A7.2 Outline the use of a range of hazard identification techniques

Question 1

What are the five hazards identification techniques?

Answer 1

Observations
Task analysis
Checklists
Incidents and near misses
Failure tracing techniques

Question 2

What should someone look for during an observation?

Answer 2

• actual and potential hazards (through observing and questioning)
• less obvious, invisible hazards - such as health dangers
• behavioral aspects - are rules and precautions being followed?

Question 3

What is task analysis?

Answer 3

the division of a task into a number of steps to analyse.
This can be done to improve efficiency, but also H&S.

for example, we can look at:

• safe working methods, instructions, worker protection, rules, emergency procedures, servicing of machinery and plant
• reporting of hazards, provision of information
• layout of work areas

Question 4

What are the ‘4 p’s’ recommended by the HSE when preparing a checklist for inspections, give two examples for each.

Answer 4

PREMISES

• access, escape
• housekeeping
• environment

PLANT AND SUBSTANCES

• machinery guarding
• LEV
• chemical storage, separation, use

PROCEDURES

• PTWs
• use of PPE
• procedures followed

PEOPLE

• health surveillance
• people’s behaviour
• authorized persons