7: Safe working practices, potential hazards and risk assessment

Question 1

Safe working practices include which aspects?

Answer 1

Safe working practices include aspects such as ensuring all tools, equipment and machinery are in good working order, selecting the correct tools and equipment for the task, using tools and machinery in a safe Manner and being aware of the safety of others when carrying out a manufacture task.

Question 2

Safe working practices generally include the following points:

Answer 2

· Do not operate any machinery or equipment unless you have been trained in its use.
· PPE must be worn when using machinery.
· All guards and safety measures should be used when using machinery.
· Damaged machinery or equipment should be removed from use and reported to a supervisor/teacher.
· Work areas should be kept neat, clean and free of hazards. Spillages should be reported.
· All persons must be aware of the emergency procedures, such as fire evacuation routes and muster points, emergency phone numbers, locations of fire extinguishers and emergency stops.
· Walkways should be kept clear and free from trip hazards.
· If a person becomes ill or injured or in the event of an accident, this should be reported to a supervisor/teacher.

Question 3

What is a hazard?

Answer 3

Hazard: anything that could cause someone harm.

Question 4

What is a risk?

Answer 4

Risk: the likelihood or chance that someone may be harmed as a result of being exposed to the hazard.

Question 5

What is a control measure?

Answer 5

Any action carried out in advance that protects against a possible danger or injury.

Question 6

Examples of control measure?

Answer 6

• Provide training prior to machine use.
• Provide access to machine operating manual.
• Provision of machine guards.
• Use of dust extraction system during machine operation.
• Good ventilation in the workplace.
• Provision of eye goggles.
• Post safety signs on machine and in vicinity.
• Mark out a safe zone around the machine which only the operator can enter.

Question 7

What is a risk assessment?

Answer 7

Risk assessment considers the identification of:
● potential hazards (anything that could cause someone harm)
● an evaluation of the risk (the likelihood or chance that someone may be
harmed as a result of being exposed to the hazard)
● control measures to minimise the risk.
● Not all risks can be eliminated, but the employer must take all reasonably
practicable measures to identify potential hazards and minimise the risk.

Question 8

What is important about rust assessment records?

Answer 8

Risk assessments records must be kept in any establishment where there are five or more employees and must be regularly reviewed by the employer.
● The original risk assessment as well as any changes as a result of review should also be kept on file.