes)
• Electrical work (e.g. work on live systems, high‑voltage equipment, temporary supplies)
• Work at height (e.g. non‑routine roof access, MEWPs, fragile surfaces)
• Breaking containment or line breaking (e.g. opening pipes, ducts, pressurised systems)
• Isolation of energy sources (e.g. electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal – LOTO)
• Maintenance, repair or modification of plant and machinery
• Excavation and groundworks (e.g. near underground services, deep or unsupported excavations)
• Hazardous substances work (e.g. bulk chemical handling, contaminated plant cleaning)
• Work in flammable, explosive or oxygen‑deficient atmospheres
• Use of explosives or high‑energy tools (where applicable)
• Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) where multiple activities interact
• Contractor work in operational or live environments
• Non‑routine lifting operations or complex lifts
• Any task where failure of controls could result in serious injury, fatality, major asset damage or environmental harm

A PTW system does not replace a Safe System of Work but instead, it aligns with and complements it. The SSOW defines how work should be done safely, while the PTW acts as a task‑specific control mechanism that confirms the SSOW is suitable and sufficient, current, and properly implemented for the particular activity, time, and location. PTWs introduce an additional layer of planning, communication, and verification where the consequences of failure are potentially severe.

An effective PTW system typically includes:

• Clear identification of the work scope, location, and duration
• Formal hazard identification and Safe Systems Of Work
• Verification of isolations, energy control, and environmental conditions
• Defined roles and responsibilities, including competent authorisation
• Communication and coordination with other activities or contractors
• A structured handover, suspension, and close‑out process
• Periodic monitoring and review to ensure controls remain effective

Failure to control relevant activities through a PTW system can result in:

• Uncontrolled exposure to high‑risk hazards (e.g. work at height, energy, confined spaces, fire)
• Poor communication and conflicting activities
• Breakdown of isolation and control measures
• Increased likelihood of serious injury, fatality, asset damage, or environmental harm
• Non‑compliance with legal and industry standards, leading to enforcement action

In summary, a PTW system is a critical risk management tool that strengthens Safe Systems Of Work by ensuring high‑risk activities are carefully planned, authorised, communicated, and controlled.

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were used extensively across the UK until the late 20th century for fire protection, insulation, and durability until their prohibition in 1999. ACMs remain common in the built environment including homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings, industrial premises, and plant rooms, and any building constructed before 2000 should be presumed to contain asbestos unless strong evidence confirms otherwise.

Asbestos fibres can become airborne when materials are damaged or disturbed. Inhalation of these fibres can cause severe and often fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These illnesses have long latency periods, and current HSE statistics show over 5,000 asbestos-related deaths occur annually in the UK alone. Tradespeople and contractors who unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are especially at risk.

The three most commonly used types in the UK were:

• Crocidolite (blue)
• Amosite (brown)
• Chrysotile (white)

ACMs vary in risk depending on friability (The ease with which fibres can be released). Higher‑risk ACMs (friable) include:

• Sprayed coatings
• Pipe thermal insulation
• Asbestos insulation board (AIB)

Lower‑risk ACMs (bonded) include:

• Asbestos cement sheets and pipes
• Thermoplastic floor tiles
• Bitumen products
• Textured coatings (e.g., Artex)
• Reinforced plastics such as toilet cisterns

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of materials and building components, including:

• Roofing sheets, soffits, and rainwater goods
• Ceiling tiles, partition walls, and AIB panels
• Thermal insulation around pipes and boilers
• Floor tiles, adhesives, and bituminous layers
• Textured decorative coatings
• Plant rooms, risers, ceiling voids, ducts, underfloor voids

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 is the principal UK regulation governing asbestos in the workplace. It sets minimum standards for protecting employees and others from asbestos exposure and places specific duties on employers, building owners, and those responsible for maintenance. Key requirements include:

