1.4 H&S Management systems - Planning

Question 1

1.4 List some examples of guidance for PTW?

Answer 1

HSG 48 Reducing error and influencing behaviour, 1989.
Paragraph 27 refers to conscious incompetence whereby an employee consciously refused to follow the permit-to-work system to help an operator. A breathing line was not assessed and an operator inhaled nitrogen instead of air.

HSG 51 Storage of flammable liquids in containers, 1998.
Paragraph 48 illustrates a permit-to-work system and summarises its expected contents.

HSG 65 Successful health and safety management, 1997 .
The section called ‘Devising Risk Control Systems RCSs’ under Inset 11, illustrates the permit to work system as an example of a management control loop, i.e. plan, do, check and act.

Question 2

1.4 List the activities that require a PTW?

Answer 2

• entry into confined spaces;
• high voltage or live electrical work;
• hot work;
• working at height;
• maintenance of machinery / plant; and/or
• other circumstances (high risk) where normal risk controls may not be effective.

Question 3

1.4 What content can be found in a PTW system?

Answer 3

1. Required isolations must be identified, adequate and secure.
2. Any residual hazards must be identified, controlled and understood.
3. The work area must be specifically and correctly identified.
4. Specific controls and checks must be identified.
5. The permit must be specific to a task and changes of intent must be prevented. Additional work must be prohibited under an existing permit. A new or revised permit must be obtained.
6. Instructions must be clear and understood.
7. The permit system and relevant control measures must be monitored by local and senior management.
8. Consideration should be given for multiple permit jobs.
9. Any other precautions which may be necessary.
10. Assess which type of permit is required.

Question 4

1.4 What is an authorised person?

Answer 4

• Is specifically appointed or designated, in writing, to administer the permit system.
• Is competent for the purpose and aware of any specific requirements relevant to the task, including legislative requirements.
• Has comprehensive understanding of the task and work area.
• Has access to specialist advice or support personnel as necessary and is capable of understanding their advice.
• Has sufficient technical knowledge of the plant, processes or materials involved in the task.
• Has specific knowledge and understanding of the actual systems on which work is to be carried out.

Question 5

1.4 Outline in detail the content in PTW systems?

Answer 5

Isolation
During maintenance work equipment should, as necessary and where possible, be isolated from all forms of danger. Typically isolations may be needed from:
• Energy sources – e.g. electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc.
• Mechanical movement or drive mechanisms.

Residual hazards
All residual hazards must be identified and, whenever possible, removed prior to any work starting (if entry to confined spaces is required, adequate procedures must be developed to ensure safety). This may involve:
• Draining down;
• Washing – water, acid, alkali, etc.;
• Neutralising;
• Cleaning – vacuuming, air blasting, abrasive blasting, etc.; and/or
• Purging – steam, inert gas, air, etc.

Identification of work area
The precise location of the work site must be identified on the permit; this may involve the use of plant / vessel numbers, machine / control panel numbers, labelling of equipment, site plans, etc. The identification of the actual equipment / area / vessel should be marked on it and be clear and unambiguous.

Specific controls or checks
Whatever specific controls are necessary for the safe completion of the work must be detailed in the permit. This should include any specific testing or checking necessary to confirm the effectiveness of a control measure, for example:
• Atmosphere testing – before entry and/or periodically during the work.
• Electrical checks to confirm isolation

Changes of intent
Changes of intent or work procedures have resulted in many accidents. Such changes are often instigated by the personnel carrying out the work or by local supervision. The permit must therefore clearly and precisely define the work to be carried out, and forbid unauthorised changes without modification to the permit and the implementation of whatever additional controls are necessary

Instructions
All instructions relevant to the issuing of a permit should be in writing and must be clear and fully understood by all concerned before the permit is issued

Monitoring
Adequate monitoring of the permit system is vital to ensure it is properly implemented. Such monitoring should check on:
• Permits are issued for defined and limited periods – a number of hours, a single shift, a 24-hour period, a number of days, etc.
• The permit is closed down and withdrawn at the end of the time period.
• Any continuations or extensions are properly authorised.
• Only the specified work is carried out with no modifications or additional work.

Question 6

1.4 Define a competent person?

Answer 6

• Over 18 years of age.
• An acceptable standard of training.
• An acceptable standard of experience and skill relevant to the task.
• Can readily identify the hazards and risks presented by the task.
• Can assess the hazards and risks in the context in which they are found.
• Can apply suitable remedial measures.
• The right personality; responsibility and attitude.
• Trained on the requirements for the permit and how it is to be administered and implemented.
• The authority to properly apply the requirements of the permit.

