Manage the safe use of continuous tunnel washers

This standard is for those who manage the safe use of Continuous Tunnel Washers (CTWs) including planned preventative maintenance. You will be responsible for developing Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) which depend on identification and control of risks associated with hazards.

This standard is for CTW Operatives and Supervisors.

​P1    manage the use of the CTW and ancillary equipment directly linked to the CTW

P2    develop, implement and manage an SSOW for blockage clearance and CTW entry, including relevant staff health checks

P3    confirm that staff are trained to recognise blockages and to report any incident that has the potential to cause blockages

P4    confirm that staff are trained in appropriate health and safety for matters when working with a CTW

P5    confirm that staff are trained to operate the CTW safely and check for good housekeeping, water and chemical flow rates and distribution

P6   confirm that staff are trained in the organisational procedures for clearing blockages including methods and SSOW not involving entry and methods and SSOW involving entry

P7   confirm that staff are aware of the precise demands of “confined space” entry    

P8   develop and implement a system for annual risk assessments

P9   develop and implement an SSOW that covers CTW risks and hazards

P10  ensure the usage of PPE as defined within the organisational procedures and industry standards

P11    use the controls affecting the operation of the CTW and ancillary linked equipment

P12    override or reset the CTW following a fault or anomaly

P13    investigate repeated blockages in the CTW

P14    ensure that incidents are investigated and corrective action taken to rectify and minimise the potential for recurrence

P15    ensure that post incident investigations are completed to determine the cause and that this is documented

P16    ensure that documentation is completed in line with organisational procedures and industry standards

P17    confirm routine safety checks are completed and that cut out systems are working correctly

P18    check that all programmable controls are operating correctly

P19    ensure those operating the CTW follow the safety procedures at all times

P20    maintain records of CTW process parameters and programmes

​K1    the roles and responsibilities of self, operatives, colleagues, other management and external agencies relating to the safe operation of the CTW and ancillary equipment.

K2    the principles of CTW operation

K3    the organisational procedures and industry standards that apply

K4    why all access areas to the CTW and co-joined working areas should be ‘locked off’ using a multi pad- lockable hasp for safety and security

K5    how to ensure constant monitoring of the CTW can take place K6     the management and security of chemicals and dosing systems for the CTW

K7    why a detailed planned preventative maintenance system should be in place

K8     how to develop and implement a SSOW that that covers the following risks and hazards:heat, temperature, air quality, chemicals, slips, trips and falls

K9    the importance of blockage reporting and post incident investigations

K10   the importance of staff training for CTW operation including good housekeeping, water and chemical flow rates and distribution

K11  the procedures for staff health checks, including notification of staff health issues, medical conditions and medications taken as part of the SSOW implementation

K12    the control mechanisms relating to the operation of the CTW and ancillary equipment.

K13    the water and steam flow systems, their maintenance and control mechanisms

K14    the importance of having a documented SSOW when using CTW

K15   statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations