Designer Duties Arising from Health and Safety Legislation

Designer Duties Arising from Health and Safety Legislation Summary of designer duties determine any possible dangers that might arise when carrying out construction and maintenance in future find relevant solutions to deal with the hazards inform PSDP about significant control measures, design presumptions or remaining risks to ensure they are handled in the Safety and Health Plan collaborate with PSDP, PSCS and other designers responsible for existing safety and health plan or safety file follow the guidance from PSDP or PSCS remind client on the necessity of PSDP ensure project to be constructed is safe and will maintain safely besides fulfil the needs of health and safety legislation, according to the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 Defining design and designers Under the Regulations, design work includes the formation of drawings, particulars, specifications, calculations, the preambles and preliminaries of bills of quantities, where we can find specifications or other expressions of purpose from them, in accordance with which a project, or any part or component of a project, is to be carried out. The design process is the process of developing and preparing a design of a project from initial ideas up to a more precise specification, which often include different teams and fields at various stages throughout the project. Designers involve organisations or individuals who responsible for the design work of a project, including the design of temporary works. It is possible for them to make decisions that significantly reduce the hazards to safety and health when construction is on-going and during subsequent use and maintenance. Potential designers from various professions are: architects, civil and structural engineers, building services consultants, building surveyors, landscape architects and other design practices and individuals who assist or responsible for analysing, calculating, preparatory design work, designing, detailing, specifying and preparing bills of quantities for construction work; Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and other related engineers who involved in the project; person who determine or modify a design, or who specify the application of certain work methods or specific materials, including client, temporary work designers, interior designers, specialist subcontractors who contribute to design work and construction materials selection Examples of temporary works are trench shoring, scaffolding, propping, working platforms, gangways and access stairs or ladders. Employers or the head of design team are designers. Areas of responsibility between various designers on a project should be outlined precisely to prevent any overlap or gaps, which cause confusion or even possible danger. The duties relating to safety and health of each designer can be formed after outlining scope of responsibility for designers. Duties of Designers According to Regulation 15(1), a designer is required to consider the general principles of prevention, relevant safety and health plan and safety file when working on design of a project. General Principles of Prevention Under Regulation 15(1), designers must consider the General Principles of Prevention that are found in Schedule 3 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 as well as other related Safety and Health Plan or Safety File. The Principles of Prevention are a hierarchy for reducing and eliminating risks. If applicable, the first thing to tackle in handling safety and health on construction projects at design stage is to reduce and eliminate risks. Designers should consider existing risks in certain areas of the project and relate any possible new hazards created by design process for workers in construction areas, end users and the public. General Principles of Prevention is used as a guide in reducing risks experienced during the construction process and after the project is completed. The measures in descending order of effectiveness are: risks prevention assessment of inevitable hazards dealing with risks on site adaptation of work to the person: working environment, equipment used for work, working systems, in order to prevent repetitive jobs and health risks adaptation of working place to technical development replacing risky elements, substances or working systems with those that less dangerous establishment of prevention policy related to safety, health and welfare at work that consider about technology, social factors, working organisation, environment and conditions prioritizing collective protective measures over individual protective measures providing appropriate training and guidance to employees Besides, designers should: identify any hazards in the design eliminate risks when applicable without introducing other higher risks evaluate and reduce residual hazards by using risk assessment process of the design and prioritizing collective protection supply relevant information so that other designers, contractors and the PSDP are aware of identified residual hazards and able to take action Designers should be aware of hazards that likely cause injury. They must assess design proposals critically at beginning, followed by throughout the design process, to identify the main construction safety and health issues, and include them into overall design process. The nature of risks varies depends on the type of project constructed. Designers should review the hazards before informing the PSDP when developing the design, especially for design and build contracts, where there is a large overlap in time between designing main elements of a project and the construction stage. Designers are recommended to participate in some safety and health meetings between the PSDP, PSCS, and contractor. Designers may have direct influence, and should consider other design considerations such as: choosing position and design of structures to prevent or minimise risks from known site