The management of Tahoun Express, LLC looks upon the health and safety measures as a mutual objective for themselves and their employees. It also acknowledges its obligations under the Health and Safety at the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 ( OSHA ),and many occupations regulated under the Occupations Code have safety-related laws in the chapters for those (occupations):
a. Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 81.042 – duty of some employers to report certain communicable diseases to local health authorities or to the Texas Department of State Health Services at 1-800-705-8868
b. Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 256 – Safe Patient Handling and Movement Practices
c. Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 437 – Regulation of Food Service Establishments, Retail Food Stores, Mobile Food Units, and Roadside Food Vendors
d. Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 502 – Hazard Communication Act
e. Texas Labor Code, Chapter 51 – Employment of Children
f. Texas Labor Code, Chapter 52 – Miscellaneous Restrictions
g. Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, Texas Labor Code, Chapter 401, et seq.
It is the policy of Tahoun Express, LLC to do everything, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent personal injury and damage to property and to protect everyone, including the public, in so far as they come into contact with the company or its activities, from any foreseeable hazard and danger.
General Statement of Policy, Duties & Responsibilities
1.1 Policy Statement
Tahoun Express, LLC recognises and accepts its health and safety duties for providing a safe and healthy working environment (as far as is reasonably practicable) for all its workers (paid or volunteer) and other visitors to its premises under the the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 ( OSHA ), and other relevant legislation and common law duties of care.
Throughout this Statement, terms such as “staff”, “workers”, “employees”, include both paid and volunteer workers.
It is the policy of Tahoun Express, LLC to promote the health and safety of the staff and of all visitors to the Groups/Organisation’s premises (“the Premises”) and to that intent to:
-Take all reasonably practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all personnel on the premises.
– Provide adequate working conditions with proper facilities to safeguard the health and safety of personnel and to ensure that any work which is undertaken produces no unnecessary risk to health or safety.
– Encourage persons on the premises to co-operate with the Organisation in all safety matter, in the identification of hazards which may exist and in the reporting of any condition which may appear dangerous or unsatisfactory.
– Ensure the provision and maintenance of plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe.
– Maintain safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.
– Provide sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable everyone to avoid hazards and contribute to their own safety and health.
– Provide specific information, instruction, training and supervision to personnel who have particular health and safety responsibilities (eg a person appointed as a Health and Safety Officer or Representative).
– Make, as reasonably practicable, safe arrangements for protection against any risk to health and safety of the general public or other persons that may arise for the Groups/Organisation’s activities.
– Make suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees and of persons not in the employment of Tahoun Express, LLC arising out of or in connection with Tahoun Express, LLC activities.
– Make specific assessment of risks in respect of new or expectant mothers and young people under the age of eighteen.
– Provide information to other employers of any risks to which those employer’s workers on the Organisation’s premises may be exposed.
This policy statement and/or the procedures for its implementation may be altered at any time by Tahoun Express, LLC Management Committee (“the Committee”).
The statement and the procedures are to be reviewed each year by the management.
1.2 Statutory Duty of Tahoun Express, LLC
Tahoun Express, LLC will comply with its duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its workers and of visitors to its premises and, in general, to:
– Make workplaces safe and without risks to health.
– Ensure plant and machinery are safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed.
– Ensure articles and substances are moved, stored and used safely.
– Give volunteers/ workers the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for their health and safety.
In particular, Tahoun Express, LLC will:
– Assess the risks to health and safety of its volunteers/workers.
– Make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified as necessary by this assessment.
– Record the significant findings of the risk assessment and the arrangements for health and safety measures.
– Draw up a health and safety policy statement; including the health and safety organisation and arrangements in force, and bring it to the attention of its workers.
– Appoint someone competent to assist with health and safety responsibilities.
– Set up emergency procedures.
– Provide adequate First Aid facilities.
– Make sure that the workplace satisfies health, safety and welfare requirements, eg for ventilation, temperature, lighting and for sanitary, washing and rest facilities.
– Make sure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use as far as health and safety is concerned, and that it is properly maintained and used.
– Prevent or adequately control exposure to substances that may damage health.
– Take precautions against danger form flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise or radiation.
– Avoid hazardous manual handling operations and, where they cannot be avoided, reduce the risk of injury.
– Provide health surveillance as appropriate.
– Provide free any protective clothing or equipment, where risks are not adequately controlled by other means.
– Ensure that appropriate safety signs are provided and maintained.
– Report certain injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the appropriate health and safety enforcing authority.
1.3 Statutory Duty of Tahoun Express, LLC Workers
Employees also have legal duties, and Tahoun Express, LLC confidently requests non-employed (voluntary) workers also to observe these. They include the following:
-To take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of other persons who may be affected by what they do or do not do.
-To co-operate with Tahoun Express, LLC on health and safety.
– To use work items provided by Tahoun Express, LLC correctly, including personal protective equipment, in accordance with training or instructions.
– Not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes.
