Transport for London

London Underground

Distance learning information

Access, Health, Safety and Environment

Version 7 - May 2013

MAYOR OF LONDON

Distance learning information

Aim of this learning

The aim of this learning is to provide you with the necessary Access, Health, Safety and Environmental (AHS&E) information to enable you to access and work on London Underground (LU) infrastructure safely.

Objectives of this learning

The objectives of this learning is to enable you to: state your actions when preparing for work list the different site locations you may be asked to work in outline the different topics you will need to consider when getting to work state what you need to consider when preparing yourself for work state your actions when working on site describe your actions when finishing work.

Assessment
You will be assessed on the underpinning knowledge and understanding you have gained by reading this distance learning information. The assessment is computer based and consists of multiple-choice questions which require you to input the correct answers. In order to achieve the required standard in the assessment you must answer at least 14 questions correctly out of 16. The time allowed for the assessment will be 20 minutes.

Achievement
Once you have achived the required standard you will be issued with a LUCAS smartcard with your AHS&E achievement electronically entered on to it.

Distance learning information

Using your LUCAS smartcard

Your LUCAS smartcard: only enables you to access and work on LU infrastructure when authorised to do so must be shown on demand must not be used for travel at anytime (a valid ticket is always required) does not authorise any work can only be used by you and nobody else remains the property of LU must always be in date. If your LUCAS smartcard is misused it could be withdrawn and suspended.

Support
If you require any support you should email LUCAS@tube.tfl.gov.uk where your question or query will be answered within 24 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays).

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Preparing yourself for work

LU rules
LU has several rules and procedures in place for your health and safety. The rules for working at the interface of the operational railway are contained in the LU Rule Books 1 to 22; the rules are mandatory and must be complied with at all times.

Certification
When working on LU infrastructure you must have the correct certification for the activity you will be carrying out, for example to work on the track in daylight hours with trains moving under protection, you would need to have a track certificate endorsed track accustomed or basic track awareness. There may be several other certification/licence/qualification requirements that you need to work on LU infrastructure, for example: First aid Manual handling Small plant Power tools Welding. You may also need documentation that is relevant for your certificate to be valid, for example type training for a piece of equipment that you may use. Any certification and associated licences/qualifications should be carried with you at all times when working on LU infrastructure.

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Preparing yourself for work

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Approved high visibility clothing must be worn at all times when working on LU infrastructure. PPE can consist of some or all of the following: High visibility clothing Hard hat Protective footwear Gloves Ear defenders Protective glasses (A mandatory requirement for working on some construction sites) Dust mask. This is not an exhaustive list as there may be other items of PPE required for the task being carried out. These will be detailed in the method statement for the job. Your PPE must be in good condition. If it is not, it must be replaced by your employer at no additional cost to yourself.

Drugs and alcohol

To guarantee starting work with a zero blood alcohol level, not more than 7 units should be consumed in the 24 hours before reporting for duty, and no units should be consumed in the 8 hours immediately before duty. A unit of alcohol is (as a general guide only): half a pint of general strength lager, a single measure of spirits or one glass of wine. Some beers and spirits may be stronger. If you are taking any medication you must always report it to your manager or site person in charge before starting work. It is an offence to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst accessing or working on LU infrastructure. You will not be allowed to sign in or work if you are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Misuse of drugs and alcohol is a disciplinary matter that may lead to prosecution.

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Site locations
Signing in at LU premises
You must always sign in when entering LU premises, this is: to allow you entry on to LU infrastructure so that you can be located in the event of an evacuation. When signing in you must ensure you: sign the visitors book and/or the evacuation register obtain a visitors pass or sticker (which must be worn at all times) are aware of where the Staff Assembly Point (SAP) is located, and the emergency procedures for that location.

Example of a staff assembly point indicator If you have to access a station that is unstaffed or closed you will have to make the necessary arrangements to get signed in, and collect any keys for the relevant location. If you are working in a depot you must sign in at the gatehouse, and report to the duty depot managers office.

Roles and responsibilities

When working on LU infrastructure you may come in to contact with: A station supervisor. A station supervisor is responsible for: -- running a station safely and efficiently -- signing people in and out of a station -- evacuating people from the station in the event of a fire or other emergency. A site person in charge. A site person in charge is accountable for: -- ensuring there is a safe system of work -- the work in progress and the programme of work -- the discipline of the workgroup -- briefing the workgroup -- signing in and out with the station supervisor, and signing a group of ten or more in and out of a station
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Site locations

-- checking certification of the workgroup -- plant and materials -- general health and safety -- liaising with the station supervisor, depot duty manager, protection master when trains are running or the person protecting workers on the track when trains are not running. A site person in charge is usually identified by a white armband with orange lettering worn on the left arm above the elbow.

