by old jock » Mon May 14, 2012 9:13 am
Oh don't get me started on the "Health & Safety" Wombles. Used to work all over the place on power stations & with the possible exception of Australia, UK is one of the worst for stupidity.
One site which is owned by a big oil multi for example, flame proof ovies, gloves at all times (even inside a control cab, had to wear rubber gloves while typing on a laptop), safety boots, high viz jacket, hard hat, ear protection (at all times), eye protection at all times. You were knackered by the time you walked a 100 yards and couldn't see or hear sod all. I go into the engine compartment of the unit I'm working on and go right on my arse. Why because the floor is swimming in oil and I can't see a thing because of all the shit I'm wearing. If they were so concerned about safety perhaps a wee wipe of the floor might be an idea. Instead they flood it with H&S people to spy on you.
Oh and don't get me started on work permits, hazardous areas and enclosed spaces. Another job different company, I'm in the inlet of a running engine to check something (no hazard of me getting sucked into the engine in the area I was in) but with all the air passing from the outside into the engine, it's blowing a fair old wind in there. H&S muppet has to go in first with a gas sniffer, there is no gas; between me and the outside are a few filters and its blowing a very stiff breeze............then he puts it down and the bloody thing nearly gets sucked into the engine.
These people are there for your safety
It's all about not getting sued and insurance liability they couldn't care if I lived or died (well they do really because it gives them an awful lot of paperwork to fill out).
Apologies totally Off Topic I'll get ma coat