• Reg. 4 – Duty to Manage: Identify ACMs, assess their condition, maintain an up‑to‑date asbestos register, and implement a written Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)
• Reg. 5–6: Identify asbestos before work starts and conduct suitable risk assessments
• Reg. 7–9: Prepare plans of work, follow licensing requirements, and notify certain types of work
• Reg. 10: Provide appropriate training for all who may disturb asbestos
• Reg. 11 & 16: Prevent or reduce exposure and prevent the spread of asbestos
• Reg. 19–22: Air monitoring, medical surveillance, and health record keeping

Surveys are essential to identifying ACMs and determining how to manage them. Two survey types are recommended:

• Management Survey (Non‑intrusive): Used to support safe day‑to‑day occupation of a building. Identifies ACMs that may be disturbed during normal use and routine maintenance. Produces the asbestos register, a core component of the AMP
• Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Survey (Fully intrusive and destructive): Required before any refurbishment or demolition work. Ensures ACMs are identified so they can be removed or controlled before work begins

Where asbestos is present or presumed to be present, the duty holder must prepare a written Asbestos Management Plan (AMP). The AMP is a live, ongoing document that describes how asbestos risks will be controlled throughout the building’s lifecycle. It must be reviewed at least annually or after significant changes.

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Suicide is a rare outcome, but thoughts of suicide, suicidal behaviours, and exposure to suicide are common experiences in workplaces, meaning almost every organisation will encounter them at some point. A lack of understanding, stigma, and fear of “saying the wrong thing” often prevents early conversations and leaves individuals feeling isolated. Creating an environment where people feel safe to speak openly about distress should be a critical organisational priority.

In the UK, the issue is increasingly recognised as a workplace health, safety and wellbeing priority. In 2023, 7,055 people died by suicide; around 19 people every day, and work‑related factors are estimated to contribute to approximately 10% of total suicides. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes that work‑related stress, bullying, discrimination, insecurity, and organisational change can all heighten risk, while most suicides are preventable through timely, compassionate intervention.

Modern guidance reinforces the need for a structured, proactive, and compassionate approach to prevention, intervention and postvention. The newly published BS 30480:2025 – Suicide and the Workplace provides the UK’s first national standard for managing suicide risk at work. It offers a practical framework for recognising warning signs, having direct conversations about suicide, reducing access to means, implementing Individual Safety Plans, supporting affected workers, and embedding psychologically safe cultures.

KGS Ltd have created a policy, guidance and Individual Safety Plan aligned closely with this national guidance by emphasising:

• Early recognition of risk factors and warning signs
• Direct, non‑judgemental conversations about suicide
• Clear escalation routes and crisis procedures
• Collaborative Individual Safety Plans to maintain safety during distress
• Supportive, stigma‑free cultures, including postvention support for those affected

Together, these approaches highlight that suicide prevention is not just a clinical issue, but a workplace culture, leadership, and risk‑management issue. By embedding supportive systems, training managers, and ensuring clear pathways to help, organisations can significantly reduce risk and protect the wellbeing of their workforce

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

The use of Lithium-ion batteries has significantly increased over recent years, being used to power handheld power tools, laptops, mobile phones, electric vehicles, and for energy storage.

Despite the many benefits, there is a significant risk of fire from this technology, with close to 5,000 fires recorded in the UK over the past 4 years, with incidents growing rapidly. These are having significant impact to organisations and fire and rescue services that are having to adapt to the new and growing technology.

One method of adaption, is the introduction of class L firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers designed specifically for Lithium-ion battery fires. Introduced in the 2026 revision of BS ISO 3941:2026, this new equipment will help fire and rescue services and organisations respond more effectively to these fires. However, care still needs to be taken due to the nature and characteristics of Lithium-ion fires.

WHAT IS A LITHIUM-ION FIRE?

