OBJECTIVE OF LEARNING
● The reader understands the structure and content of Het Blauwe Boekje (The Blue Booklet).
● The reader learns how the Blue Booklet applies to safety, health, and environment compliance in industrial technical environments.
● The reader identifies how to access the Blue Booklet in multiple languages and formats. 📚
DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF SHE (SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT)
● SHE means Safety, Health and Environment.
● In Dutch, SHE is VGM, meaning Veiligheid, Gezondheid en Milieu.
● The Blue Booklet contains rules to protect workers, the environment, and operational assets. 🌍
GENERAL SHE RULES FROM THE BLUE BOOKLET
● Always use the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
● Keep the worksite clean and orderly.
● Report hazards and near misses.
● Follow all supervisor instructions and permit conditions.
● Prohibit smoking, alcohol, and drugs in operational areas. 🦺
TRANSPORT TO AND FROM WORK
● Operate vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
● Wear the seatbelt at all times.
● Respect internal transport rules during company-provided travel.
WORK ON PROJECT LOCATIONS
● Conduct a Last Minute Risk Analysis (LMRA) before starting any task.
● Identify nearby hazardous activities.
● Use correct and functional tools.
● Maintain safe zones for all persons.
● Respect all signage and physical barriers. 🚧
WORK PERMITS
● Begin only with a valid, signed work permit.
● Comply fully with all stated conditions.
● Stop and reassess if any condition changes.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
● Follow the applicable national standard for safe electrical work.
● Apply lockout and tagout procedures before intervention.
● Use certified insulated tools and verify absence of energy.
COMMON INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS
● Falls from height require fall arrest systems.
● Impact and crushing hazards require safe positioning.
● Hazardous substances require PPE and safety data sheet consultation.
● Noise exposure requires hearing protection.
● Confined spaces require ventilation, gas testing, and special permits. ⚠️
SAFETY CULTURE
● Everyone holds responsibility for safety.
● Address unsafe conditions directly.
● Report incidents to enable prevention.
LANGUAGE AVAILABILITY OF THE BLUE BOOKLET
● Het Blauwe Boekje exists in Dutch, English, German, and French.
● Digital and printed versions are available through authorized industry distributors.
● An internal copy may be requested via the responsible safety department. 📖
DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS
● The Dutch version is widely distributed in printed form.
● A digital personalized version exists for organizational accounts.
● The English version is available upon request to the managing industry association.
INTERNAL REPOSITORY ACCESS
● A complementary internal repository is available for extended consultation.
● The repository contains organized materials by section for direct access.
● Repository link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1v7KRn0afGFpSyakfRk3pG5LDiuGgr4D4 🔗
TERMINOLOGY AND TRANSLATION
● VGM equals SHE (Safety, Health and Environment).
● PPE means Personal Protective Equipment.
● LMRA means Last Minute Risk Analysis.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND REQUIREMENTS
● PPE minimum includes hard hat, safety glasses, and S3-rated safety footwear.
● Gloves, hearing protection, and task-specific PPE are mandatory as needed.
● Use face shields, fall arrest devices, and flame-resistant clothing when required. 🧤
TOOL AND EQUIPMENT CONTROL
● Use the correct tool for each task.
● Inspect tools and check certification tags.
● Maintain cables and hoses to prevent tripping hazards.
LIFTING AND HOISTING
● Only trained personnel operate lifting equipment.
● Inspect lifting accessories before use.
● Avoid the load danger zone.
● Control the load path and never pass under suspended loads.
HOT WORK
● Requires a hot work permit.
● Maintain fire watch and firefighting equipment.
● Protect surroundings from sparks.
CHEMICAL HANDLING
● Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.
● Wear specified PPE for each chemical.
● Label and store chemicals properly.
● Handle spills according to procedure. 🧪
HOUSEKEEPING
● Keep all areas clean and free from debris.
● Dispose of waste in designated containers.
● Keep access and escape routes clear.
TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON SITE
● Follow site speed limits.
● Wear the seatbelt.
● Avoid mobile phone use unless hands-free is permitted.
REPORTING AND PREVENTION
● Report hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately.
● Use stop-work authority when unsafe conditions are detected.
● Support colleagues by intervening respectfully.
PROCUREMENT OF THE BLUE BOOKLET
● The Blue Booklet is available in multiple translations including English.
● Digital procurement may require an organizational account.
● Printed procurement is possible via authorized industry channels. 📦
CONCLUSION
● The Blue Booklet defines essential SHE rules.
● Following the Blue Booklet reduces accidents and environmental harm.
● Integrating the Blue Booklet with internal repositories strengthens workplace safety systems.