Safe working in drains and sewers
Laying and maintaining drains are hazardous operations. Approved Document H - Drainage and Waste Disposal, (2002 edition incorporating 2010 amendments) suggests that:
Appropriate safety codes should be followed including procedures for working in confined spaces. Safe working procedures and permits to work may be required in some situations. Relevant statutory requirements can be found in the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, SI 1996/1592, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994, SI 1994/3140 and the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, SI 1997/1713.
The Health and Safety Executive operates an Information Line on 08701 545500, and produces the following advisory codes and information leaflets related to earthworks, drainage and working in confined spaces which are available from HSE Books, Tel 01787 881165.
- Health and Safety in Excavation – be safe and shore, Booklet HSG 185.
- Safe Work in Confined Spaces – Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and Guidance, Booklet L101.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 contain some requirements which affect building design. The main requirements are now covered by the Building Regulations, but for further information see Workplace health, safety and welfare.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 apply to the common parts of flats and similar buildings if people such as cleaners and caretakers are employed to work in these common parts. Where the requirements of the Building Regulations that are covered by this Part do not apply to dwellings, the provisions may still be required in the situations described above in order to satisfy the Workplace Regulations.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved documents.
- Are sustainable urban drainage systems the response to our changing climate?
- Barking Riverside development landscape.
- Bund.
- Building regulations
- Catchment flood management plans.
- Culvert.
- CDM.
- Difference between drains and sewers.
- Drainage.
- Drains.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Maintenance of drainage systems to prevent flooding and water pollution.
- Manhole.
- Pipelines.
- Private sewer.
- Public sewer.
- River engineering.
- Sewer construction.
- Sewerage.
- SuDS infographic.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water consumption.
- Water engineering.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.