A Lithium-ion fire is an intense, rapidly developing fire caused by the failure of a Lithium-ion battery. When a Lithium-ion battery experiences mechanical damage (puncture, crushing, dropping), faults, overcharging or using the wrong charger, manufacturing defects, exposure to heat or direct sunlight, internal short circuits, or poor battery management systems (BMS), it can result in a chemical reaction called thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is where the battery overheats, internal temperatures rise uncontrollably, chemicals within the battery cells breakdown releasing flammable gases which then ignite along with the flammable electrolytes. Once thermal runaway begins, it is difficult to stop, and neighbouring cells can ignite in a chain reaction, and materials of the battery casing and surrounding area provide extra fuel.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A LITHIUM-ION FIRE?

Lithium-ion fires have significant characteristics that need to be understood so suitable and sufficient firefighting measures can be identified and implemented. Lithium-ion fires have extremely high temperatures, exceeding 1,000°C within seconds, together with intense jet‑like flames that are emitted from the cell vents, Additionally, fires may reignite even after being “extinguished”.

HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FIRES?

Lithium-ion fires differ from other fires in a number of unique ways, particularly in how they start, how they burn, and what is required to stop them. Whereas typical fires (Class A, B, C, etc.) are caused by external ignition sources such as sparks, flames, heat, or electrical faults, Lithium-ion fires can start without an external ignition source as a result of an uncontrolled chemical reaction. Lithium-ion fire also produce their own oxygen during the reaction, helping sustain the combustion.

There are a number of early indicators that a battery is at risk of igniting so prompt action could be taken. Signs include swelling or bulging of the battery casing, abnormal heat, hissing, popping, or cracking sounds, a sweet, solvent‑like smell, and white or grey smoke before ignition.

WHAT TYPE OF FIREFIGHTING PROVISION IS AVAILABLE?

There are a number of active firefighting provisions available to distinguish Lithium-ion fires. These include fixed suppression and water-mist systems, and portable fire extinguishers, which aim to rapidly cool the battery, and neutralise the chemical reaction.

Class L firefighting provision will contain additives F-500 EA or vermiculite to tackle the unique characteristics of a Lithium-ion fire. F-500 is an encapsulater additive that has been proven to provide rapid, deep cooling, encapsulate flammable electrolytes and gases, reduce explosive vapours and toxic emissions, and interrupt thermal runaway. Vermiculite will create a non‑flammable Oxygen Barrier, provide rapid cooling, and create a thermal and physical insulating layer. Both products are non-conductive and address the unique characteristics of a Lithium-ion fire.

Fixed suppression and water-mist systems are recommended by specialist fire‑safety professionals as one of the most effective methods, because they can cover a large area, and cool the battery safely and rapidly whilst also neutralising the chemical reaction. However, these systems are expensive to install and maintain and would not be suitable for small batteries and installations.

WHAT ABOUT PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS?

Portable fire extinguishers are designed to provide immediate fire response against small fires, and for life safety including keeping evacuation routes clear of fire, smoke, and heat for the evacuation of occupants.

Conventional fire extinguishers may work on Lithium-ion fires. Class A, B, & D extinguishers could all work on Lithium-ion fires and surrounding areas where applicable and safe. However, it is not advised to use Class C extinguishers, as Lithium-ion fires produce oxygen during the chemical reaction, rendering CO2 extinguishers ineffective, and CO2 and wet chemical extinguishers will aid in the cooling of the battery, but do not stop the thermal runaway.

Class L fire extinguishers also contain additives F-500 EA or vermiculite to tackle the unique characteristics of a Lithium-ion fire. Class L extinguishers are currently the most effective purpose‑designed portable extinguishers for Lithium-ion battery fires because they are engineered specifically to address thermal runaway, rapid heat release, flammable gas venting, and re‑ignition risks; behaviours that traditional Class A, B, C & D extinguishers cannot control.

WHAT SIZE LITHIUM-ION FIRE WOULD CLASS L EXTINGUISHERS BE EFFECTIVE?

Due to the characteristics of Lithium-ion fires, and in most workplace, there are likely multiple batteries present, portable fire extinguishers found in most workplaces would still have limited effect, especially on larger systems. For e.g. – 1, 6-9 litre class L fire extinguisher would be needed to extinguish a power tool battery or a laptop battery. 2, 6-9 litre class L fire extinguishers would be needed to extinguish an e-scooter battery. Both are small scale and temporary solutions until the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) arrive.