Question 7

1.4 Name some features of PTW?

Answer 7

• They provide specific instructions for the preparation of the task and the work location, including all of the relevant safety procedures. This greatly reduces the likelihood that no safety controls or procedures are omitted in error.
• They contain details of remaining hazards known to be presented by the task or plant and the relevant risk controls necessary.
• They contain procedures for the safe reinstatement of re-commissioning of the plant, equipment or work area. They also record the state of the task at the closing of the permit.

Question 8

1.4 What is a permit to work?

Answer 8

A permit-to-work is not of itself a safe system of work; it is a document that describes the necessary requirements for safety controls for a specific task. It must specifically define all of the safety requirements for the task and provide a traceable record and confirmation that the relevant safety precautions have, in fact, been implemented

Question 9

1.4 Name some control measures for lone workers?

Answer 9

Redesign of the task to eliminate the need for lone working. This can be done, for example, by changing shift patterns to implement a buddy system where two people work together at all times.
Provision of information, instruction and training. This might include training in the safe use of work equipment, or how to handle aggressive behaviour when dealing with the public.
Establishment of communication and supervision procedures. To ensure that a manager is able to contact the worker at regular intervals; to make sure that arrangements in the case of an emergency have been put in place; and to check that a lone worker has arrived back safely once work has been completed.
Provision of mobile first aid facilities. To ensure that lone workers can deal with minor injuries themselves.
Health surveillance of lone workers. At regular intervals, to ensure that workers are fit and healthy to carry out the tasks required of them.

Question 10

1.4 What is important to consider when dealing with lone workers?

Answer 10

Access to and egress from the place of work. Can the lone worker get to and from the workplace safely? Is the work being carried out in a confined space?

Nature of the work. What sort of work is being undertaken? Are lone workers dealing with the public, where they might face aggressive or violent behaviour?

Location of work. Where does the work take place?

Time of work. When does the work take place? We are all naturally tired first thing in the morning and last thing at night

Use of work equipment. What, if any, work equipment do they need to use? Use of electrical equipment or machinery will increase the risk.

People. Who are the people who are working alone? You will need to consider their age, maturity, experience, health and fitness, and general state of mind

Question 11

1.4 Define lone working?

Answer 11

Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Risk assessment is, therefore, essential

Question 12

1.4 What emergency arrangements need to be considered when working in confined spaces?

Answer 12

Emergency arrangements may need to consider:
• Rescue and resuscitation equipment.
• Special arrangements with local hospitals (foreseeable poisoning).
• Raising the alarm.
• Safeguarding rescuers and third parties.
• Fire fighting.
• Control of plant.

Question 13

1.4 What controls need to be in place for work in confined spaces?

Answer 13

Technical – since there is a chance of substances entering the confined space when someone is working in it, it has to be possible to lock valves off or seal openings and to keep access and emergency egress routes open. Ventilation will also be needed to remove hazardous fumes and to replenish fresh air as well as provision of adequate lighting.

Procedural – procedures need to identify who is inside the confined space, how long they have been in there, whether emergency equipment is ready and available and the right people there to use it. Checks on atmosphere before entry, and whilst work is going on.

Behavioural – compliance with procedures, e.g. the proper use of PPE such as breathing apparatus, safety helmets and harnesses / lifelines, etc.

Question 14

1.4 What is a specified risk?

Answer 14

A specified risk is the risk of:
• serious injury arising from a fire or explosion;
• loss of consciousness arising from an increase in body temperature;
• loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from gas, fumes, vapour or the lack of oxygen;
• drowning from an increase in the level of a liquid; and/or
• asphyxiation arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach a respirable environment due to entrapment by a free
flowing solid.

Question 15

1.4 What is Job Safety Analysis?

Answer 15

A job safety analysis (JSA) is a procedure that helps integrate accepted safety and health principles and practices into a particular task or job operation. In a JSA, each basic step of the job is to identify potential hazards and to recommend the safest way to do the job. Other terms used to describe this procedure are job hazard analysis (JHA) and job hazard breakdown.

One of the methods used in this example is to observe a worker actually perform the job. The major advantages of this method include that it does not rely on individual memory and that the process prompts recognition of hazards. For infrequently performed or new jobs, observation may not be practical.

