Good Practice Guide
No. 03: Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap
Management
This good practice guide is for those responsible for the planning and actioning of scrap and waste
management during work activities.
Reviewed: October 2013
Version: 02
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Next Review: Oct 2014
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide
1.
Introduction
2.
Purpose
3.
Scope
4.
Definitions
5.
Further Information
6.
Contacts
7.
Guidance
8.
Appendix 1 – Planners Guidance for Scrap Removal
Note:
This good practice guide is intended to be used merely as an aid to understanding. Use of this
good practice guide does not release those using its material from their obligations to comply with
the relevant legislation and other mandated or recommended processes or standards. At the time
of this guide being produced, the author made all reasonable effort to validate the accuracy of the
information referenced. Photographs are provided for reference purposes only.
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide
Introduction
1.
Current industry figures report that approximately 50% of accidents are a result of a slip trip or fall.
There are similar levels in non rail industries. The Project Safety Leadership Group (PSLG)
commissioned a Safety Improvement Team (SIT) project to review the underlying causes of the above
statistic. One of the identified principal issues was that of inadequate scrap and waste management
during the execution of work activities. On-site trials, in conjunction with various Network Rail Supplier
Organisations, were conducted to identify good practice in this field.
2.
Purpose
This Good Practice Guide (GPG) provides guidance and information in relation to scrap and waste
management relevant to the management of slip, trip and fall events.
3.
Scope
This GPG is for the consideration of Network Rail staff and suppliers who access the Network Rail
managed infrastructure.
4.
Definitions

Slips, trips and falls – For the purposes of this document
Slips, trips & falls that occur on the same level. This includes falls when entering / leaving
vehicles, either road or rail and falls on access routes.
It specifically excludes falls associated with working at height (e.g. from scaffolding).

Management of scrap – For the purposes of this document
The planning of work content and the identification of resources to manage scrap and
waste materials during work activities.
5.
Further Information
Further information and documentation supporting this Good Practice Guide can be found as detailed
below and on www.safety.networkrail.co.uk

Toolbox Talks

Key Point Cards

The Slips, Trips and Falls Project Report
6.
Contacts
For further information on this ‘Good Practice Guide’ please refer to contact details below:

Mark Tingay – Safety Improvement Specialist (IP - SNE)
mark.tingay@networkrail.co.uk
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide
7.
Guidance on Planning
Introduction
This process identifies a methodology to raise the profile of scrap and waste materials management
within the planning and delivery of works.
The following issues were identified during the project:

Line-side scrap was a problem

the quality of scrap and waste management is variable

the management of scrap and waste is considered to be a relatively low priority activity
Unmanaged scrap and waste material can be a significant contributor to slip, trip and fall events.
Scope
It is not the intention of this process to relate directly to the ultimate removal of scrap and waste from a
work location, or indeed the appropriate storage of scrap and waste on site as per various waste
management regulations.
This Good Practice Guide relates to the timely planning and management of scrap and waste in
relation to minimisation of slip, trip and fall events prior to and during the execution of works.
Objectives
The objective of this process is:

To promote the inclusion of scrap and waste management in planning of the works

The identification of resources and time required to achieve the management of scrap and
waste during work activities

To assist in the assignment of ownership of the planning and management of scrap and waste
during work activities – a suggested simple RACI chart is included

To support a positive attitude to manage scrap and waste during the execution of the works
rather than at the end

In conjunction with associated Tool Box Talks, Key Point Cards, etc. to raise the awareness of
the importance of scrap and waste management
Process
During the planning stage and possibly in conjunction with site visit and meetings, the planner should
identify the type of scrap and waste that will be produced during the works and identify the real time
management of waste.
Consideration should be given to a number of factors which are suggested below. Available at the end
of the GPG is a proforma assisting in these considerations.
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide
RACI Chart
RACI charts can be used in the identification of activities and posts involved in the execution of these
activities. The use of a RACI chart can assist in the planning management and monitoring of real time
scrap and waste control during work activities.
Example of a RACI Chart
Project
Manager
Project
Planner
Construction
Management
Site
Management
Site
Operatives
Other
1
Other
2
Arrange site visit
Undertake site visit and
Identify scrap / waste
onsite prior to work
commencing
Removal of existing
scrap
Identify work expected
to generate scrap /
waste
Manage generated
scrap / waste during
works
Provide feed back on
site scrap / waste
process
RACI Roles:
R – Responsible, A – Accountable, C – Consult, I – Inform
(Note: Identify against the activities who has the specific RACI Roles)
Factors for consideration in the planning of scrap and waste management during works.