– To report at the earliest opportunity injuries, accidents or dangerous occurrences at work, including those involving the public and participants in activities organised by Tahoun Express, LLC.
1.4 Policy for Visitors and Contractors
– On arrival all visitors should be directed to the duty representative of user of the building. This person is to take responsibility for the visitor and assist in their evacuation from the building.during an emergency or arrange help in the event of an accident.
– On arrival, all visitors, including contractors and/or their workers, must sign a record of the date and time of their arrival and, before leaving, should further record their time of departure.
– Contractors working in the building should report any concerns relating to their own safety or suspected unsafe working practices to the Management Representative who will investigate and report to Tahoun Express, LLC management.
Organization of Health and Safety
2.1 Health and Safety Rules
_ All workers must exercise ordinary care to avoid accidents in their activities at work and comply with the following general rules and with any further rules which Tahoun Express, LLC may publish from time to time.
_ Accident Forms and Book The book must be kept in a locked drawer once completed.
_ Any injury suffered by a worker or visitor in the course of employment or otherwise on Tahoun Express, LLC premises, however slight, must be recorded, together with such other particulars as are required by statutory regulations, on an accident form maintained by the Organisation.
Fire Precautions
– All personnel must familiarise themselves with fire escape routes and procedures and follow the directions of Tahoun Express, LLC in relation to fire.
Equipment and Appliances
_ No equipment or appliance may be used other than as provided by or specifically authorised by or on behalf of Tahoun Express, LLC and any directions for the use of such must be followed precisely.
Safety Clearways
_ Corridors and doorways must be kept free of obstructions and properly lit.
Maintenance
_ Defective equipment, furniture and structures must be reported as such without delay.
Hygiene and Waste Disposal
_ Facilities for the disposal of waste materials must be kept in a clean and hygienic condition.Waste must be disposed of in an appropriate manner and in accordance with any special instructions relating to the material concerned.
Food Hygiene
_ When handling or preparing food there are specific hygiene requirements:
– Regularly wash hands before and during food preparation and especially after using the lavatory.
– Tell your supervisor of any skin, nose, throat, or bowel problem.
– Ensure cuts or sores are covered with correct waterproof dressings.
– Keep yourself clean and wear clean clothing.
– Remember that smoking in a food room is illegal.
– Never cough or sneeze over food.
– Clean as you go. Keep all equipment and surfaces clean.
– Prepare raw and cooked food in separate areas. Keep perishable food covered and either refrigerated (less than 8”C) or piping hot (above 63”C).
– Ensure waste food is disposed of properly. Keep the lid on rubbish bin and wash your hands after putting waste in it.
– Avoid handling food as far as possible.
– Tell your supervisor of any defects or concerns regarding the facilities – eg uncleanness,refrigeration malfunction, cracked food preparation surfaces.
Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco
_ Smoking within the premises and the use of Drugs (except under medical supervision) on the premises are prohibited at all times. The use of intoxicants (alcohol) is prohibited during working hours, and no employee/volunteer may undertake his/her duties if under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except under medical supervision)
Arrangement and Procedures
The Health and Safety Officer, nominated by the Management, is responsible for ensuring that the safety policy is carried out and that responsibilities for safety, health and welfare are properly assigned and accepted at all levels. His/her details and contact number will be displayed in the Notice board.
3.1 First Aid and Accident Reporting
3.2 Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures
3.1.1 First Aid
-The current First Aider(s) for the premises is displayed (on the Notice Board in the Reception Area).
– First Aid Boxes are provided in the following location: Office
3.1.2 Accidents
– In the event of an injury or illness, call for a member of staff or ring for an ambulance directly. To call an ambulance – dial 911 and ask for “ambulance”.
– All accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Officer or another member of staff on duty immediately or as soon as practicable.
– All accidents must be entered on an accident form, available from the reception desk. The procedures for “notifiable” accidents as shown in Appendix A below must be followed.
– The Health and Safety Officer will investigate incidents and accidents, writing a detailed report for the Management to consider the actions necessary to prevent recurrence.
3.3 Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures
3.2.1 Fire Drills
– All workers and volunteers must know the fire procedures, position of fire appliances and escape routes.
– The fire alarm points, fire exits, and emergency lighting system will be tested by The Fire Officer/Health and Safety Officer during the first week of each month and entered in the log book provided.
– The Fire Officer will arrange for Fire Drills and Fire Prevention Checks (see Appendix C below) to be carried out at least once every three months and entered in the log book. In addition, these Drills will be carried out at different times and on different days, so that all users/hirers know the procedures.
– The last person securing the premises will ensure Fire Prevention Close Down Checks are made of all parts of the premises at the end of a session.
3.2.2 in the event of Fire
– Persons discovering a fire should sound the nearest alarm.
– The first duty of all workers is to evacuate all people from the building by the nearest exit immediately the fire is discovered.
– All persons must evacuate the building and, where possible without personal risk, leave all doors and windows closed.
