Chapter 1 Introduction

Question 1

What duty does the HSWA place on all employers?

Answer 1

To exercise a duty of care to provide the best safety standards within the law and the bounds of reasonable practicability.

Question 2

When can the MOD be granted an exemption to normal safety rules?

Answer 2

Only for the purposes of achieving the Defence Imperative - while on operations, in times of crisis or war.

Question 3

Can establishments rely on risk assessments to give best safety practice?

Answer 3

No - the HSE recognises that risk assessments alone are not enough to give best safety practice.

Question 4

What other factors must be taken into account when making a decision about the tolerability of risks?

Answer 4

Whether the Courts would agree that risks are ALARP.

Question 5

In the event of an accident causing serious injury or death, what could mitigate a case for compensation in the Courts?

Answer 5

If a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) had been carried out.

Question 6

While small risks might only require cursory consideration, what do larger risks demand?

Answer 6

Detailed analysis to properly justify the risk imposed on people.

Question 7

The effort undertaken on the risk assessment should be proportional to what?

Answer 7

The risk.

Question 8

What is necessary to demonstrate ALARP for processing facilities?

Answer 8

1. Quantities of explosives present must be kept to the minimum.
2. Accumulations of explosives awaiting processing, return to store, or dispatch after processing are to be kept to a minimum.

Question 9

Why should concurrent processing of two or more munitions be avoided?

Answer 9

Because the activities of one processing team places its neighbouring team at risk and vice versa.

Question 10

Where concurrent processing is to be undertaken by 2 or more teams in the same process room, what MUST HoE provide?

Answer 10

Evidence that appropriate protection has been afforded to all teams.

Question 11

What does ALARP stand for?

Answer 11

As Low As Reasonably Practicable.

Question 12

In what way is ALARP used in the Explosives Regulations?

Answer 12

To describe the process of weighing risk against the sacrifice needed to further reduce that risk.

Question 13

When ‘accepting the risk’ what must Duty Holders ensure?

Answer 13

That their decision is supported by thoroughly researched and balanced arguments that can be expected to hold up before searching scrutiny in a Court of Law.

Question 14

What does effective management depend upon?

Answer 14

1. A suitably competent management organisation.
2. Suitable risk assessments being carried out and the findings being used effectively.
3. A competent work force.

Question 15

What factors make a competent work force?

Answer 15

Adequate instruction, information, supervision and training.

Question 16

What is it essential that all staff have?

Answer 16

The necessary training and competence for the work they undertake.
An appropriate understanding of the hazards and risks which may arise, and the actions to be taken, in abnormal situations.

Question 17

In relation to fire or explosion, what is the principle issue for the MOD Duty Holder?

Answer 17

The prevention of accidental initiation of explosives.

Question 18

How should the MOD Duty Holder prevent the accidental initiation of explosives?

Answer 18

By keeping sources of ignition away from explosives.

Question 19

Prevention of fire or explosion will require control of what?

Answer 19

Sources of ignition and other articles with the potential for fire.

Question 20

Why must electrical, electrostatic and electromagnetic energy be controlled in an explosive environment?

Answer 20

They have the potential to cause sparks which may initiate a fire or sensitive electro-explosive devices.

Question 21

Why must mechanical energy be controlled in an explosive environment?

Answer 21

They have the potential to cause sparks through metal to metal contact or generate heat through friction. Non sparking hand tools must be used for processes where explosives will be exposed.

Question 22

Why must heat and temperature be controlled in an explosive environment?

Answer 22

So as to prevent explosives coming into unintentional contact with hot surfaces unless the contact is intentional as part of a process.

Question 23

Where pressure is used as part of the process involving explosives what two things must be considered?

Answer 23

The safe maximum pressure and the safe rate of application or pressure.

Question 24

The MOD Duty Holder must maintain maps or drawings showing what?

Answer 24

The location of all explosives buildings and distances to public traffic routes, inhabited and uninhabited buildings on and off MOD property.

Question 25

What should the MOD Duty Holder ensure are never exceeded at all explosives facilities?

Answer 25

Authorised Explosive Licence limits.

Question 26

What should the MOD Duty Holder ensure are observed at all times?

Answer 26

All conditions of any Explosives Licences.

Question 27

What two appropriate measures can help prevent the spread of fire or explosion, or the communication of fire or explosion from one location to another?

Answer 27

Separation distances and the containment and safe release of blast effects.

Question 28

What two factors should MOD Duty Holders limit in their establishments in order to reduce the risk from fire or explosion?

Answer 28

The quantities of explosives and the numbers of people.

Question 29

Who must classify all military explosives before they can be stored or transported by the MOD?

Answer 29

The Explosives Storage and Transport Committee (ESTC).

Question 30

What must the MOD Duty Holder produce and maintain

in order to control activities in their licensed areas?

Answer 30

Standing instructions and orders in relation to the safe and secure operation of the explosives facilities.

Question 31

What must the Safe System of Work cover?

Answer 31

All activities in the explosives facilities/areas.

Question 32

What is the MOD Duty Holder’s role in the Safe System of Work?

Answer 32

1. To produce them and ensure that work is carried out strictly in accordance with them.
2. To periodically review working conditions and processes within the explosives area.

Question 33

When must the MOD Duty Holder consult IE?

Answer 33

Before undertaking any operations not covered by established procedures, instructions or methods.

Question 34

The MOD Duty Holder must ensure explosives are disposed of…

Answer 34

Safely and not as general waste.

In a way that is not harmful to the environment.

Question 35

What must the MOD Duty Holder ensure in regards to facilities, plant, equipment, handling and lifting equipment for explosives?

Answer 35

That they are installed, maintained and tested in accordance with current regulations.

Question 36

What categories of person must not be employed in explosives areas?

Answer 36

1. Anyone under the age of 16.
2. Anyone who is a Prohibited Person for the purposes of the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991.
3. Any person who is addicted to alcohol or controlled substances.

Question 37

What does DOSR stand for?

Answer 37

Defence Ordnance Safety Regulator.

Question 38

What is a DOSR Notice?

Answer 38

A quick and convenient means of disseminating urgent information and to initiate new policies, in advance of formal publication.

Question 39

When is a DOSR Notice issued?

Answer 39

When there is a need to disseminate material to meet the needs of policy changes, introduction of new or revised procedures, safety critical and general information.

Question 40

The Secretary of State’s Health and Safety Policy Statement applies to who?

Answer 40

All MOD personnel both Service and civilian.