Identify scrap and waste on site prior to work commencing:
o Consider volume, weight, size, machinery requirements

Is the waste hazardous:
o Potentially containing asbestos
o Hypodermic syringes or needles
o Oils
o Paint and other chemicals
o Batteries

PPE requirements

Who is responsible for removal - assign responsibilities

Who is responsible for informing the organisation responsible for removal

Access availability / restrictions

Machinery / handling requirements

Transportation requirements

Trespass and Vandalism issues – e.g. opportunities for placing waste on the track
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide

Where will scrap be positioned prior to its removal?
During the progression of the work it may be impracticable to remove scrap or waste items as
they occur immediately to their final destination. What are the arrangements adjacent to the
activity that will be required to reduce the formation of a STF hazard pending its removal?

How will machine/train movements effect the positioning of scrap/waste expected?
Machine and train movements can have an affect on the storage arrangements for scrap and
waste and allowances should be made. Also consider the impact of vehicle movements on
personnel.

Prior to its removal how will scrap be identified to staff as a potential STF hazard?
Having identified a particular location for immediate scrap and waste storage what precautions
may be needed to highlight the location to site personnel?
Is there a need to:
o Demarcate the area by fencing
o Highlight the waste by any specific method
o Provide any specific lighting requirements

How much scrap/waste is expected?
Consider, for example:
o Quantities involved
o Type
o Location where it is created
o What time during the works programme
o Potential storage locations
o Movement / handling requirements
o Assignment of responsibilities

Can it be safety removed during the works (as opposed to the end of shift/works?)
Consider:
o Interfaces with other operations
o Movement / handling requirements

Effect on access routes
Consider:
o Are access route constant through the works?
o Will they change during the works?
o Pedestrian access requirements
o Plant access requirements

Trespass and Vandalism issues
o Is the location a high railway crime area (the Route RSIM organisation will be able to
advise on this)
o Consider opportunities for placing waste on the track
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide
8.
Appendix 1 - Planners Guidance for Scrap Removal
Location
Date
Works ref
Type of works
Name
Ref
Consideration to be applied to the
following
1
Existing scrap on site.
How is it to be removed?
Refer to RACI Chart
2
Prior to scrap removal from site,
how will it be identified to staff as
potential STF hazard?
Who will identify arrangements?
Who will manage these
arrangements?
3
Prior to ultimate removal from site,
where will scrap be positioned?
Who will identify arrangements?
Who will manage these
arrangements?
4
How will any machine/train
movement’s effect positioning of
scrap in relation to walking routes,
authorised or otherwise?
Who will identify arrangements?
Who will manage these
arrangements?
5
What type of scrap/waste is
expected?
Who will identify this waste on site?
Who will manage this waste on
site?
6
How much scrap/waste is
expected?
Who will manage this waste on
site?
7
When is it expected?
Who will manage this on site?
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Comment
(Identify Responsible Persons)
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management
Good Practice Guide
8
How will it be removed?
Who will manage this on site?
9
When will it be removed?
Who will manage this on site?
10
Who will remove it?
Who will manage this on site?
11
Where will scrap be removed to,
(interim or final removal)?
Who will manage this on site?
12
Can it be safety removed during the
works (as opposed to the end of
shift/works)?
Who will manage this on site?
13
Will scrap created effect walking
routes for staff and how?
Who manages this?
14
Is the location associated with a
high level of railway crime (T&V)
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Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) - Planning of Scrap Management