Personal Safety Measures for Housing Officers Conducting Home Visits

AuthorityDepartment of Infrastructure
Date received2025-11-17
OutcomeSome information sent but part exempt
Outcome date2025-12-12
Case ID5089673

Summary

The request sought comprehensive safety policies and incident data for housing officers conducting home visits, but the response only disclosed a partial document regarding sharps and needle-stick injuries while withholding other requested information.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Infrastructure responded with a 'Sharps Policy' document dated December 1, 2013.
  • The policy applies to Housing Officers, Maintenance Staff, and any staff visiting clients in their homes.
  • The response cites the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (as applied in the Isle of Man) as the legal framework.
  • The outcome was classified as 'Some information sent but part exempt', indicating significant portions of the request were not fulfilled.
  • The provided document defines 'Sharps' as needles, blades, or implements capable of cutting, pricking, or scratching the skin.

Data Disclosed

  • 1 Dec 2013
  • Version: 1
  • Section 25
  • 1974
  • 1999
  • 2002
  • 1995
  • 1986

Original Request

I am seeking information regarding the personal safety measures, policies, and procedures in place for Isle of Man housing officers who undertake home visits, particularly in relation to employers' duties under Isle of Man health and safety legislation, including but not limited to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (as applied in the Isle of Man) and any associated Manx regulations or guidance. Please provide the following information: 1. Policies and Procedures a. Copies of any current policies, procedures, or guidance documents relating to: Housing officers conducting home visits Lone working Personal safety for staff visiting tenants' homes Risk assessment procedures for tenant visits Managing threats, violence, or aggression from tenants b. The date each policy was last reviewed or updated. 2. Risk Assessment Framework a. Details of any standard or mandatory risk assessment that must be completed before a housing officer undertakes a home visit. b. Copies of templates, checklists, or frameworks used for these risk assessments. c. How risk information (e.g., known aggression, safeguarding issues, environmental risks) is communicated to housing officers prior to visits. 3. Lone Working Systems a. Whether housing officers are required to use any lone-working safety system (e.g., GPS device, check-in / check-out procedures, monitoring apps). b. Details of the system(s) used, including the provider where applicable. c. Policies or guidance governing the use of these systems. 4. Training a. A list of mandatory training provided to housing officers relating to personal safety, lone working, conflict de-escalation, or dealing with aggressive or potentially violent tenants. b. Frequency of required refresher training. c. Records showing how many housing officers have completed each type of training in the last 3 years (aggregated data only - no personal data required). 5. Incident Reporting and Safety Management a. Copies of the procedures for reporting: Incidents Threats Violence or aggression Near misses b. The number of incidents, threats, or near misses reported by housing officers in each of the last 3 years (aggregated figures only). c. Details of how such reports are reviewed, investigated, and used to update or improve safety procedures. 6. Compliance and Review a. Any internal audits, inspections, or compliance reports (from 2020 onwards) relating to the safety of housing officers during home visits. b. Any actions identified or improvements recommended in these audits. c. Information on whether the department considers itself fully compliant with its health and safety duties toward housing officers, and any gaps identified. 7. Joint Visits / High-Risk Tenants a. Criteria or triggers for arranging a joint visit (e.g., with another officer, social worker, or police). b. Procedures for determining when a home visit should not proceed due to safety concerns. c. Any guidance on handling households with known violent or high-risk behaviours. I request that all information be provided in electronic format (PDF or Word documents are acceptable). If any part of the request is refused, please specify the exemption(s) relied upon and the reasoning for their application. I confirm that I am a resident of the Isle of Man and am submitting this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2015. Thank you for your assistance.

Data Tables (75)