Example of a site person in charge armband A protection master who is responsible for your protection if you are working on the track under protection. A protection master is responsible for providing protection when a workgroup is working on or about the track or in a depot when traction current is on and trains are running. A protection master is usually identified by a blue armband with green lettering worn on the right arm above the elbow.

Example of a protection master armband A person protecting workers on the track. A person protecting workers on the track is responsible for safely managing worksites and providing protection on LU infrastructure when traction current has been switched off and trains are not running. A person protecting workers on the track is usually identified by a claret armband with blue lettering worn on the right arm above the elbow.

Example of an armband worn by the person protecting workers on the track A duty depot manager. A duty depot manager is responsible for running a depot safely and efficiently on a shift to shift basis. There may be other people that you could come into contact with depending on what activity or task you are carrying out.

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Reporting incidents and near misses

A near miss is a type of incident which could have caused harm, loss or damage, but did not on this occasion. A near miss or incident should be reported as soon as possible through the appropriate incident reporting process. Reporting procedures help in the identification of problems, and their future eradication in the workplace.

Serious and imminent danger

If you believe that you or others are in serious or imminent danger, you must stop work and report the matter to your site person in charge or manager. You should not resume work until action has been taken to address the serious or imminent danger.

Confidential Incident Reporting Analysis System (CIRAS)

The CIRAS system is a reporting system which gives you the option to report a safety issue if you are unable to report it in the normal way. This system: is strictly confidential, and is independent of LU ensures that a response to the issue is provided. CIRAS can be contacted on 08004101101 (Text 07507285887).

Work locations
You may be asked to work in any of the following areas depending on what the task is, or the activity you will be carrying out:
Stations You can work at a station providing the proposed work has been approved, and does not cause inconvenience or risk to customers. You can work on a platform providing you are not working within two metres of the platform edge when trains are running without protection provided by a person competent to do so.

Platforms

Example of station grounds

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Site locations

Track

You can work on the track providing you are correctly certificated to do so, and if required protection is in place. When working on the track you should only walk on the ballast. Remember It is dangerous to walk on the sleepers, running rails or positive and negative traction current rails.

Example of track components Depots You can work at a depot providing you have the correct certification, and are competent to do so.

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Getting to work
Arriving at site
For your own safety when arriving at a site you should: park in well lit areas take care when passing social premises and gatherings, as you may become a target if people are intoxicated travel in groups if possible ensure you take the necessary precautions when working alone.

Parking
When parking a vehicle you must have consideration for neighbouring properties, and: park in a responsible manner use authorised parking spaces where appropriate switch off the engine when possible.

Loading and unloading

When loading and unloading a vehicle you should: observe rules on manual handling only use designated routes to unload tools and equipment keep any noise to a minimum.

Using a lift, escalator or moving walkway

If you have to use a lift, escalator or moving walkway to move tools and equipment, you should take care not to cause injury to yourself or others. In order to use a lift, escalator or moving walkway to move tools or equipment you must have a valid movement of materials licence for the lift, escalator or moving walkway listing the tools and equipment to be moved. There must also be a certificated operator in attendance. Remember! You should report any damage to the lift, escalator or moving walkway to your site person in charge.

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Preparing for work

Preparing for work

Method statement and risk assessment
Your site person in charge will have a method statement to describe how the job will be completed, and they will also have a risk assessment that will identify any hazards that can affect your health and safety, and the environment. All work requires a method statement and risk assessment to be in place. You will be briefed by the site person in charge before the work starts on what you are going to be doing, and how to keep yourself safe. Remember! If you do not receive the briefing from your site person in charge, or you do not understand it, speak to your site person in charge.

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Working on site

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Working on site
Worksite hazards and risks
Before starting work, check with your site person in charge that there are no known risks or hazards that may affect you or your work, e.g: buried services (cables, pipes etc).

Restricted items
There are some items that can contribute to accidents and incidents on LU infrastructure, therefore the following items have been restricted: radios, personal audio devices, mobile phones with earpieces consumption of food and drink in non designated areas the use of metal ladders near live track (including towers).

Confined spaces
Confined spaces are spaces that are enclosed, for example: a chamber a pit a tank a platform invert. There are additional risks for working in a confined space. Arrangements for your safety will be put in place by the site person in charge.

Electricity
You cannot work on any electrical equipment on LU infrastructure unless you are competent to do so.

Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis (also known as Weils disease) is a bacterial infection which is transmitted by infected animals, most commonly from the urine of rats. You can get infected by Leptospirosis through indirect contact e.g. from sewage or water infected with rats urine (water in tunnels) or from direct contact e.g. from a rat bite or direct exposure to rats urine in tunnels, inverts or cable ducts. Infection can be avoided by: covering exposed cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing using suitable PPE removing dirty work clothing before eating washing your hands and forearms with soap and water as soon as possible.
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Working at height
There are additional risks for working at height safely. Arrangements for working at height will be put in place by your site person in charge.

Dust and dust control

There may be dust in tunnels or from the use of tools and equipment, that can irritate the nose, throat, lungs and eyes. Your site person in charge will explain how you can minimise dust.

Slips and trips

Working on LU infrastructure can be hazardous, so you should take care to avoid anything that could cause you to slip or trip. You can avoid slips and trips by: following good housekeeping guidelines keeping the worksite tidy pay attention to what you are doing not cutting corners when it comes to safety not being distracted from the task at hand not leaving tools or equipment lying around Walking on the ballast when on the track. Remember! 50% of slips and trips are caused by poor housekeeping.

Track and station equipment

Care should be considered at all times when you come into contact with any track or station equipment on LU infrastructure. For example: Cables Signalling equipment Aerials Antennas Cameras. If you damage any or see any damaged track or station equipment, you should tell your site person in charge immediately.

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Noise at work
Exposure to excessive noise would have been identified in the method statement and risk assessment. Your site person in charge will ensure the necessary controls are put in place.

Needle-stick injuries
On occasions drug users leave hypodermic syringes lying around LU infrastructure. This can be a danger to you and anyone working with you. If you see any hypodermic syringes you should: not touch them as you could become contaminated (e.g. HIV/hepatitis) report them to the site person in charge to ensure they are removed safely Remember! Hypodermic syringes can also be left in spaces that you cannot see into.

Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral found in rock. Due its strong and flexible nature it has been used as a building material for over 150 years. You cannot always tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. Often asbestos is masked by other materials or is dyed, which disguises its true colour. Remember! Products that contain asbestos can look identical to those that do not. The law Asbestos is banned from use within the United Kingdom; this also includes second hand use of asbestos products, such as asbestos cement sheets. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires those who manage non-domestic premises to protect persons from the risk of ill health and exposure to asbestos. Their duty is to: Take reasonable steps to find out if there are materials that contain asbestos, and if so the amount, where it is and what condition it is in Assess the risk of anyone being exposed to asbestos fibres from the material identified Prepare a plan that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed Implement that plan Periodically review and monitor the plan to ensure it is always up to date. Provide information on the location and condition of the material to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb it.

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Effects to your health Generally, materials in good condition that contain asbestos are safe. They become dangerous when they are damaged or have deteriorated. When asbestos is broken down it releases tiny fibres into the air. These fibres, when breathed in over a period of time can get deep into your lungs. If the fibres get lodged in your lungs they cannot be broken down by your bodys natural defences or coughed out, this can then lead to asbestos related diseases such as lung cancer or asbestosis. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they can often take a long time to develop. Smokers are at greater risk of contracting an asbestos related disease than non-smokers. Asbestos on LU infrastructure It is known that various materials used on LU infrastructure contain asbestos, for example: Sheathing for cables and washers Insulation Pit blocks Tunnel ring caulking Cable troughing Corrugated sheeting Rope gaskets.

Cable sheathing and washers

Pit block

Corrugated sheeting

Rope gasket

Insulation

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Surveys are undertaken at: stations depots rented properties other locations (for example the track). These surveys are used to produce risk assessments and set priorities for the appropriate managers. Your responsibilities Asbestos products can look similar to asbestos-free materials and can sometimes only be identified under a microscope, so you should always seek assistance before moving any materials that you think may contain asbestos. When you arrive at site you will be given a briefing. It is your responsibility to understand the briefing, if you do not understand anything you must speak to the site person in charge. It is your legal duty to cooperate with the duty holder in managing the asbestos. This means you must comply with any instructions regarding asbestos given at the briefings you receive on site. You must avoid disturbing or attempting to remove known materials that contain asbestos at all times. If you uncover or discover anything that may contain asbestos you must stop any work which may disturb it, and report it to your site person in charge or local manager. You must not return to an area that contains asbestos until you are told it is safe to do so by the site person in charge. Always ask your site person in charge if the building you are working in has been checked for asbestos. It is your right to be protected from asbestos at all times. Any asbestos removal work will only be carried out by a licensed contractor. Accidental disturbance of asbestos If you accidentally disturb asbestos you must: Stop work immediately and vacate the area If possible isolate the area to prevent exposure, for example close any doors Notify the site person in charge, local manager or station supervisor Ensure that the accidental disturbance is reported through the appropriate incident reporting process.