Portable extinguishers alone are not suitable for Electrical Vehicle (EV) and larger installations (Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)) fires but would be suitable for initial suppression and protecting people and escape routes. For EVs and larger installations (Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)), a full suppression or water mist system would be required for the long‑duration water cooling and neutralising of larger chemical reactions until the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) arrive.

SHOULD YOU ADD CLASS L FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO YOUR WORKPLACE?

Class L firefighting provision should be considered whenever Lithium-ion battery risks exist that cannot be adequately controlled through existing fire safety measures. To determine your risks and needs, a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment should be undertaken by a competent Fire Risk Assessor and regularly reviewed.

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Formally authorising forklift truck (FLT) operators is a key element of safe workplace management. After an operator has received appropriate training and been assessed as competent, the organisation should issue a written authorisation confirming the specific equipment the individual is permitted to use, any operational limitations, and the areas in which they may operate.

Benefits of Formal Authorisation include:

• Ensures Competence: Confirms that only trained, assessed, and capable individuals operate FLTs, reducing the risk of incidents caused by inexperienced use
• Strengthens Legal Compliance: Supports compliance with recognised guidance and legislative expectations for managing workplace transport and controlling risks
• Improves Accountability: Provides a clear record of who is permitted to operate which machines, helping supervisors manage safe operations
• Enhances Safety Culture: Reinforces the message that FLT operation is a safety‑critical activity requiring validation, not informal assumption of skill
• Reduces Operational Risk: Prevents unauthorised or improper use of equipment, lowering the likelihood of collisions, damage, or near‑misses
• Supports Monitoring and Review: Helps ensure refresher training, medical fitness reviews, and competence reassessments are completed on time

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

A PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) and a GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan) are both key elements of fire safety planning.

A PEEP is a tailored evacuation plan for an individual who cannot safely evacuate during an emergency without support—due to mobility impairments, sensory disability, cognitive conditions, or temporary circumstances (e.g., injury or pregnancy).

A GEEP is an evacuation plan covering all occupants, including visitors and those with impairments.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Equality Act 2010, responsible persons (employers, landlords, building managers) must make reasonable adjustments to provide safe evacuation for all occupants. Recent legislation, such as the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, also mandates PEEPs for residents in high‑rise or at‑risk residential buildings.

Any PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) or GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan) should be completed in consultation with any stakeholders, the organisations fire strategy and risk assessment, and premises-wide fire evacuation procedures to ensure it is proportionate and aligned.

Any PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) or GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan) should be communicated, tested, and reviewed regularly as part of the overall training, testing and review schedule to ensure it is implemented successfully and effective. 

 Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn 

Many employees are exposed to a variety of substances at work (e.g. liquids, gases, aerosols, fumes, dusts, fibres) which can, under some circumstances, have a harmful effect on their health. These are called hazardous substances and if exposure to a hazardous substance is not properly controlled it may cause ill health in several ways. Substance may cause harm by:

•            Too much being taken into the body through breathing

•            Acting directly on the body at the point of contact, (e.g. the skin)

•            Being absorbed through the skin

•            Being swallowed

Some illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace (occupational diseases) may not appear until a long time after the first exposure. Therefore, it is important to know in advance how to protect the health of people working with hazardous substances and also of other people who may be affected by the work being carried out.

Exposure monitoring means using suitable techniques to assess the extent of employees’ exposure to substances hazardous to health via all routes (inhalation, ingestion and/or skin). The information gathered during exposure monitoring can help an employer assess whether the control of employees’ exposure is adequate.

You also need to be aware that substances hazardous to health can enter the body. This means that in some situations you may also need to measure and monitor the total amount of a substance that has entered an employee’s body.

If the organisation store, handle, use and transport substances, a COSHH risk assessment should be undertaken to determine the hazards and level of risk present to employees, and the required control measures to ensure exposure is reduced ‘so far as reasonably practicable’. In most cases, exposure monitoring should be part of the overall control strategy identified during the risk assessment process.

