1.1 Safe Working Environment

Question 1

slip / trip potential model

Controllable factors

Answer 1

Environment
Floor materials
Cleaning
Contamination /
obstruction

Question 2

slip / trip potential model

Predictable factors

Answer 2

Use
Footwear
Behaviour

Question 3

The HSL have developed a reliable and robust test method using these instruments
to assess floor surface slipperiness. The method has been used as the basis of HSE
and local authority advice and enforcement action. The methodology is based on
using two instruments:

Answer 3

 A pendulum is used in the coefficient of friction (CoF) test (Figure 1.2).
The CoF test is the HSE’s preferred method of slipperiness assessment. It is
designed to replicate a pedestrian heel strike, the point at which most slips occur.
It works in wet conditions or on clean and dry, or contaminated floors.

 A surface micro-roughness meter (Figure 1.3).
Measuring the surface roughness (Rz) (the mean of several peak-to-valley
measurements) of flooring materials allows slipperiness to be predicted for a
range of common materials.

Question 4

A minimum of ? cubic metres of space should be allowed for each worker in a work
room.

Answer 4

11 cubic metres

Question 5

The  Workplace  (Health,  Safety  and  Welfare)  Regulations  1992  set  general 
requirements in four broad areas:

Answer 5

 Working environment including: temperature, ventilation, lighting including
emergency lighting, room dimensions, suitability of workstations and seating, and
outdoor workstations (example: weather protection).
 Safety including: safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles, windows and
skylights (safe opening, closing and cleaning), glazed doors and partitions (use of
safe material and marking), doors, gates and escalators (safety devices), floors
(their construction, and obstructions and slipping and tripping hazards), falls from
heights and into dangerous substances, and falling objects.
 Facilities including: toilets, washing, eating and changing facilities, clothing
storage, seating, rest areas, and rest facilities for pregnant women and nursing
mothers.
 Housekeeping including: maintenance of workplace, equipment and facilities,
cleanliness, and removal of waste materials.