hazards, e.g. buried services, traffic movements, contaminated ground minimise health hazards, e.g. use less hazardous materials, prevent activities that emit dangerous substances, use materials can be handled easily, design block paved areas and access areas minimise safety hazards, e.g. work at height, fragile roof site, public areas or on motorways, flammable materials; apply prefabrication to minimise dangerous work or in a controlled manner prevent hazardous aspects that cause falling or injury if work at height is unavoidable, e.g. install permanent access in the beginning; apply edge protection work on attempts that simplify the construction process, e.g. provide lifting points, weight and centre of gravity for heavy items on the items and drawings; consider temporary works needed; end bearings to slabs or beams that end-propping temporarily; design connections to ensure accuracy of assembly design to simplify maintenance and cleaning jobs in future, e.g. concern on safe permanent access; create access areas for future maintenance; utilise windows that can be cleaned from indoor; design safe plant rooms; create safe access for roof Providing Information According to Regulation 15(b), a designer requires to supply all related information in written form to project supervisors in order for them to conduct their duties. The details provided should be up-to-date so that the PSDP able to coordinate activities of designers involved in the project besides ensure the effectiveness of communication between PSCS and other duty-holders. Moreover, designers should provide relevant information on the design features that might cause risks in future construction work or maintenance. It will then be included into the Safety File by the PSDP. Completing design certificates is a way of recording agreement with these duties and keeping record of different stages throughout the design process. This ensure the safety of works carried out at different stages, besides help in design examination and communication of design assumptions between various designers. Other method can also be used as an alternative for communication, record and verification of information related to the project. This will help the PSDP to fulfil his or her co-ordination role, and will also demonstrate the designers compliance with the legislation. It is recommended that a permanent works designer should complete a permanent works design certificate with respect to the adequacy, in the context of safety and health, of their design. A permanent works designer is recommended to complete a permanent works design certificate related to the adequacy, in line with safety and health, of their design. Temporary works designers and contractors should locate their temporary works design according to the assumptions made in loadings and construction sequence. The temporary works designer is recommended to complete a temporary works design certificate in order to supply sufficient information to all parties and ensure the structure can be built safely. Completed forms are handed over to the PSDP for verification in coordinating various designers. The forms are passed to the PSCS and other relevant person afterwards. Designer Co-operation Under the Regulation 15(2), designer is required to cooperate with the project supervisors for both design process and construction stage as well as other designers, to allow them to comply with these Regulations. This can be done in terms of supplying relevant information, attending meetings or reviewing designs in order to improve the features of safety and health on site. Besides, designers ought to supply information for the PSDP to compose a Safety File. The information provided include details about plants or materials specified in the building, design assumptions, and relative calculations for the functioning, maintenance, and possible extension of the building. Designers should also determine demolition risks to the PSDP for inclusion in the Safety and Health File, these include: substantial stored energy sources, including pre- or post-tensioned members stability demands; adjustments that altered the original structure Complying with Directions According to Regulation 15(c), designers should agree with all commands from the project supervisor for both design process and construction stage, which are expressed as stated in Regulation 14 or 20, when applicable. It is possible for the PSDP or PSCS to request any designer to achieve Designers duties, so that the Project Supervisor may accomplish own duties under Construction Regulations 2006. Designers have to fulfil any reasonable requests from the PSDP or PSCS, including issues related to General Principles of Prevention or coordinating design activities among different designers. However, it is not reasonable for designers to comply with directions that they not capable of doing, or not related and controlled by them, or legally constrained from doing. If a designer failed to carry out a direction from project supervisor, the project supervisor must issue the direction in written form. When PSDP considers the designer failed to complete a confirmed written direction, they need to inform the Health and Safety Authority, Client and the person who failed to comply with the direction, by including a copy of the written direction and relevant response from the person in accordance with the direction. Once the Health and Safety Authority carry out investigation, it usually determines whether the parties involved have complied with their legal duties, before any enforcement actions are taken. The Authority will not conduct any negotiation or judgement between the parties. When an investigation commences, a designer or Project Supervisor may express any additional responses to the instruction so that consideration is given to all relevant sides in the matter. Detailed Provision of information Under Regulation 15(3), a designer has to provide relevant information in written form to project supervisor immediately when working on design of a project. This information is: hazards to the safety, health and welfare of workers related to the project, including those stated in Schedule 1 to the Regulations The significant risks are: dangerous or flammable substances involved in the design (epoxy grouts, fungicidal paints, isocyanates materials) particular problems and solutions structures that affect accessibility huge, heavy or cumbersome prefabricated objects which are difficult and risky to handle works that cannot be achieved by normal methods of tying scaffolds aspects of design and sequences of constructing or disassembling that need to be noticeable at the design stage and significant to work safely unusual stability approaches includes the type and areas to be covered by the project to allow project supervisor complies with the Regulations relevant details for project supervisor to include in the safety file aware by the designer and the safe construction of design for the project Information given should be limited to project. In the context of structural stability, design is based on: particular erection or construction sequence setting up and removal of false work, interim propping or formwork as well as the arrangement loading restrictions during construction if contractor is not aware of the factors, designers (temporary or permanent works, specialist designers) should inform the PSCS, PSDP and contractors, to ensure construction proceeds safely according to the design intent If a structure became unstable due to certain reason, the temporary works to ensure stability during the construction, alteration, or demolition of any part of the structure will be the pertinent information. Other relevant designers should be informed as well in order for them to take appropriate measures in their design to accommodate safety, health and welfare. Making Clients Aware of their Duties Under Regulation 15(4), designers should provide information to a contractor if there is no appointed project supervisor for the project according to the Regulation 15(3). Regarding to the duties of Client, a Client has no legal obligation to assign Project Supervisors in some circumstances. In this context, a designer has to provide information required under Regulation 15(3) to the appropriate contractor. According to Regulation 15(5), designers should immediately inform the client of the clients duties under Regulation 6 when they are not aware of the appointment of project supervisor in design process. Does any other Legislation Apply? Any other duty-holders who responsible to oversee a work place have to ensure the preservation of the safety, health and welfare of workers at working site, as well as others who affected by the on-going work on site. Designers may have other responsibilities besides those stated in the Construction Regulations. Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and other related legal provisions will also apply. Section 17 (2) of the Act also requires a designer of construction work to ensure that the project: is designed and qualified to be constructed safely without risking ones health can be maintained safely without risking ones health when in use obeys all respects, as appropriate, of the relevant statutory provisions.

Louis Pasteur in Public Health Essay

Louis Pasteur is a man of many talents; his greatest gift was his intelligence and patience without it the medical field and the public health system would not be where it is today. Through his patience and diligence Pasteur was able to make several advances in chemistry, microbiology, immunizations and preservations. In 1857 he developed the Germ Theory of fermentation and putrefaction, these theories assisted in the surgical revolution of antiseptics developed by Joseph Lister. He has laid the foundations for epidemiology and the defining rules for personnel hygiene. Many people believed that his theories were not true and hoped that he would fail however time and time again he proved them wrong. Through his studies and research Pasteur was able to positively impact the nineteenth century by the development of theories such as the Germ Theory and vaccines for several diseases such as anthrax and rabies, which led to the first successful vaccination of humans. He has shown how pathogens could be passed from animals to humans. Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France on December 27, 1822; as the son of a tanner his father wanted him to get the education that he did not receive. He attended school at â€Å"? cole Primaire and later went to the College d’Arboix but did not finish due to be home sick. In 1842 he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Science at College Royal de Besancon, from there he attended ? cole Normale to earn his Doctorate in Science focusing on physics and chemistry. (Toledo-Pereyra, 2009). In 1849 he married Marie Laurent; she bore him five children through the years, three of the passed away before reaching maturity. Even though Pasteur has been recognized for great accomplishments in the fields of physics, chemistry and microbiology he did not prosper from it. He taught at several colleges as Chemist, and later moved on to being a director or an administrator of the Department of Science. He is one of the founding fathers of microbiology. According to â€Å"Discovery of Pasteurization† (2010), â€Å"Pasteur laid the foundation for all microbiological techniques through his research on Lactic and alcoholic fermentation and defined these principles: All fermentation is caused by a microorganism, there is a particular ferment for every given fermentation, a sterile culture is required for ferment growth, the medium has to be seeded with absolute ferment particles† (Alcoholic Fermentation). Through his studies of fermentation Pasteur was able to denounce the theory of spontaneous generation. â€Å"Spontaneous generation is the supposed development of living organisms from non-living matter. † (American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Ed. ). The