DSC HOUSING Version: 1
Policy Contaminated sharps and needle-stick injury Issue Date: 1 Dec 2013
Ref Review Date:
Staff affected Housing Officers, Maintenance Staff, any member of staff who visits clients in their own home
Approved by Section 25 Director of Housing
Lead Officer Section 25
Procedure Responsibility
1 Encourage the wound to gently bleed, ideally holding it under running water All Staff
2 Wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap • do not scrub the wound whilst you are washing it • do not suck the wound All Staff
3 Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing All Staff
4 Contact your supervisor/manager immediately All Staff
5 If the sharps are associated with a known client, ask them if they know their Hepatitis and HIV status All Staff
6 Seek urgent medical advice via hospital or Occupational Health All Staff
7 Record the injury on an incident report form and in the accident book and any action taken Manager/staff
8 All incidents must be investigated and procedures updated as necessary Manager
9 Refer injured person for counselling and support, if they feel the need, through Staff Welfare Manager
Procedure Responsibility
1 Contact supervisor/manager on finding sharps All Staff
2 Only use sharps bins • do not use any other container such as cups, jars and tins • never put fingers into a sharps bin • sharps bins must not be filled more than two thirds full • sharps bins should be closed when moving to avoid risk of spills • always carry used sharps containers by the handle All Staff
3 Always take the sharps box to the sharps not the other way around All Staff
4 Multiple visible needles and sharps: • Tongs reduce the need for bending to pick up sharps and avoid hand contact and should be used as the equipment of choice wherever possible • Sharps should be picked up directly into a sharps bin • Afterwards the area where the sharps were discarded should be thoroughly cleaned with cleansing solution • The tips of the tongs should be soaked in bleach solution or similar after use to reduce risk of cross contamination All Staff
5 Single visible needles: • Tongs or needle-proof gloves can be used but latex gloves are also appropriate to pick up and dispose of a single visible sharp • Pick up the syringe, needle or blade by the non sharp end – if the needle cap is there NEVER attempt to re-sheath the needle • Afterwards clean area and dispose of cleaning rags and gloves in yellow bag and seal. • Wash hands All Staff
6 Unseen and concealed needles: • Where there is a risk of injury from unseen needles such as cleaning gutters or undergrowth or clearing accumulated rubbish or personal effects All Staff
thick gloves will be needed – best are ‘needle- proof’ – not guaranteed 100% needle proof so should be used with caution. • If the gloves are used to pick up needles, they may be contaminated by blood and will need to be washed at high temperature before further use. • Care should be taken when putting on and taking off gloves – any blood on gloves could be transferred to hands. • Wash hands
7 If the client who is responsible for the discarded sharps is in attendance and is compliant they can be asked to put their own sharps into a sharps bin All Staff
8 If sharps are found in an area or address a record should be made that there is potential risk and staff who may visit should be notified Manager
9 Sharps bins and other potentially hazardous waste should be disposed of in accordance with agreed waste disposal protocols. All Staff
Group / Meeting Membership Frequency
PEH High Level Health and Safety PEH Senior Leadership Team, OHR H&S Lead Bi Monthly
SMT Health & Safety FM & Housing Senior Management Team, FM H&S Lead, OHR H&S Lead Quarterly
Health and Safety Forum FM H&S Lead, FM Facilities Manager, Housing Rep, Supervisory staff reps, OHR H&S Advisor Bi Monthly
Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) Group FM SMT, OHR H&S Advisor, Supervisory reps Ad hoc
Risk Assessment Group FM SMT, OHR H&S Advisor, Supervisory reps Ad hoc
Training Delivery Frequency
Corporate Induction (including Health & Safety) LEaD / eLearn Vannin Once
Moving and Handling (Loads) LEaD / eLearn Vannin 5 Yearly
Local Divisional Induction (local Health & Safety and Fire Awareness) Bespoke In House Once
Handling Difficult Situations LEaD / eLearn Vannin Once
Sharps Awareness LEaD / eLearn Vannin Once
First Aid (1 Day) LEaD / eLearn Vannin 3 Yearly
Lone Working LEaD / eLearn Vannin Once
Personal Safety for Lone Working (Suzy Lamplugh Trust) In House Once
Violence to other persons Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Violence to property Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Incidence of Arson Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Suicide risk Yes No
Detail:
When:
Sexual offences Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Threats of self harm/self mutilation Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Drug/substance/alcohol misuse Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Non-use of prescribed medication Yes (e.g. non compliance, recent discontinuation) No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Neglect (e.g. minimal self care, budgeting difficulties, unable to Yes feed self adequately) No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Severe Stress Yes No
Detail:
When:
Risk from others (e.g. friends, family) Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Victim of harassment Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Psychiatric/ mental health history Yes No
Detail: See care plan (attached)
When:
Present situation:
History of behaviour in previous accommodation Yes (e.g. previous evictions, arrears, inability to share facilities) No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Other offences Yes No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Recent Police involvement (e.g. criminal offences, Yes cautions, supervision orders or involvement with Youth Offending Team ) No