One of the methods used in this example is to observe a worker actually perform the job. The major advantages of this method include that it does not rely on individual memory and that the process prompts recognition of hazards. For infrequently performed or new jobs, observation may not be practical.

Four basic stages in conducting a JSA are:

1. Selecting the job to be analysed.
2. Breaking the job down into a sequence of steps.
3. Identifying potential hazards.
4. Determining preventive measures to overcome these hazards.

Question 16

1.4 What are the 5 basic steps needed to produce a safe system?

Answer 16

1. Identify the hazards.
2. Assess the risks.
3. Define the system of work.
4. Implement the controls.
5. Monitor effectiveness.

Question 17

1.4 What 3 types of risk control is a SSOW based on?

Answer 17

Technical (design or engineering) controls are those that are applied to the hazard itself in order to minimise the risk. They may be guards, barriers, interlocks or failsafe devices.

Procedural controls define the way work should be done. They will show the exact tasks involved, outlining their sequence and checks that need to be undertaken

Behavioural controls deal with how individuals or groups of workers behave in relation to the hazard. This will include factors such as avoiding drugs or alcohol, horseplay, excessive haste, not reporting defects, and failure to follow safety procedures, e.g. not wearing PPE.

Question 18

1.4 Name 3 key elements to ensure a SSOW successfully controls the risks?

Answer 18

• Involvement of competent persons to help with hazard identification, and identifying ways to control risks.
• Employees need to be involved at all stages. Their job knowledge about the nature of the risks is valuable, especially in respect of less obvious risks and ‘workarounds’. Their views and feedback on the SSOW matters as this increases the chances of success of the system.
• If the SSOW is to be understood, it has to be communicated to those affected. Proper documentation provides a reference point for all. Written documentation needs to be

Question 19

1.4 What are the 4 elements of a SSOW?

Answer 19

People
A safe system of work should be designed to:
• ensure the person doing the work has the right mental and physical capabilities;
• ensure adequate training is provided;
• promote safe behaviour;
• ensure employees are properly motivated towards safe working; and
• exercise the correct level of supervision to ensure compliance with the system.
Equipment
A safe system of work should ensure that:
• all equipment is suitable for its intended use;
• safety specifications are considered such as ergonomics, noise, etc.;
• any specific risks presented by the equipment are controlled;
• there are adequate maintenance procedures so equipment stays in an efficient state; and
• any training required for safe operation of the equipment is provided.
Materials
Materials must be safe during use or processing:
• End products must conform to the required standards.
• Any materials used during the work process must be considered, including any by-products created during the process.
• Appropriate waste disposal measures should be employed.
Environment
A safe system must consider (where necessary):
• control of temperature, lighting and ventilation;
• appropriate controls for dust, fumes, vapours, radiation, chemical and biological hazards;
• safe access and egress;
• provision of adequate welfare facilities;
• noise and vibration;
• variations in climatic conditions;
• variations due to the time of day or year; and/or
• variations due to other persons in the work environment

Question 20

1.4 What is a SSOW?

Answer 20

‘The integration of personnel, articles and substances in a suitable environment and workplace to produce and maintain an acceptable standard of safety. Due consideration must be given to foreseeable emergencies and the provision of adequate rescue facilities.

Question 21

1.4 What are the general principles of control for RA?

Answer 21

Eliminate the hazard or risk
These first control principles can all be used to help eliminate risks, or substitute them for lower risks.

Avoid risk. If possible avoid a risk altogether, e.g. do the work in a different way, taking care not to introduce new hazards.
Adapt to technical progress. Take advantage of technological and technical progress, which often offers opportunities for improving working methods and making them safer.
Combat risks at source. Combat risks at source, rather than taking palliative measures

Develop an overall prevention policy. Implement risk prevention measures to form part of a coherent policy and approach.

Provide adequate training, information and instruction. Ensure that workers, whether employees or self-employed, understand what they must do.

Replacing the dangerous with less / non-dangerous. This involves substituting, for example, equipment or substances

Priority to collective protective measures. Give priority to those measures that protect the whole workplace and everyone who works there

Adapt work to the individual

Evaluate unavoidable risks. Evaluate risks that cannot be avoided by carrying out a risk assessment.