denouncement of spontaneous generation and studies of fermentation led to the sterilization of milk, wine and beer, which resulted in improved taste and quality; but also prevented thousands of unnecessary deaths. This process was later named after him and was called pasteurization which is the heating of beverages or food to kill living organisms to prevent spoilage. In 1857 he developed the Germ Theory of fermentation; later named the Germ Theory of disease, this led to Joseph Lister’s development of antiseptics that is now used for surgeries. As Pasteur continued to study micro-organisms he began to take on animal diseases. Through his studies he was able to develop several vaccines and eradicate rabies, also he was able to successful vaccinate human’s from the rabies disease. He was first called upon to investigate the disease of silkworms, which almost devastated the silkworm industry. His studies showed that the worms disease was caused by shiny corpuscles†; an unattached body cell, â€Å"which he later discovered was hereditary and contagious,† (Discovery of Pasteurization, 2010) and soon began suggesting new hygienic measures to properly cultivate the silkworms. Without delay he started to tackle more animal disease specifically Chicken Cholera and Anthrax which were occurring around the same time. Anthrax was slaughtering farm animals mostly, sheep; through investigations of healthy and diseased animals he was able to cultivate a vaccine to control the bacteria. Toledo-Pereyra, 2009), and he did the exact same thing with Chicken Cholera. In 1881 Pasteur began the study of the viral disease called rabies. Rabies attacks the central nervous system of warm blooded animals including humans. According to (Harrigan, 2011). â€Å"Animal symptoms may have the appearance of being sick, crazed, act vicious or may be over friendly, docile, and confused. Human symptoms may be pain or tingling sensation from the bite site, high fever, confusion, seizures and coma. Once an animal or individual is infected and they show signs of symptoms they rarely live. †(Symptoms). Pasteur began his investigations by studying â€Å"infected rabies animals to get an understanding of the disease’s cycle. He discovered that the spinal cords of dying rabbits with rabies could be kept no infected by maintaining them in a sterile, dried air for two weeks. He developed a system of various concentrations of inoculated material; he was able to protect the animals. (Toledo-Pereyra, 2009). According to Encyclopedia of World Biography (2011) On 1885 Pasteur was brought a nine-year-old boy by the name of Joseph Meister who had been badly mauled by a rabid dog, with the permission from the boys physician he administered the vaccination treatments. The child successfully recovered from the rabies virus due to Pasteur’s diligence and since of duty to his country. Louis Pasteur had different methods to help society accept his scientific theories. His most widely used was proof, he showed the people through controlled variable or environment. By letting his work speak for itself, he was able integrate is theories a lot easier. Two of Pasteur’s biggest adversary’s was â€Å"Justus Liebig he tried to disprove Pasteur’s theory on spontaneous generation and the theory of fermentation; and Felix Archimede Pouchet whom questioned his theory of spontaneous generation. †(Schwartz, 2001). He was able to hold his own through methodological research, experimentation, and documentation to prove that his theories were the most accurate. As a testament to time Pasteur’s efforts to rid the world of diseases such as Rabies, Anthrax, and Cholera his theories have rang true. His studies of fermentation, putrefaction and spontaneous generation have led society to be a more hygienic and sufficient place. There are healthier people in the world today, because of his efforts to help people live and for them to understand what was going on despite centuries of beliefs. If it was not for Louis Pasteur the medical profession would have probably just getting to understanding the life of a microorganism. Pasteur has influenced countless people through his work because of the way he presented, explained and proved it. His studies helped Joseph Lister in the surgical field, by showing that there are micro-organisms that are in the air which causes contamination of the wounds. According to New world of Encyclopedia (2008)â€Å"The young boy whose life was saved by Pasteur’s vaccine for rabies worked at the Pasteur Institute, Meister was ordered by German forces occupying Paris to open his crypt, but he committed suicide rather than comply. † The impact the Pasteur had has been greatly felt throughout the world, without his perseverance the world would not be where it is today in regards to the medical field and public health. His desire to understand why things happened and how they happened influenced people to work with his drive, and determination. Pasteur’s willingness to accept change despite the fear it may cause, has shown us that just because something has been thought for centuries does not make it right, and if you do not believe in something find a way through scientific experimentation to be able to disprove it or show that it is right. For almost every experiment that was used to show the population that it was true he did it publicly for all eyes to see so that there was no doubt, and to prove that change is can be good. Louis Pasteur was a great chemist, physicist, and above all else a great teacher. He taught the world that just because you do not see it, does not mean that it is not there. Through his microscope he was able to make drinks healthier, formulate vaccines, and eradicate some the worst diseases that was known to man. Pasteur’s influences have touched each and everyone in some way shape or form. Even though he was doubted and criticized he still did not stop trying to make this world a better place. This man is truly a Public Health figure for all time.

