Element 4: Do / Check Flashcards
Explain the meaning of the term - Hazard:
Something with the potential to cause harm
Explain the meaning of the term - Risk:
The chance that the hazard will actually cause harm. The extent of risk is normally a result of considering both the likelihood of a hazardous event happening and the severity (consequence) if it were to happen.
Outline the main stages of a general risk assessment.
Identifying preventive and protective measures by evaluating the risk(s) arising from a hazard(s), taking into account the adequacy of any existing controls, and deciding whether or not the risk(s) is acceptable.
In relation to risk assessments explain what is meant by the term ‘suitable and sufficient’.
- Must be proportionate to the level of risk Identifies the significant hazards and risks
- Allows evaluation of the risks
- Allow suitable control measures to be identified
- Enable priorities to be set
- Remain valid over a period of time
- Carried out by competent people
Identify four groups of workers who might be particularly at risk from workplace activities.
- Young workers
- New or expectant mothers
- Disabled workers
- Lone workers / shift workers trainees
Identify the specific statutory requirement for an employer to provide a safe system of work
Section 2.2a of HASAWA puts a duty on employers to provide, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe system of work.
Additionally, they have a common law duty to provide a safe system of working
Job safety analysis is a process used to develop a safe system of work. Outline the steps to take in developing a safe system of work using the acronym SREDIM.
Select the job to be carried out. Record each individual task within the job Evaluate the risks associated with each task Develop safe methods of carrying out the tasks Implement the measures Monitor those measures to ensure that they are effective.
Explain the meaning of the term “Safe system of work”
Put simply, a safe system of work is a defined method of doing a job in a safe way. They are normally formal and documented and describes how to carry out a task without risk of harm
Outline the factors that should be considered when developing a safe system of work
The extent and type of risks _ Tasks involving a high degree of risk are very likely to need tight controls including formal written procedures. The complexity of operation – Complex operations will require a documented method of working to ensure workers carry out the tasks in the correct sequence and to the correct standard.
Accident and loss history – A history of accidents and incidents related to certain activities is an indication that you will probably require a more formal system of work. Regulatory requirements – In some countries and for certain operations there may be a legal requirement to develop and implement a formal safe system of work. For example many countries require it for work in confined spaces.
Setting objectives to establish, implement and maintain safe systems of work. Ask:
- Who will set objectives?
- Are they documented?
- Do they cover legal and organisational requirements?
- Are they in line with corporate requirements?
- Are they SMART?
Planning should provide for:
- Identifying hazards and assessing risks
- Deciding how they can be eliminated or controlled;
- Agreeing health and safety targets with managers and supervisors;
- A purchasing policy which takes health and safety into account;
- Safe design of tasks, processes, equipment, products and systems of work;
- Procedures to deal with serious and imminent danger;
- Co-operation with neighbours, and/or subcontractors;
- Setting standards against which performance can be measured.
The MHSWR require a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment to be carried out. What is mean by ‘suitable and sufficient’?
- Must be proportionate to the level of risk
- Identifies the significant hazards and risks
- Allows evaluation of the risks
- Allow suitable control measures to be identified
- Enable priorities to be set
- Remain valid over a period of time
- Carried out by competent people
Identify the 5 steps to risk assessment
Step 1 Identify the hazards
Step 2 Identify who can be harmed and how
Step 3 Evaluate the risks
Step 4 Record the significant findings
Step 5 Review and revise as necessary
Identify methods of hazard identification using internal sources
- Workplace inspections
- Talk with staff
- Accident and incident records
- Past risk assessments
- Medical records
- Maintenance records
Identify methods of hazard identification using external sources
- Legal standards Guidance (HSE)
- Manufacturer’s information
- Trade bodies
- Safety organisations
- Trade unions
Which categories of people might be considered when completing Step 2 of a risk assessment
Employees
- Young workers
- New or expectant mothers
- Disabled workers
- Lone workers / shift workers trainees
Non - employees
- Visitors
- Contractors
- Trespassers
- Members of the pub
What criteria would be considered when evaluating the risk from a hazard in Step 3
The likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of any harm, taking into account the adequacy of existing control measures.
What information would be recorded in Step 4 of a risk assessment
- The significant hazards
- The people who may be affected
- The risk and adequacy of existing control measures
- Any further actions that are required
- Reference to any documents used during the assessment
Under what circumstances might a risk assessment be reviewed
- When you think it is no longer valid
- Following accidents in the workplace
- Following the introduction of new machinery, processes or systems of work.
- Following the introduction of new legislation or standards.
- At regular intervals to ensure it remains valid.
- Following significant changes to the workforce