Control the hazard or risk at source
A twofold strategy can be adopted when considering how to ensure that people are safe at work.
1. Safe person. This applies to an individual who has received adequate information, instruction and training, and adheres to safe systems of work.
2. Safe place. This refers to the environment of the workplace and is one where the emphasis is on protective measures in respect of the premises and fixed equipment.

Information is all about improving the awareness of general health and safety and relies on the recipient to interpret the data provided

Instruction is about providing specific information, e.g. tool box talks or written documents outlining how a particular process should be followed.

Training uses two-way forms of communication, with information being given and then understanding tested or checked

Minimise the hazard by the design of safe work systems
Statutory requirements
If, after assessing a certain risk, the employer believes there is some residual risk, which cannot be avoided or reduced by other means, safety signage to warn of the hazard should be provided.

1. Prohibition
   These are directed at stopping dangerous behaviours.
2. Fire fighting equipment
   These signs identify equipment and locations, for example, fire extinguisher points and hose reel instructions.
3. Warning (hazard)
   These indicate a need to be careful and take precautions in respect of a particular hazard.
4. Mandatory action
   These signs direct the taking of specific action or behaviour. For example ‘Safety Boots Must Be Worn’.
5. Safe conditions
   These identify safe behaviour or places of safety. For example, ‘Emergency Escape Route’.

The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is worn or held by persons at work to protect them from risks to their health and safety. PPE should only be used as a last resort, because:
• it only protects the person wearing it and not others working close by;
• it relies on people wearing the equipment at all times, and properly; and
• it wears out and must be replaced, and therefore doesn’t provide adequate protection when nearing the end of its life.

Question 22

1.4 Outline the special considerations for RA?

Answer 22

Young persons
Risk assessments involving young persons need to consider the vulnerability of young people at work. They have a lack of experience and awareness of workplace risks and tend to bow to peer pressures. They are also more vulnerable to physical, biological and chemical hazards than adults.

The key issues to cover are:
• work activity;
• prohibited equipment;
• health and safety training to be provided; and
• supervision arrangements.
Young people should not be employed to do work that:
• is beyond their capability, physically and psychologically;
• exposes them to harmful substances;
• exposes them to radiation;
• involves risk of accidents caused by their lack of experience; and/or
• involves extreme heat, noise or vibration.

Expectant and nursing mothers
If any type of work could present a particular risk to expectant or nursing mothers then the risk assessment must include this
Should risks be unavoidable then working conditions or hours must be altered to allow her to avoid the risk. The alternatives are to offer alternative work or be suspended from work on full pay.

Disabled workers
Risk assessments are required to ensure that appropriate control measures are in place to protect them. This may require modifications to the fire alarm system to incorporate flashing lights for hearing-impaired staff.

Lone workers
People working alone should not be at more risk than any other worker. Things to consider include:
• Does the workplace present a risk to someone working alone?
• Is there safe access and egress?
• Can equipment be safely handled by one person?
• Is there a risk of violence?
• Would women or young persons be at particular risk?
• Is the worker medically fit and a suitable candidate for lone working?
• Is any specific training or supervision required?

Question 23

1.4 What is the hierachy of control for RA?

Answer 23

1. Elimination of the hazard if possible, thus removing the risk.
2. Using controls (i.e. physical or engineering) that reduce the risk at source and provide collective protection.
3. Control of risks to the person by means of softer measures such as safe systems of work, information, instruction, training and supervision, job design or, only as the last resort, PPE.

Eliminate
This basically means that if the risk is caused by a chemical, machine or process then you should always try and look to eliminate the substance or work practice

Reduce or replace
It may be possible to reduce the physical quantity of risk and thereby reduce the effect on people.

Isolate
If the hazard must be retained, for example when using a bench saw (rotating blade), then the most effective control is to place a physical barrier between the hazard and the operator.

Control
If the above options are impracticable, it may be necessary to control the people who are carrying out the tasks, or the way in which the task is performed.

Personal Protective Equipment
This includes anything that is used or worn by an employee to protect them from hazards.

Discipline
This can be expressed as the self-discipline required from competent and motivated individuals who adhere to established procedures, based on sound management procedures and, as a last resort, the company disciplinary procedures used to deter bad practice.

Question 24

What is the RA process?

Answer 24

Step 1 – Hazard identification
People
Examples could include untrained operators, reckless staff, personnel with a mental health or physical disability

Equipment
Examples could include sharp tools, hot machine parts, moving machinery, energy sources, instability of equipment, obstructions, manual handling of heavy items,

Materials
Most work processes will involve potential contact with possibly harmful materials, either those used directly as part of the task, or from materials that are encountered during the task.