Detail:
When:
Present situation:
Violence to persons YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Violence to Property YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Incidence of Arson YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Suicide risk YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Sexual Offences YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Threats of self harm/self mutilation YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Drug/substance/alcohol misuse YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Non-use of prescribed medication YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Personal Neglect YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Severe stress YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
Risk from others When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action YES/NO
Victim of Harassment YES/NO
When Present Situation Identified Trigger Points Action
History of Behaviour in Previous Accommodation YES/NO –
When Identified Trigger Points Action
Other offences YES/NO
When Identified Trigger Points Action
Recent Police Involvement YES/NO
When Identified Trigger Points Action
SAFETY BULLETIN DOI Health and Safety Policy – What does it mean to me? Foreman, Supervisors, Managers Employees: at all levels: To take reasonable care of your own Health and To contribute to the development of your Safety and ensure that your actions or divisional health and safety arrangements omissions do not put others at risk Identify, highlight and address safety matters To use work equipment and PPE correctly and within your area of responsibility in line with training and instruction that you have received Ensure processes are in place for relaying important safety information, that your team Undertake training on risk assessment understands it and is fully implemented. Attend and participate in all training Ensure your teams are trained Undertake risk assessments, written and Support the role and work of your nominated dynamic in relation to your work and its impact, Health and Safety Coordinator including its impact on the environment Ensure no harm to others from your teams To report all accident, incidents and near misses activities in line with training received and departmental procedures Create a safe place to work for employees and others To identify hazards and unsafe working practices that you become aware of to your line Carry out risk assessments and they are suitable manager. and sufficient for controlling risks in relation to your work activities Take reasonable steps to make any given situation safe without putting yourself or others Development of competent staff in relation to at risk. management of risk – lead the drive for continuous improvement in relation to safety To make yourself aware of safety measures and matters arrangements that are adopted within your working area. Ensuring they are understood Lead by example recognising good and unsafe and applied. If in doubt stop and ask for behaviour guidance. To contribute to creating a safe place to work for yourself, colleagues and the public. To set a good example recognising good and unsafe behaviours.
Who is responsible for what? How do we all work together for safety?
SAFETY BULLETIN Meet PEME, he helps us learn about the What is a near miss? hazards that are present in our working area - People Equipment Material and Environment – if we control these through A near miss is an unplanned event that Risk Assessment and reporting when things did not result in any injury, illness, or don’t go to plan we can keep everyone damage, but had the potential to do so. safe When the sequence of events that could lead to an accident is interrupted by chance, it People prevents any harm or loss from taking place. Why report near misses and safety concerns?? Environment Equipment It is far better to be reporting and learning from near misses, minor incident and hazards, where there is little or no Material loss, than to be reporting actual serious losses. For every 600 near misses there How do I report a near miss are 30 minors, 10 serious and 1 fatal, if we don’t report them we cannot try to or a Safety Concern?? prevent that 1 fatal, who will it be? If a near miss or unsafe condition is observed it should be reported to your line management and H&S https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in- by web link opposite or QR Code the-isle-of-man/doi-health-and-safety- reporting-form/
REPORT ALL NEAR MISSES – CHECKING A NEAR THING CAN PREVENT THE REAL THING Document Reference: HSW-213-10.2023
SAFETY BULLETIN Report all near miss What you walk past, is the or safety concerns, standard of what you accept If a near miss or unsafe condition is observed it should be reported to your line management and H&S by web link below or QR Code https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in-the-isle-of- man/doi-health-and-safety-reporting-form/
SORT IT, REPORT IT, DON’T IGNORE IT!! Document Reference: HSW-216-10.2023
Version:
Approved by:
Date Approved:
Ratified by:
Date ratified:
Name of originator/author:
Name of responsible committee:
Date issued:
Review date:
Target audience: DOI Staff, Contractors and Visitors
Name Company Job Title/Project Function
The proposed works are to be carried out for the Isle of Man Government Department:
The Government Employee Responsible for this works is: Name: Telephone: E-mail Address:
The Deputy and day to day management of the work is: Name: Telephone: E-mail Address:
Company Name:
Trading Address:
Contact Telephone Number:
Name of Company Representative: Job Title: Telephone: E-mail Address:
Name of Deputy and Day to Day Management of Work is: Telephone: E-mail Address:
Name of Health and Safety Advisor: Telephone: E-mail Address:
Are you a member of The Manx Accredited Construction Contractors Scheme (MACCS)? Yes ☐ No ☐ Comments:
Will you be using sub-contractors to support this work? Yes ☐ No ☐ ☐ Unsure
