Dust frustrations

[Penfold]

Hi all

We have major works on site all summer when pupils are away this includes stonemasons on site replacing stone on some of the buildings and carving intricate designs.

A couple of weeks ago I went into the yard they are using to cut the stone and found white dust everywhere. I found the contractors and explained to them what's acceptable and how they should be controlling the dusts than just relying on RPE. They gave every excuse possible about dust extraction limits their view, wet cutting clogs the saw etc. I put it all in writing and sent to their bosses with our expectations of safety management when they work for us.

On Friday I saw huge plume of white dust when leaving office so went to stop them working and their boss turns up. Went through everything again about their safety, their contract to work safe when on site etc. It was the last cut they had to do over the summer (until next year) so I made them clear up. I called their boss into office to discuss and quick google search found multiple options they could use to protect themselves and others from dust and the boss was amazed it was all out there. It amazes me as they are a large contractor working with prestigious sites across the country and he didn't have a clue about enclosures with LEV installed that can be moved across site for a minimal cost on top of contract.

They have now ben told they cant work for us again unless they have these controls in place (and make sure they charge us for the additional controls in the contract) but it makes you think what the staff have been exposed to over the last 20+ years they have worked for the company. They are brilliant at the work they produce but at what costs to their staff???

[Messy]

This is not my area of expertise but don't you get to see a copy of the RAMS before they start work?

This would allow you to intervene before having to confront angry/scary geezers on site !!!!!

[Penfold]

Hi Messy

Yes all reviewed and we were happy with the RAMS, but sometimes different in reality when the work starts. Its a good reminder to check the work meets the paperwork that office send through.

Penfold