Gas Testing - Underground Structures
‘Everytime I enter an underground structure do I need to do a gas test?’ Does any engineer have any doubts about the answer to this question? If so please ring the Branch office immediately!
The answer is YES. But it may also be required in Operational Buildings and Confined Spaces. A colleague in Scotland has recently been dismissed over something as simple and as basic as this. But the consequences are enormous! Apart from the potential for loss of your job we are looking at BT losing its licence to enter underground network, loss of life to workers and members of the public with the knock on consequences to families and relatives.
Ensure your gas tester is serviceable and ready for use whenever you need it, and especially when entering underground plant.
Please consult ISIS SFY/HSH/D050 the safety handbook for an update.
Safety Belt No11
The use of this belt is mandatory – the old belt can no longer be used – just to be clear. The belt must be used as a whole we can’t pick and mix. The Harness + Work Positioning Belt + Lanyard. Unfortunately, an engineer was caught up a pole using the Safety helmet without a chinstrap and minus his lanyard. The penalty was quite severe 18 months suspended dismissal! That means any further infringements could result in instant dismissal. That’s a lot of pressure to be working under for that length of time.
If you feel you have a choice then choose safety - the proper agreed procedure – that’s got to be better than the alternatives.