If using sub-contractors are they a member of CIOM? Yes ☐ No ☐ ☐ Unsure Yes Go to next section
How have you ensured Sub-Contractor competence? Including health and safety compliance documentation and insurance
Q001 Does the certificate of insurance • cover this work type? • Sub-contractors and their work? Yes ☐ No ☐
Q002 Does the certificate of insurance of any sub-contractor cover their section of work? Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q003 Are you a member of the CIOM Scheme? ☐ Yes – go to question 007 ☐ No – please complete insurance ☐ details below
Certificate of Employers’ Liability Insurance
Name of Policy Holder:
Name of Insurance Provider:
Policy Number:
Date of expiry of insurance policy: Will this lapse during the works? Yes - ensure than an updated certificate is submitted ☐ prior to commencement date No ☐
Level of Employers’ Liability Insurance £
Any relevant exclusions?
Certificate of Public Liability Insurance
Name of Policy Holder:
Name of Insurance Provider:
Policy Number:
Date of expiry of insurance policy: Will this lapse during the works? Yes - ensure than an updated certificate is submitted ☐ prior to commencement date No ☐
Level of Public Liability Insurance £
Any relevant exclusions?
Q004 Are you a member of the CIOM Scheme? (Select no if using Sub-contractor that are not a member) Yes – go to question 007 ☐ No – please complete ☐ insurance details below for yourself and any subcontractors
Q005 Do you have a health and safety policy statement which has been reviewed within the last year? Yes – please provide a link to ☐ this document or e-mail this document to: No
Q006 Has your company achieved any Health, Safety or Environmental Accreditations? ☐ Yes – please provide a link to ☐ this document or e-mail this document to: No
Q 007 CIOM How do you ensure that any sub-contractors are competent? ☐ Answer: N/A
Q008 Do you carry out risk assessments for your work? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Q009 How do you communicate the detail of your risk assessments to your operatives/workforce? ☐ Answer: N/A
Q010 What Health and Safety Training do your staff receive? ☐ Answer: N/A
Q011 Can you provide evidence of training? ☐ Yes – please provide evident ☐ by e-mail to: No ☐ N/A
Q012 Has your company had any accidents/incidents within the last 3 years which are reportable under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)? Yes ☐ No ☐
Q013 Have your risk assessments been reviewed as a result of the above accidents/incidents? Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q014 Have you been served with any notices by the enforcing authorities for health and safety matters? ☐ Yes – please provide details ☐ No ☐ Unsure ☐
Q015 CIOM TOO Have you seen the Asbestos register for site? Yes – go to question 017 ☐ No – please speak with Estates ☐
Q016 CIOM TOO Is there any evidence of asbestos in the working area? Yes – please ensure that H, S ☐ & W Team are advised. No ☐
Q017 CIOM TOO Does the work involve any work in a confined space? Yes – a permit to work system ☐ must be followed. No – go to question 020
Q018 CIOM TOO Have all engineers been trained to work in confined spaces? ☐ Yes – please provide evidence ☐ No ☐
Q019 CIOM TOO A specific risk assessment needs to be completed to display controls. Has this risk assessment been completed? Yes – a copy of this must be ☐ submitted No – this must be completed ☐ before works commence
Q020 CIOM TOO Have the contractors provided SDS for the materials they are using and have these been assessed and this assessment provided Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q021 CIOM TOO Are adequate storage facilities on site for the storing of hazardous substances ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q022 CIOM TOO Are there any additional fire precautions and are they being met ☐ ☐ Yes No ☐ Unsure ☐
Q023 CIOM TOO Will the work create any dust/fume emissions? Yes ☐ No – go to question 025 ☐ Unsure
Q024 CIOM TOO How will dust/fume be controlled? ☐ Comment: Unsure
Q025 CIOM TOO Will elements of the work be noisy? Yes ☐ No – go to question 027 ☐ Unsure
Q026 CIOM TOO How will noise be controlled? ☐ Comment: Unsure
Q027 CIOM TOO Will any electric devices be plugged in on site? This includes the charging of batteries for drills Yes ☐ No – go to question 029 ☐
Q028 CIOM TOO How will you ensure that they are electrically safe and intrinsically safe? Comment: Unsure
Q029 CIOM TOO Does the work involve working on live electrics? ☐ Yes ☐ No – go to question 031 ☐ Unsure
Q030 CIOM TOO How will this be controlled? ☐ Comment: Unsure
Q031 CIOM TOO Have all fire risks been identified as part of the works? Yes ☐ No ☐
Q032 CIOM TOO Have all necessary firefighting equipment been identified and be available for the duration? Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Q033 CIOM TOO Have staff working been made aware and trained to support emergency situations? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐
Q034 CIOM TOO Where hot works are involved, is the Hot Work Permit process understood by all? Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Q035 CIOM TOO Is there a need to isolate the fire alarm system – part or in full? ☐ Yes – please give details ☐ No ☐ N/A
Q036 CIOM TOO In an event of emergency evacuation, the following procedures have been agreed. In an event of emergency first aid, the following procedures have been agreed. ☐ Confirmed Plan: Evacuation: Emergency Aid:
Q037 CIOM TOO Will any flammable liquids and gases be used during the works? Yes ☐ No – go to question 040 ☐
Q038 CIOM TOO Will any flammable liquids or gases be stored on site? If so, how Yes ☐ Comment: No ☐ N/A
Q039 CIOM TOO If stored or used on site, will material data sheets be adhered to for safe use, handling and storage? ☐ Yes ☐ N/A ☐ Unsure
Q040 CIOM TOO Will the work involve working on gas systems? Yes ☐ No – go to question 042 ☐ Unsure
Q041 CIOM TOO If so, please provide evidence of registration with Gas Safe Register ☐ Email evidence to:
Q042 CIOM TOO Will hot works be carried out as part of the works? Yes ☐ No – go to question 044 ☐ Unsure
Q043 CIOM TOO What arrangements have been agreed for this type of work? Re: • issuing of hot work permit • fire controls and watch • signing off hot work permit ☐ Agreed:
Q044 CIOM TOO Will lighting levels need to be adjusted to support the work? Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q045 CIOM TOO Is temporary artificial lighting required? If so, how will this be managed? ☐ Yes ☐ Unsure ☐ N/A
Q046 To Host If the lighting system is on a PIR sensor or environmental control, can this be overridden to support working hours ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q047 CIOM TOO Will lone working be part of the works? Yes ☐ No – go to question 049 ☐ Unsure
Q048 How will lone working be controlled? ☐ Yes ☐ Unsure
Q049 CIOM TOO Will machinery, plant and equipment be brought onto the site to support the work? Yes ☐ No – go to question 051 ☐ Unsure
Q050 CIOM TOO How will safety be maintained? ☐ Comments:
Permit Number
General Permit to Work
Actions Details
1. Emergency Response In an emergency- Stop all work Secure work area ( if safe to do so) Raise Alarm Proceed to Assembly Point ASAP Assembly Point Fire Alarm Pt Eyewash Point Emergency phone number
2. Permit Control Issued by Contact No Permit Holder Contact No
3. Location of Work Site
4. Asset ID Specific Area
5 Description of Work
6 Special Conditions Will the work involve Hot Work or Entering a Confined Space? YES NO ☐ ☐ If ‘Yes’ a Hot Work and/or a Confined Space Permit will also be required
7 Plant, Equipment and Tools Required
8 Hired in Tools/Equipment Condition / Compliance Inspected/Test Cert Yes No ☐ ☐
9 Hazards- Tick each that apply Have you completed a HW/CF Permit? Hot Work / Blasting Substances
Welding ☐ Asbestos
Flame Cutting ☐ Toxic Gas/Liquid ☐ ☐
Grinding ☐ Hydrocarbons
Drilling ☐ Radiation
X Ray / ☐ Radiography Hazardous Waste ☐ ☐
Grit / Sand ☐ Blasting Other
High Pressure ☐ Jetting Manual Handling ☐
Slips/Trips
Electrical Tools ☐ ☐
Battery
Energy Source ☐ Environment
Pressure ☐ Equipment/Testing Inclement ☐ Weather
Electricity ☐ Poor ☐ Lighting
Rotating Equipment ☐ Confined ☐ Space
Work at Height ☐ Unstable ☐ Surf.
Suspended Loads ☐ Work over ☐ water
Lifting (Crane or ☐ HiAB) Noise ☐
Moving Vehicles Dust
☐ Unguarded ☐ Equipment ☐ Hot/Cold ☐ Surf.
10 Ground Works Has the Dial-Before-You- Dig service been contacted? Yes ☐ No ☐
Are underground services’ drawings available? Yes ☐ No ☐
Has the area been scanned and results reviewed? Yes ☐ No ☐
RAMS issued and reviewed? Yes ☐ No ☐
On site pre-work meeting between PEH and contractor completed? Yes ☐ No ☐
10a Comments:
If any of the questions at No 10 has been answered NO a Permit should not be issued
11 Other Limitation Of Access
12 Controls Required Lock off/Tag Out Yes ☐ No ☐ Isolation Tag/Key Numbers
Fire Extinguisher Yes ☐ No ☐ Type/Location
Demarcation Yes ☐ No
Warning Notices Yes ☐ ☐ No
Segregation Yes ☐ ☐ No
Other (Specify) ☐ ☐
13 PPE Requirements Head Protection Yes ☐ No State Spec/Type
Hearing Protection Yes ☐ ☐ No ☐
Eye Protection Yes ☐ No ☐
Hand Protection Yes ☐ No ☐
Safety Footwear Yes ☐ No
Face Mask/Respirator Yes ☐ ☐ No ☐
High Visibility Clothing Yes ☐ No ☐
Personal Fall Protection Yes ☐ No ☐
BA/Fixed/Escape Yes ☐ No ☐
14 Permit Acceptance Name: ------------------------------------------------------- Employee/Contractor Signed____________________ _________Date:___________________
15 Permit Issuer/ Authorisation I have examined the area and precautions in place and permission is given for work to start, subject to the conditions stated on this permit. Name: __________________________ Position:…………………………………….. Signed:________________________________ Date:_________________
16 Management Authorisation I have been made fully aware of the nature of the work to be undertaken stated within the controls of this permit to work Name:------------------------------------------------------ Authoring Manager Signed; ----------------------------------------------------- Date:------------- ----------------
Date Sign On Sign Off Time Permit Controls in place-Y/N
Permit Issued (Yes/No)
MGPS Permit to work
Ventilation Permit to Work
Electrical Permit to Work
Steam (BG01) Permit to Work
Water Permit to Work
Decon Permit to Work
Q051 CIOM TOO Will the work involve an element of manual handling which would require detailed planning? Yes - please provide details: ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q052 CIOM TOO Will this require the use of the site lift? If so, we will need to understand weights to ensure the working load is not exceeded. ☐ Yes - please provide details: ☐ No Unsure
Q056 CIOM TOO Will the temperature of the current working environment create difficulties for the work? Yes - please provide details: ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q057 Host Is the temperature on a timer? Does this need adjusting to support outside of working hours? ☐ Yes - please provide details: ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q058 CIOM TOO Will work include working at heights? Yes - please provide details: ☐ No ☐ Unsure
Q059 CIOM TOO Will working at heights be supported by a ladder? ☐ Yes - please provide control ☐ details: No ☐ Unsure
Q060 CIOM TOO Will working at heights be supported by any type of scaffold? ☐ Yes - please provide control ☐ details: No ☐ Unsure
Q061 CIOM TOO Will work include breaking ground? ☐ Yes - please provide details: No ☐ Unsure ☐
Q062 CIOM Have the required utilities ground reports been obtained and underground services been located? ☐ Yes - please provide control details: No ☐
TOO Unsure ☐
Q063 CIOM TOO Will a CAT scan be conducted? Yes - please provide control ☐ details: No ☐ Unsure ☐
Q064 CIOM TOO Required ground breaking permit received? ☐ Yes - please provide control details: No ☐ Unsure ☐
Name Company Job Title/Project Function Date Signature

Full Response Text

C:\Users\DOIACAL\Desktop\Safety Measures for Housing Officers\Sharps Policy.doc 1

DSC HOUSING

Version: 1 Policy Contaminated sharps and needle-stick injury Issue Date: 1 Dec 2013

Ref

Review Date:

Staff affected Housing Officers, Maintenance Staff, any member of staff who visits clients in their own home

Approved by

Director of Housing

Lead Officer

Purpose

To outline the Housing Division’s policy where there is risk of contact with potentially contaminated sharps and to provide procedures to follow when a person or persons receive a sharps or needle-stick injury.

References

Health & Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/needlestick
Health Protection Agency (Public Health England) www.hpa.org.uk
Midland Heart www.midlandheart.org.uk/fusion/getfile.asp
www.drugsandhousing.co.uk/resources.htm

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all Housing Division staff

Legal Framework

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (as applied IOM) The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 (IOM 2003) The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 (best practice IOM) The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) (IOM 1986 version)

Definitions

‘Sharps’ are needles and blades (such as scalpels or razor blades) or any other sharp implement that could cause an injury by cutting, pricking or scratching the skin.

Sharps injury – any puncture wound from a hypodermic needle or other sharp potentially contaminated with blood or body fluids including jabs and scratches
Section 25 Section 25

C:\Users\DOIACAL\Desktop\Safety Measures for Housing Officers\Sharps Policy.doc 2

POLICY STATEMENTS

  1. Who is at risk

1.1 There is a higher risk of infection from a sharps injury involving hollow bore (hypodermic) needles so workers in health and social care are at most risk because they are likely to come into contact with this type of sharp more frequently.

1.2 Whilst risks are considerably lower, any member of staff who has contact with households or clients who use sharps may inadvertently be put at risk when sharps are not stored or disposed of correctly.

1.3 Housing and maintenance staff may encounter multiple or single sharps when visiting tenants in their homes, when carrying out inspections, clearing abandoned properties or clearing gardens etc. when tenancies have been terminated. As such there is a relatively small but significant risk.

2 What is the Risk

2.1 The main risk from a sharps injury is the potential exposure to infections such as blood borne viruses (BBV). This can occur where the injury involves a sharp that is contaminated with blood or a bodily fluid from an infected person.

2.2 Staff can acquire a BBV infection when their skin is punctured or scratched by a needle or sharp.

2.3 Staff can also be infected via broken skin such as a cut or graze, or from splashing of blood or body fluids via the eyes, inside of mouth or nose.

3 Risk of infection

3.1 The main hazards are communicable infections. The prevalence of BBV in the general UK population is relatively low with the highest incidence in injecting drug users. However, drug use does not have to be habitual for a person to become infected and drug users are not the only persons who can be infected. BBV can be transmitted via activities such as tattooing or body piercing (where hygiene standards are poor), blood transfusion (in countries where blood products are not screened), and unprotected sex with an infected person. The blood borne viruses of most concern are:

3.2 Hepatitis B

3.2.1 Hepatitis B carries the highest risk of infection. Research suggests a transmission rate of 6 – 30% (up to 30 in 100) from cuts or needle-stick from known contaminated sources.

3.2.2 The virus can also enter via open wounds, cuts and grazes.

C:\Users\DOIACAL\Desktop\Safety Measures for Housing Officers\Sharps Policy.doc 3

3.2.3 Hepatitis B may be viable in dried blood for as long as 10 days

3.2.4 A vaccination for Hepatitis B is available and all staff who are at risk of encountering sharps or blood spills are encouraged to consider vaccination which is available from Occupational Health.

3.3 Hepatitis C

3.3.1 Hepatitis C carries a moderate risk of infection with a transmission rate of 2 – 7% (up to 7 in 100) from cuts or needle-stick injury from known contaminated sources. This virus can also enter via open wounds, cuts and grazes.

3.3.2 Hepatitis C has a long lifespan outside of the body with various sources quoting from 4 days up to 3 months.

3.3.3 There is currently no vaccine but early treatment with anti-retrovirals reduces the likelihood of developing chronic disease.

3.4 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

3.4.1 HIV is believed to have a relatively low risk. In a medical setting where needle- sticks occurred from a known contaminated source transmission rates of around 0.3% (1 in 300) have been reported.

3.4.2 For transmission to take place this requires that blood or body fluids are fresh and risk increases with deep penetrating wounds. The virus may be viable in body fluid spills for a few hours.

3.4.3 At present there is no vaccine but post exposure prophylaxis can be given.

4 Transmission of infection

4.1 The transmission of infection depends on a number of factors; the injured person’s natural immune system; depth of injury; type of sharp; whether the implement has been used in a vein or artery; and how infectious the person was at the time. Contact with blood poses the highest risk of infection.

4.2 The effects of the injury and anxiety about potential consequences, including the adverse side effects of post-exposure prophylaxis, can have a significant personal impact on an injured employee.

4.3 HSE know that the number of sharps injuries each year is high, but only a very small number are known to have caused infections that led to serious illness.

4.4 Contaminants, particularly in respect of hollow bore needles, are not necessarily visible to the naked eye. In the event of a sharps injury with a blade or needle you must assume that it could be contaminated and carry out First Aid in accordance with the following procedures (5).

C:\Users\DOIACAL\Desktop\Safety Measures for Housing Officers\Sharps Policy.doc 4

5 Procedure following injury with potentially contaminated sharp

Procedure
Responsibility 1 Encourage the wound to gently bleed, ideally holding it under running water All Staff 2 Wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap
• do not scrub the wound whilst you are washing it • do not suck the wound All Staff 3 Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing All Staff 4 Contact your supervisor/manager immediately
All Staff 5 If the sharps are associated with a known client, ask them if they know their Hepatitis and HIV status
All Staff 6 Seek urgent medical advice via hospital or Occupational Health All Staff 7 Record the injury on an incident report form and in the accident book and any action taken Manager/staff 8 All incidents must be investigated and procedures updated as necessary Manager 9 Refer injured person for counselling and support, if they feel the need, through Staff Welfare
Manager

6 Stay Safe

6.1 Do not put your unprotected hands anywhere you cannot see – if you cannot see what you are going to touch wear appropriate protective gloves or use tongs.

6.2 Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear when handling potentially dangerous items such as garbage bags or picking up piles of rubbish.

6.3 Wear solid closed toe footwear when working in areas known for of suspected of drug use.

6.4 Staff should approach void and high risk properties with caution and be aware that needles may be discarded unseen or concealed.

6.5 Cover cuts or abrasions with waterproof plasters.

6.6 Where needles or sharps are found follow procedures for safe disposal

6.7 Under no circumstance should any member of staff be expected to touch a discarded needle with their bare hands.

6.8 All staff at risk should undergo regular training on being ‘sharps wise’

C:\Users\DOIACAL\Desktop\Safety Measures for Housing Officers\Sharps Policy.doc 5

7 Handling and disposing of sharps

7.1 Handling and disposal of used needles and other contaminated sharps is potentially dangerous.

7.2 Only members of staff who have attended sharps awareness training and have their line manager’s agreement to do so should attempt to handle sharps using the appropriate protective equipment. Staff should access refresher training in sharps awareness at least every two years

Procedure
Responsibility 1 Contact supervisor/manager on finding sharps
All Staff 2 Only use sharps bins
• do not use any other container such as cups, jars and tins • never put fingers into a sharps bin • sharps bins must not be filled more than two thirds full • sharps bins should be closed when moving to avoid risk of spills • always carry used sharps containers by the handle All Staff 3 Always take the sharps box to the sharps not the other way around All Staff 4 Multiple visible needles and sharps:
• Tongs reduce the need for bending to pick up sharps and avoid hand contact and should be used as the equipment of choice wherever possible • Sharps should be picked up directly into a sharps bin • Afterwards the area where the sharps were discarded should be thoroughly cleaned with cleansing solution • The tips of the tongs should be soaked in bleach solution or similar after use to reduce risk of cross contamination All Staff 5 Single visible needles: • Tongs or needle-proof gloves can be used but latex gloves are also appropriate to pick up and dispose of a single visible sharp • Pick up the syringe, needle or blade by the non sharp end – if the needle cap is there NEVER attempt to re-sheath the needle • Afterwards clean area and dispose of cleaning rags and gloves in yellow bag and seal. • Wash hands All Staff 6 Unseen and concealed needles: • Where there is a risk of injury from unseen needles such as cleaning gutters or undergrowth or clearing accumulated rubbish or personal effects All Staff

C:\Users\DOIACAL\Desktop\Safety Measures for Housing Officers\Sharps Policy.doc 6

thick gloves will be needed – best are ‘needle- proof’ – not guaranteed 100% needle proof so should be used with caution. • If the gloves are used to pick up needles, they may be contaminated by blood and will need to be washed at high temperature before further use. • Care should be taken when putting on and taking off gloves – any blood on gloves could be transferred to hands. • Wash hands
7 If the client who is responsible for the discarded sharps is in attendance and is compliant they can be asked to put their own sharps into a sharps bin All Staff 8 If sharps are found in an area or address a record should be made that there is potential risk and staff who may visit should be notified
Manager 9 Sharps bins and other potentially hazardous waste should be disposed of in accordance with agreed waste disposal protocols. All Staff

RELATED POLICIES

DSC Corporate Health and Safety Policy

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

No. of incidents of contact with sharps No. of injuries sustained No. days sick as consequence of injury No. of reportable infections

OTHER VERSIONS OF THIS POLICY

Housing Division

Department of Infrastructure Housing Division
&
Project Management Unit
MANDATORY TRAINING POLICY

Originally Filed: Author:

Date 05/09/2016 Checked by:

Date 01/10/2016 Approved by:

Date 01/10/2016

Revision History: No Date Author Amendment A 05/09/2016

Final draft for review B 01/10/2016

Approved for issue

Section 25 Section 25 Section 25 Section Section 2

  1. Purpose The Housing Division aims to provide the highest quality service to all of its customers. To facilitate this and to minimise risk to the customers and staff, all staff of the Division are required to undertake mandatory training.
  2. Aims of this Policy Mandatory training relates to acquiring new knowledge or skills essential for members of the Division to effectively perform the functions of their roles. This policy sets out a framework for ensuring all staff receive mandatory training. As it is founded in the principles of acquiring knowledge or skill, it should not be treated as a mechanism solely for compliance or as a ‘tick- box’ exercise.
  3. Scope This policy applies to all staff in the Housing Division. This includes permanent and temporary staff.
  4. Policy For the purposes of this policy, mandatory training is any statutory or compulsory training that the Division requires its employees to undertake:  To comply with legislation  To carry out duties safely and effectively  To reduce/mitigate risk  To maintain competency or professional currency. The mandatory training tables have been developed in partnership with the Division’s Director, managers and teams. Some mandatory training is specific to particular roles or teams, and managers may determine additional training locally. Mandatory training will have priority over all other training activities or development.
    Staff should aim to have met their mandated requirements within 18 months of the start of their employment. All refresher training should be completed within the designated time frames.
    The policy has been spilt into six sections which detail the required Departmental, Divisional, Team and Role mandatory training. In some circumstances, some staff in the Division will be required undertake the training detailed in multiple sections.
  5. Exemptions Should staff feel as though they have already acquired the knowledge or skills determined in this policy, they may be exempt from undertaking the specified training. Exemption will only apply when staff are able to evidence that they have met all the learning outcomes of the mandated training via other activities.
    In all cases, the line manager must agree exemption and instruct elearnvanninhelp@gov.im to mark attendance at the particular course as exempt.

3

  1. Responsibilities Line Manager It is the ultimate responsibility of all the Division’s line managers to:  Promote the importance of seeking new knowledge, skills and development
     Ensure staff are aware of the need to comply with mandatory training  Ensure all staff maintain learning records  Ensure staff have attended and are up to date with their mandated training  Pl

[Response truncated — full text is 101,129 characters]