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn 

Behavioural safety is a proactive approach to health and safety that focuses on the human element of the workplace. Its primary goal is to prevent incidents by identifying and encouraging safe behaviours while discouraging unsafe ones.

While traditional health and safety strategies are essential, they often focus on engineering controls (e.g., machine guards), systems (e.g., permits-to-work), and compliance with regulations.

Behavioural safety does not replace traditional H&S but adds a crucial layer that addresses why people act the way they do and how to proactively and positively influence their safety-related choices.

The behavioural safety approach is founded on the following principles:

• Shared Responsibility: Safety is everyone’s responsibility, from senior management to every individual
• Proactive Focus: We focus on preventing incidents by understanding and influencing behaviours before things go wrong
• Observation and Feedback: Regular, constructive observation of work practices and the provision of timely, specific feedback are essential
• Positive Reinforcement: We will recognise and reinforce safe behaviours to encourage their repetition
• Learning Culture: We learn from both successes and failures, using insights from behavioural observations and incident investigations to improve
• Engagement and Empowerment: We will involve our workforce in identifying risks, developing solutions, and promoting safe practices
• Fair and Just Culture: We will distinguish between human error, at-risk behaviours, and reckless violations, ensuring a fair and consistent approach to managing safety performance

Implementing a behavioural safety approach could provide significant benefits, including:

• Fewer Incidents: This is the primary goal and benefit. By addressing unsafe behaviours before they lead to an incident
• Increased Safety Awareness: Employees become more mindful of their own actions and the safety of their others
• Empowerment: It gives employees a direct voice and a tangible role in shaping their own safety, leading to a greater sense of ownership
• Improved Well-being: A safer workplace directly reduces physical harm, stress, and anxiety associated with workplace risks
• Stronger Safety Culture: It moves the company from a “rules-based” culture to a “values-based” one, where safety is genuinely part of everyone’s job
• Reduced Costs: Fewer incidents mean lower costs associated with investigations, recovery, medical treatment, compensation claims, equipment damage, and operational downtime
• Improved Morale and Engagement: When employees feel their company genuinely cares for their well-being and involves them in solutions, morale, job satisfaction, and productivity tend to increase
• Improved Compliance: A proactive focus on safety often leads to improved and more consistent compliance with H&S regulations

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn 

The Building Safety Act 2022 is a major new law created to make buildings, especially tall residential buildings, much safer. It was introduced directly because of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. That fire highlighted serious failures in the old system, where it was often unclear who was responsible for safety. The Act’s main goal is to fix these problems by improving the standards of design and construction, making people accountable, and giving residents a stronger voice.

The Act names specific people or organisations called “duty holders” and gives them clear legal responsibility for safety at different stages of a building’s life. These roles include the Client (who orders the work), the Principal Designer (who manages design safety), the Principal Contractor (who manages safety during construction), and anyone else, including contractors who undertakes work on a building during its life. Once the building is occupied, an Accountable Person (often the owner or landlord) becomes responsible for managing ongoing fire and structural safety risks, ensuring the building remains safe for residents.

Competence is a core part of the Act, meaning people and companies must have the right skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to do their jobs safely. It’s no longer enough to just claim you are qualified. You must be able to demonstrate this competence (perhaps with qualifications or formal checks) and maintain it by keeping up-to-date with training and new safety standards. This ensures that everyone working on a building, from the architect to the final building manager, is capable of making it safe.

The “golden thread” is the name for a complete and accurate digital record of a building’s information. It starts when the building is first designed, is updated all the way through construction, and is kept for the entire time the building is used. This “thread” contains all the crucial details about how the building was built, what materials were used, and how it should be kept safe. It ensures that the right people have the right information at the right time to manage the building safely, both for day-to-day life and in an emergency.

In addition to compliance with the new BSA 2022, these procedures could have far reaching benefits to the health and safety of your employees, compliance with other legislation, and the health and safety culture of the organisation as a whole.

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn