DHF Manual Will Help Lift On-Site Safety Standards

Safety standards on site are set to rise following a major initiative from the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF), the voice of the UK industrial and commercial door and shutter industry.

It has produced a comprehensive site safety manual which is being made available for use by all employees of DHF member companies.

Entitled To Be Safe Think Safe, the manual gives wide-ranging safety guidance not only to new recruits to the metal door and shutter industry but also to experienced installers, supervisors managers and employers. Much of the information on safety precautions and working practices and procedures has been drawn from Health & Safety Executive (HSE) documents. The manual also signposts users to relevant HSE Guides to find further information.

Topics covered in the manual include training, general health and safety guidance, fire precautions, safe working access, electricity and fall protection equipment. The manual has been written by DHF health and safety advisor Paul Milner, a former specialist inspector with the HSE.

Said Ian Wood, DHF chief executive officer: 'Preventing and reducing the severity and incidence of on-site injuries and deaths is everyone‚s responsibility. We sincerely hope this new safety manual will play a part in raising safety standards on site.

'All employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their staff so it‚s right and proper that we should help DHF member companies meet those obligations. Being able to distribute this useful manual to all their staff is an important step in helping them meet their statutory responsibilities.'

The site safety manual is available to members of the DHF at £1.50 each and to non members at £4 each. To order manuals, or for more information about joining the DHF, contact the secretary, 42 Heath Street, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7JH. Phone: 01827 52337. Fax: 01827 310827. Email: michael.skelding@dhfonline.org.uk. Or visit http://www.dhfonline.org.uk.