How to Grow a Big Alum Crystal

Alum is found in the spices section of the grocery store. That little jar contains small white crystals that, with a bit of time and effort, you can grow a big alum crystal  that looks a bit like a diamond. This takes days to weeks. What You Need for Alum Crystals 1/2 cups hot tap water2-1/2 tablespoons alumnylon fishing linepencil, ruler, or knife2 clean jarsspooncoffee filter/paper towel Grow the Crystals Pour 1/2 cup of hot tap water into a clean jar.Slowly stir in alum, a little at a time, until it stops dissolving. Dont add the whole amount; just enough to saturate the water.Loosely cover the jar with a coffee filter or paper towel (to keep dust out) and allow the jar to sit undisturbed overnight.The next day, pour the alum solution from the first jar into the clean jar. You will see small alum crystals at the bottom of the jar. These are seed crystals that you will use to grow a big crystal.Tie nylon fishing line around the largest, best-shaped crystal. Tie the other end to a flat object (e.g., popsicle stick, ruler, pencil, butter knife). You will hang the seed crystal by this flat object into the jar far enough so that it will be covered in liquid, but wont touch the bottom or sides of the jar. It may take a few tries to get the length just right.When you have the right string length, hang the seed crystal in the jar with the alum solution. Cover it with the coffee filter and gr ow a crystal!Grow your crystal until you are satisfied with its size. If you see crystals starting to grow on the sides or bottom of your jar, carefully remove your crystal, pour the liquid into the clean jar, and put the crystal in the new jar. Other crystals in the jar will compete with your crystal for alum, so it wont be able to get as big if you let these crystals grow. Crystal Growing Tips You can use sewing thread or other string instead of nylon fishing line, but crystals will grow on the entire length of the submerged string. Crystals dont adhere to nylon, so if you use it, you can get bigger and better crystals.Alum is an ingredient used to make pickles. It makes them crispy.

Quotes About Long Distance Relationships

It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder—this is probably why lovers who are apart spend most of their time thinking about each other. If you are living away from your beloved, then there might be a long distance love quote below that will provide you with some comfort. Making Long Distance Work Many people who have been in long distance relationships have confessed that it is tough to stay committed when your partner lives across time zones and continents. Practical considerations such as the difference in time zone, cultures, lifestyle, and attitude draw couples apart. Lack of physical contact  also contributes to the gnawing chasm between two lovers. So are long distance relationships practical? Should couples who live apart reconsider their career or lifestyle choices so that they can accommodate the relationship? Rationale dictates that to keep a relationship alive and energetic, lovers need to be together as often as possible. So you can schedule a recess in your work or study routine to factor in a romance holiday. Make sure to keep aside all other work obligations when you are with your sweetheart. Long distance love can work if both partners are willing to accept the difference in lifestyle. Here are some long distance love quotes that can help stoke the flame of passion. Quotes on Long-Distance Romance George Eliot: What greater thing is there for two human souls that to feel that they are joined... to strengthen each other... to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.Anonymous: Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart.Thomas Fuller: Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it.Robert Dodsley:One kind kiss before we part,Drop a tear and bid adieu;Though we sever, my fond heartTill we meet shall pant for you.Francois de la Rouchefoucauld: Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and blows up the bonfire.Roger de Bussy-Rabutin: Absence is to love as wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small and kindles the great.Richard Bach: Can miles truly separate you from friends? If you want to be with someone you love, arent you already there?Anonymous: Absence makes thy heart grow fonder.Anonymous: I hate the stars because I look at the same ones as you do, without you.Anonymous:A part of you h as grown in me.And so you see, its you and meTogether forever and never apart,Maybe in distance, but never in heart.Khalil Gibran: And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.Jon Oliva:If I go awayWhat would still remain of me?The ghost within your eyes?The whisper in your sighs?You see... BelieveAnd Im always there.Kay Knudsen: Love is missing someone whenever youre apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because youre close in heart.Hans Nouwens: In true love the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged.George Eliot: That farewell kiss which resembles greeting, that last glance of love which becomes the sharpest pang of sorrow.Anonymous: If the only place where I could see you was in my dreams, Id sleep forever.Pam Brown: Odd how much it hurts when a friend moves away—and leaves behind only silence.Edward Thomas: The simple lack of her is more to me than others presence.