Step 2 – Identify populations at risk
• Operatives – often involved in production style activities and may have little control over their work routines or the environment in which they work. Issues to consider could include upper limb disorders (ULDs), slips, trips and falls, fatigue issues and equipment risks.
• Maintenance staff – injuries for this group of people are usually as a result of poor access or egress, poorly planned infrequent maintenance activities and lone working.
• Members of the public and visitors – these people are not usually familiar with the site so are often unaware of the hazards that exist.
• Cleaners – usually at higher risk from the equipment and chemicals that they are using, coupled with the fact that they are often lone working.
• Contractors – often involved in work that carries a high risk due to the complexity or nature of the task. In addition, they are often not familiar with the workplace hazards so may not be as equipped to deal with them as employees.
• Vulnerable people – this group includes persons with disabilities, young or inexperienced persons and expectant mothers.

Step 3 – Evaluating risk and the adequacy of control measures
This will vary according to circumstances but might depend on factors such as:
• competency of workers;
• attitudes of staff / supervision levels;
• environmental considerations, e.g. lighting, temperature, floors;
• frequency and duration of exposure to the hazard; and
• the probable severity (or consequence) if the hazardous event occurs. The probable severity will be affected by circumstances, e.g. first aid provision, PPE, protective devices, remoteness, etc.

Step 4 – Record the significant findings
• Significant hazards and associated risks (including tasks, processes or activities, plant involved).
• Persons affected.
• Existing control measures and required actions (with responsibilities) / details of training and information for staff.
• Level of risk / means of prioritising risk.
• Review date.
• Name of assessor, date, position, etc

Step 5 – Review the risk assessment
Circumstances when a review would be necessary would include where there is:
• a significant change to process, workplace and/or activity;
• a change to personnel, e.g. introduction of non-English speaking workforce;
• an increase in accidents / incidents or a serious accident / near miss;
• a time lapse – reviews should be carried out periodically (no longer than five years);
• a change in legislation;
• employee complaints or observations; and/or
• any other valid reason.

Question 25

1.4 Outline the RA process?

Answer 25

STEP 5: Review your assessment from time to time and revise if necessary.

STEP 4: Record your findings.
STEP 3: Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide if existing precautions are adequate or more should be done.
STEP 2: Decide who might be harmed and how.

STEP 1: Look for the hazards.

Question 26

1.4 What are the criteria for a suitable and sufficient RA?

Answer 26

The risk assessment should identify the risks arising from or in connection with work.

The level of detail in a risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk

The level of risk arising from the work activity should determine the degree of sophistication of the risk assessment

Whenever specialist advisers are used, employers should ensure that the advisers have sufficient understanding of the particular work activity they are advising on; this will often require effective involvement of everyone concerned – employer, employees and specialist.

Large and hazardous sites will require the most developed and sophisticated risk assessments, particularly where there are complex or novel processes.

Risk assessments must also consider all those who might be affected by the undertaking, whether they are workers or others such as members of the public

Employers and the self-employed are expected to take reasonable steps to help themselves identify risks

They should also look at and use relevant examples of good practice from within their industry

The risk assessment should be appropriate to the nature of the work and should identify the period of time for which it is likely to remain valid

The risk assessment should lead to the development of suitable control measures for all of the identified risks inherent in a particular work activity. As a general rule in health and safety law, a specific duty will take precedence over a general one that makes the same requirement.

Question 27

1.4 Who should be in a RA team and what should they consider?

Answer 27

• a team leader (usually a manager) who will take overall responsibility for ensuring that the risk assessments take place;
• a supervisor / line manager who has a working knowledge of the process or activity being assessed; and
• worker representatives who are able to provide a perspective on the task or work activity actually taking place

Factors to consider when outlining a risk assessment training programme are:
• Understanding the legal requirements with regards to risk assessment;
• Hazard identification and risk evaluation;
• Identification and selection of appropriate control measures;
• Reminder of own limitations, i.e. when to call in specialist assistance;
• How to access information sources, e.g. accident records, ACoPs, relevant legislation;
• The need for good report writing skills; and
• The ability to interpret regulations and standards.

