Sources of external information
In Unit 1: Element 1 the main sources of external information were identified as shown in the diagram.
Click each button for more details on information sources outside the organisation.
In addition there are a number of professional bodies, which provide specific information relating to construction.
Subscription based databases of health and safety information, for example:
OHSIS (Occupational Health & Safety Information Service) 
,
Barbour
, or
Croner
Legislation and supporting Approved Codes of Practice give practical guidance and include basic minimum requirements, and HSE Guidance.
Note: UK Government legislation can be viewed at, and printed from:
www.legislation.gov.uk
and the HSE web pages include access to free, downloadable pdf versions of most HSE guidance at:
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns
Product information provided under Section 6 of the Health And Safety At Work Act ,
for example: safety data sheets for hazardous substances, or safe operating instructions for plant or machinery.
Relevant British and international standards such as:
- OHSAS 18001 (2007) Occupational health and safety management system requirements
- BS EN ISO 14121-1(2007) Safety of machinery – Risk assessment – Part 1: Principles.
Note: BS = British Standard, EN = Euronorm (European Standard), ISO = International Standards Organisation.
Industry or trade association guidance from professional bodies, examples include:
- The Chemical Industries Association Guidance on Selection of Occupational Health Professionals
- The Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) guidance on Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs)
- The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) publish the IEE Wiring Regulations (Institute of Electrical Engineers – now part of IET).
The International Labour Organization (ILO) publishes codes of practice on a range of health and safety issues such as safe use of machinery and construction site safety. These codes tend to be influential in developing nations.
Specialists and consultants can provide expert advice and opinion.
Relevant research which may have been undertaken or commissioned by the HSE (research reports are accessible via the website), by professional bodies, trade unions or academic institutions.