1 - Health & Safety

Question 1

What is a hazard?

Answer 1

Any source of potential danger, damage, harm or adverse health effect to humans.

Question 2

What is a risk?

Answer 2

A risk is the chance or probabilty/likelihood that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard.

Question 3

What is a risk assessment?

Answer 3

The process whereby hazards are identified and associated risks are analysed or evaluated to determine appropriate ways to minimise their effect. Risks can be high, medium or low.

Question 4

If site access is the hazard what is the risk?

Answer 4

The pathway could be dark and slippery under trees, causing slips, trips, sprains and broken bones.

Question 5

If overhead and underground cables are the hazard, what is the risk?

Answer 5

Overhead cables being in contact with metal ladder. Damaging or cutting through underground cables not buried deep enough or placed in conduit, causing electricution.

Question 6

If unsafe buildings is the hazard, what is the risk?

Answer 6

Falling masonry causing head injuries; broken glass causing cuts.

Question 7

If the location of features is the hazard, what could the risks be?

Answer 7

A large urn on a plinth may fall off and cause injury or death. A water feature near a path may wet the path and cause slips and trips.

Question 8

If trees are the hazard, what could the risks be?

Answer 8

Debris, fallen leaves and limbs causing slips, trips and head injuries.

Question 9

If topography is the hazard, what could some of the risks be?

Answer 9

Slipping and falling injuries, cuts, bruises, broken bones if slope is steep or uneven.

Question 10

If existing features are the hazard, what is the risk?

Answer 10

For example a flight of steps could cause slips or falls if steps are too steep or surface is too smooth.

Question 11

If watercourses and ponds are the hazard, what could the risks be?

Answer 11

Slipping in, drowning, being bitten by mosquitoes.

Question 12

List some ways to minimise risks on a steep slope.

Answer 12

• Construct steps with deep treads and shallow rises. Long flights of steps need landings
• Creating terraces with retaining walls and a winding path with a shallow gradient
• Install a handrail
• Use a non-slip surface
• Remove overhanging trees to avoid build up of fallen debris, moss, algae, weeds, ice, etc
• Prescribe a maintenance program (e.g. scrubbing steps, sweeping paths)
• Level off the ground
• Use lighting.

Question 13

What are some restrictions that could limit work on a site?

Answer 13

• Financial constraints (client’s financial resources may be limited; work may need to be phased)
• Boundary and access constraints for plant, equipment and materials (there may only be a small entrance which would prove difficult for standard sized machinery to be used and slow down delivery of materials and equipment)
• Topography (it may be difficult to use machinery on grade slopes)
• Legal restrictions (local bye laws or tree preservation orders may halt work whilst legal issues are resolved
• Time work can be carried out (in a residential ara work may not be able to be carried out during unsociable hours or at weekends. Seasonal weather may stop or delay work.