Question 28

1.4 Explain the loss causation model?

Answer 28

The Loss Causation Model shows that incidents and accidents result from ‘unsafe’ acts and/or conditions. The term ‘unsafe’ refers to the fact that the standard of performance is below the level that is both acceptable and achievable, and will not provide an adequate level of safety.

Loss
People
Property
Process
Incident
Contact with equipment or hazardous substance
Immediate causes
Unsafe acts and conditions
Basic causes
Job factors
Personal factors
Lack of control
Inadequate risk management programme
Inadequate standards in the workplace
Poor compliance to standards 

Unsafe acts
Unsafe conditions
Not using or removing safety devices.
Not following procedures.
Not using personal protective equipment.
Operating equipment without authority.
Servicing equipment in operation.
Operating at unreasonable work rates.
Incorrect storage and handling.
Horseplay.
Under influence of drugs or alcohol.
Inadequate safety devices.
Inadequate procedures.
Incorrect protective equipment.
Unsafe systems of work.
Defective tools, equipment or materials.
Fire and explosion hazards.
Poor housekeeping; disorderly workplace.
Hazardous environmental conditions.
Poor ergonomic design of workplace

Question 29

1.4 Define accidents, ill health, dangerous occurrences, near misses and damage only?

Answer 29

Accidents are undesired and unplanned events that may cause injury, damage or loss of output.
Ill health arises from conditions in the workplace – for example, the development of asbestosis

A dangerous occurrence is an incident that does not result in a reportable injury or loss, but could have done.

Near misses are accidents that do not result in injury or loss, but have the potential to cause harm.

Damage only is when only property or material items have been involved. For example, a delivery van reversing into the loading bay may hit the bay doors

Question 30

1.4 Define RA?

Answer 30

Risk assessment
This involves identifying suitable preventive and protective measures by evaluating the risks that arise from the hazard/s. Existing controls are considered to see if they are acceptable or if more is required.

Question 31

Define risk?

Answer 31

Risk
Risk is the likelihood of the potential harm being realised. This takes into account the circumstances of exposure to the hazard, coupled with the severity of harm in that event

Question 32

1.4 What is a hazard?

Answer 32

A hazard is something that has potential to cause harm (loss) – for example, articles, substances, working practices, the environment, nature of the job. Examples could include tools, hazardous substances, equipment, working environments and shift working.

Question 33

1.4 What are the specific requirements where RA must be conducted?

Answer 33

• Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
• Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992.
• Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

Question 34

1.4 What is the flowchart for the procedure of risk assessments?

Answer 34

1. Establish a programme of risk assessment at work.
2. Structure the assessment (decide on the approach: geographical / functional / process / flow).
3. Collect information (jobs, environment, management methods, past experience).
4. Identify hazards.
5. Identify those at risk.
6. Identify patterns of exposure among those at risk.
7. Evaluate the risks (the probability of harm / severity of harm in actual circumstances).
8. Check whether existing control measures are adequate to control the risks.
9. Investigate options for eliminating or controlling risks.
10. Prioritise action and decide on suitable control measures.
11. Implement controls.
12. Record the risk assessment.
13. Measure the effectiveness of the controls.
14. Review (if changes are introduced, or periodically).
15. Monitor the programme of risk assessment.

Question 35

1.4 What are the purposes of RA?

Answer 35

• Prevention of occupational risks
• Provision of information to workers
• Provision of training to workers
• Organisation and means to implement the necessary measures

Question 36

1.4 What sources of H&S information are there?

Answer 36

Legislation
Prime sources, which give the precise legal requirement. However, changes and amendments could be missed if there is no formal updating process followed.

HSE
The HSE publishes both Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance notes.

Manufacturers’ data
Manufacturers are obliged to provide adequate information about the equipment or substances that they provide.

Trade associations
Bodies such as the CBI

British, European and international standards
The BSI – www.bsigroup.co.uk – provides information that usually exceeds the legal minimum standards

International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The ILO is the global body that deals with labour standards and fundamental rights and principles at work

World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system.

Professional bodies
IOSH – www.iosh.org.uk – and NEBOSH – www.nebosh.org.uk

Internal information
This consists of information such as accident / incident / ill health / absence records, investigation and audit reports, workplace inspections, maintenance records

Question 37

1.4 What is important to consider when setting H&S objectives?

Answer 37

• Who will set and achieve the objectives and how they will be documented.
• The legal and other requirements.
• The hazards and risks involved.
• Technological options.
• The financial, operational and business requirements and the views of interested parties.

 Goals should be:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Timely