HSE issues new health and safety code for timber frames

The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a new health and safety Code of Practice.

The code sets out management and operational standards to protect people working on or visiting any timber frame construction site, and will be updated regularly.

All HSE inspectors will use the code and are expecting duty holders to adopt it under the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) rgulations.

Jim Johnstone, chairman of the UKTFA health & safety committee, said: "The UKTFA and its members are fully committed to improving health and safety performance.

"Like others, we are fully aware that more needs to be done to control the risks from working at height, slips and trips, manual handling and many other significant workplace hazards.

"This new code is just one way of making sure appropriate policies and procedures are in place to achieve a safer construction industry."

The code comes in the wake of fires that have hit projects in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and Colindale, north London, in the past 18 months.

Last November UKTFA announced it was piloting a scheme of third-party inspections on sites to assess fire risk procedures, drills, and the use of flammable materials.