Good control practices for employers

Employers need to have ongoing maintenance procedures in place to look after their spill control and containment devices. If these devices are not maintained regularly and checked that when called upon, they can do the job they are intended to do, the consequences could be disastrous.

Here is a list of things you might think about when designing good control practices:

• Are you using the right control measure according to the amount of substance you are using?

• Are you checking on a regular basis that the systems you have will work when required?

• Do you discuss the potential dangers and hazards on your site with your workers?

• Do you use good working practices that keep the risk of exposure to employees at a minimum?

• Are the measures you are currently using, easy to use and do the work effectively?

• Do you make available all types of needed personal protective equipment?

• Do you keep maintenance records of your equipment?

• If changes to the containment system are necessary, do you make sure the health and safety risks are minimised?

As an employer, the health and safety of your employees is of utmost importance and because you are responsible for this, you should have effective measures in place to control exposure and protect their health.