A significant number of occupational accidents are related to moving around the client company’s premises, either inside or outside the buildings (e.g. static surveillance, rounds and surveillance patrols). These are mainly falls on the same level and those from a height, resulting in fractures, sprains, contusions, …

Check the following issues through visual inspection of work areas:

Collisions, bumps and jamming involve fixed objects (idle machinery, tools, furniture, …), or moving objects (machines placed in passageways, vehicles, sliding doors, …).

This is particularly important for static surveillance and rounds.

Check the following issues through visual inspection of work areas:

• The circulation of people and vehicles should be properly organised (sufficient clearance must be allowed between vehicle traffic routes and doors, gates, passages for pedestrians, corridors and staircases).
• Sufficient lighting should be provided (especially in stairwells and passageways).
• Warning indicators should be installed when the risk of collisions, bumps and getting jammed cannot be prevented through other measures. Make sure the client informs you (the private security services company) and the private security guards about the risks and measures in place.

Ensure that the electrical system, as well as the gas and water supplies are safe. Some examples: all the exposed conductive parts are connected to the earthing system; all safety devices and switches are in place and they work well; there are measures in place to protect electrical equipment from water; …

• The electricity, gas and water supplies at the client company must comply with the relevant safety regulations and be maintained by competent people in accordance with regulations.
• There should be restricted access to electricity, gas and water premises.

Noise is an unwanted sound.

• **Possible sources: **noise of the building’s installations, of machinery, of office equipment, detonation of ammunition during shooting practice, noise by human beings, crowds, …
• Noise can cause considerable hearing damage. The intensity (loudness) and exposure duration determine whether noise is hazardous. Rule of thumb: ‘private security guards should be able to hear each other at one metre distance without raising their voice’.
• Noise can also be a source of annoyance and disturbance, if it interferes with the job or if the job is very complex.

**Make sure the client informs you (security company) and the private security guards **about the risks and measures in place.

Check whether the client:

• Has identified the source(s) of the noise + limit or reduce noise at source.
• Ensures technical maintenance of workplaces, installations, …
• Provides work signs and PPEs.

Promotes working habits and behaviour that are not noisy.

CHEMICAL HAZARDS

• What? There is a whole series of chemical products that can constitute a health risk. Depending on their properties (toxic, carcinogenic/mutagenic, irritants, corrosive), the way in which they enter the body (through inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact, or contact with an open wound) and the quantity absorbed, they may adversely affect the health to a lesser or greater extent. Some volatile chemicals and flammable dust pose a fire and explosion risk.

• Who? Private security guards may be exposed to hazardous products from the client company’s operations during surveillance activities and rounds.

• Make sure the client informs you (the security services company) and the private security guards about the risks and measures in place (e.g. PPEs such as mouth masks, gloves, …; procedures in case something goes wrong).
• Check whether the client has clearly marked (labels + signs) the presence of chemical substances.

BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

• What? Biological agents, i.e. microorganisms, cell cultures and parasites living in the human body, which may cause infections, allergies or poisoning. These microorganisms can penetrate the human body through a wound, an animal bite or needle injuries. They can also be inhaled or swallowed. There is a risk of viral and bacteriological infections such as HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis, tetanus, legionella, …
• Who? All private security staff in specific work environments such as hospitals or with eventual biological risks.

Make sure the client informs you (the private security services company) and the private security guards about the risks and measures in place (e.g. required vaccinations).

**SCANNERS / X-RAY MACHINES. **The use of equipment which generates radiation or working in areas close to radiation sources entails a risk of tissue being destroyed and/or irreversible effects on health.

WHERE?

• Scanners at access control (airports, public buildings, …).
• The screening of mail, packages, suitcases, …
• Rounds in monitored or secured areas in hospitals (radiology, nuclear medicine departments), nuclear power plants, …

Make sure the client informs you (the private security services company) and the private security guards about any radiation sources at the place of work, about the risks associated with them and the preventive measures to be adopted.

Check the following issues:

• Warning signs should be placed in monitored/secured areas.
• The instruction manual as well as any documentation relating to the use of the machine should be placed in close proximity to it.
• The sources should be monitored (to prevent leaks).
• Type-approved machines (marked CE) should be used or it should be made sure that the machines being used comply with European regulations.
• Periodical technical inspection of the equipment should be ensured.

Whether it is inside a building or in outside workstations, minimal conditions in terms of ambient factors (humidity, ventilation, temperature, lighting) must be observed. These conditions must be fulfilled taking into account the specificities of the workstations, the level of physical activity required as well as the security officer´s clothing.

Following requirements should be met in order to guarantee a comfortable, healthy and safe working environment for security staff:

• a sufficient quantity of fresh, healthy air
• a constant and smooth indoor temperature
• sufficient natural light and/or mechanisms ensuring adequate artificial lighting.

**Check the following issues: **

• A sufficient supply of fresh air should be provided in enclosed working spaces.
• If necessary, air conditioning, ventilation and/or (de)humidification of the air should be provided.
• Private security guards operating in bad/extreme weather conditions (exposure to extreme heat/sunlight/cold) should be protected (shelter, heating).
• Sufficient and adequate lighting (as much natural light as possible) should be provided in all work areas, esp. in stairwells and passageways. Also in outdoor working areas!
• Lights should regulated separately.

Security guards should be provided with the following facilities, if and when necessary in view of their shift and taking the specific national legal provisions into account:

• changing room (dressing room)
• break areas
• sanitary facilities.

The tasks during a fire alarm should be clear to all private security guards: fire fighting, evacuation procedures (guiding visitors, blocking entrances), emergency first aid, … This should be tested and exercised during regular drills.

All emergency exits should be clearly marked and easy to open (not blocked).