– The assembly point for the building is at the park by the building.
– No-one should leave the assembly point without the permission of a member of staff.
– If any fire occurs, however minor, the Houston Fire Station ( 26 or 35 ) must be called immediately by dialling City’s 911 (713)-884-3944 and asking for “Fire”.
– When the Fire Brigade arrives advise whether all persons are accounted for and location of fire.
3.2.3 Bomb Warnings
– If you receive a warning, try to find out from the caller:
i) The approximate location of the bomb and likely time of detonation.
ii) Whether the police and fire brigade have been notified.
iii) Try to RECORD EXACTLY WHAT IS SAID:
– Notify the Police immediately on 911
– DO NOT SOUND THE FIRE ALARM but evacuate the building taking into consideration any information form the bomb warning.
– Assemble in the park by the building unless the bomb warning implies otherwise.
3.2.4 Cleaning Materials, General Machinery and High-Risk Areas
– All portable machinery must be switched off and unplugged when not in use.
– Wandering cables are a hazard, use with caution and safety in mind.
– Slippery floors and dangerous, use warning signs.
– Use protective clothing and equipment provided and as instructed on machinery/equipment/material. It is the duty of a worker to report any loss of or defect in protective clothing or equipment.
3.2.5 General
– All thorough fire exits, and gates must be left clear at all times.
– Corridors and fire exits must not be blocked by furniture or equipment.
– Vehicles must not be parked near to the building so as to cause any obstruction or hazard.
– Hazards or suspected hazards or other health and safety matters should be reported to the Health and Safety Officer or the staff member on duty immediately or as soon as practicable, so that action can be taken. If the hazard is of a serious nature, immediate action must be taken to protect or clear the area to prevent injury to staff or other users.
Appendices
APPENDIX A – ACCIDENT REPORTING
– All accidents which occur during work for Tahoun Express, LLC and/or for the User/Hirer, or on premises under the control of Tahoun Express, LLC must be recorded.
– Some injuries may not be fully identified until the casualty has been to hospital. It is therefore essential that, if it is known that an individual has gone to hospital as a result of an accident, follow up action is carried out.
– Fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis, any bone in the arm or wrist, but not a bone in the hand, any bone in the leg or ankles, but not a bone in the foot.
– Amputation of a hand or foot, a finger, thumb or toe, any part thereof if the joint or bone is completely severed
– Other specified injuries and conditions:
– The loss of sight of an eye, a penetrating injury to the eye, or a chemical orhot metal burn to an eye.
– Injury (including burns) either requiring immediate medical treatment, or involving loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from electric shock from any electrical circuit or equipment, whether or not due to direct contact.
– Loss of consciousness resulting from lack of oxygen.
– Decompression sickness requiring medical treatment.
– Either acute illness requiring treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin.
– Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a pathogen or infected material.
– Any other injury which results in the person injured being admitted immediately into hospital for more than 24 hours IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT.
In the event of any of the following:
– Collapse/Overturning of machinery.
– Explosion/collapse of closed vessel/boiler.
– Electrical explosion/fire IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT
APPENDIX B – Texas Hazardous Substances Act (HSA), codified as Chapter 501 of the Health and Safety Code, is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of Texas by reducing the risk of illness, injury or death resulting from the handling or use of hazardous consumer products.
-The assessment must be a systematic review
– What substances are present and in what form?
– What harmful effects are possible?
– Where and how are the substances actually used or handled?
– What harmful effects are given off, etc.?
– Who could be affected, to what extent and for how long?
– Under what circumstances?
– How likely is it that exposure will happen?
– What precautions need to be taken to comply with the ( HSA ) Regulations?
– What procedures need to be put in place to comply with the Texas Hazardous Substances Act (HSA)?
Employers have to ensure that the exposure of workers to hazardous substances is PREVENTED or, if this is not reasonably practicable ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED.
On the basis of the assessment, the employer has to decide which control measures are appropriate to the work situation in order to deal effectively with any hazardous substances.
This may mean PREVENTING exposure by :
– Removing the hazardous substance by changing the process.
– Substituting with a safe or safer substance, or using a safer form Or, here this is not reasonably practicable, CONTROLLING exposure by:
– Totally enclosing the process.
– Using partial enclosure and extraction equipment.
– General ventilation.
– Using safe systems of work and handling procedures.
– It is for the employer to choose the method of controlling the exposure and to examine and test control measures, if required.
APPENDIX C – The Regulations limit the use of Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. dust masks, respirators, protective clothing) as the means of protection of those situations ONLY where other measures cannot adequately control exposure.
Employers must provide any of their workers and, so far is reasonably practicable, other persons on site who may be exposed to substances hazardous to health, with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training to that they know the risks they run and the precautions they must take.
Employers must ensure that anyone who carries out any task in connection with their duties under ( HSA ) Regulations has sufficient information, instruction and training to do the job properly.
Copyright © 2022 Tahoun Express, LLC. All rights reserved. RegNo 0804432112