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Triangle of fire
For a fire to start, the three elements of a fire have to come together at the same time, this is known as the triangle of fire. The three elements of the triangle of fire are: Fuel Heat Oxygen. If any one of the three elements is removed the fire will go out. Each of the elements can be removed by: Cooling to remove the heat Smothering to remove the oxygen Starving to remove the fuel.

A diagram of the triangle of fire

Fire prevention
Fire prevention is achieved by actions that break any of the potential links between the three elements of the triangle of fire. To help avoid a fire you should: keep fire doors closed tidy away any rubbish not overload electrical circuits keep flammable liquids in sealed metal containers switch off electrical equipment when not in use maintain electrical equipment.

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Discovering a fire
If you discover or cause a fire on LU infrastructure you should: raise the alarm by using a fire call point, and ensure that you inform others around you go to the Staff Assembly Point (SAP) when the evacuation alert sounds. If you are working on a station the station supervisor will evacuate the station and call the Fire Brigade.

Emergency evacuation
If the evacuation alarm sounds whilst you are in the workplace you should: immediately follow the instructions given to you at the safety briefing evacuate ensuring others are evacuating with you always walk and do not run not delay to collect your belongings not use any lifts close doors and windows behind you, if possible go to the Staff Assembly Point. Remember! You cannot re-enter the workplace until you are told to do so by an authorised person (e.g. the Fire Brigade).

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Fire extinguishers
There are three types of portable fire extinguisher that can be found on LU premises: Water AFFF spray CO2. The colour coding on a fire extinguisher is: Black CO2 Cream AFFF spray Red Water. If you discover that a fire extinguisher is defective or has been used, you must report it to the station supervisor if on a station, the duty depot manager if in a depot or your site person in charge.

Types of fire extinguisher

Tackling a fire
You should not attempt to tackle a fire, it should be left to trained personnel, for example the Fire Brigade.

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Unattended items (suspect packages)

If unattended items are left on LU infrastructure they could be treated as a suspect package. If you find an unattended item you should: report it to station staff, depot staff or the site person in charge immediately not touch or move it not use a radio or mobile phone in the area.

British Standards safety signs

The BSEN (British Standard European Number) safety signs are in place for your health and safety. You may find the following safety signs around the LU infrastructure. Fire equipment - for example fire equipment is nearby

Mandatory (must do) - for example you must keep fire doors shut

Safe way - for example fire exits and first aid points

Prohibition (must not do) - for example no smoking in this area

Warning - for example high voltage is present

Remember! You must obey all safety signs found on LU infrastructure.

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Hazard symbols
Hazardous substances in the workplace are identified by the symbols shown below, the table also shows what each symbol means, what it can do if it is not treated properly and a workplace example.

Symbol meaning

What it means Corrosive

What it can do May destroy living tissue on contact

Workplace example Sulphuric acid

Toxic

Can cause damage to health

Lead paint

Oxidising

Can react with other chemicals

Chlorine

Explosive

Can explode

Detonators

Flammable

Can catch fire

Gas

Dangerous to the environment

May present an immediate Engine oil or delayed danger to one or more components of the environment Can cause inflammation to the skin Bleach

Irritant/harmful

Your site person in charge will brief you on any harmful substances that you may come into contact with whilst working on LU infrastructure.

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Spillages
When using substances make sure you have a spill kit available and the appropriate PPE to deal with any spillages. If chemicals or hazardous material come into contact with the skin, you should seek first aid immediately. If a spill kit is not available you should try to contain the spill, or absorb it by other means e.g. sand. You should inform your site person in charge or local manager if you spill any substances.

Waste management
You and the company you are employed by can be fined for not managing waste or causing litter. All waste has to be adequately contained away from drains, stored and disposed of correctly. Waste cannot be brought in from home; this is considered fly tipping and is against the law. Waste must never be left on site at the end of a shift. Hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste must always be kept segregated.

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Finishing work

Leaving the site

You should always make sure that the site is left clean and tidy to allow stations to open and trains to run. It is the responsibility of the site person in charge to arrange for the removal and storage from the worksite of any: equipment materials plant and tools. When you have finished work you must sign out and return your visitors badge or sticker. If you do not sign out the evacuation register will show you as still on the premises, and a member of the emergency services or station staff may risk their life looking for you. You must not sign out on behalf of a colleague.

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