Element 5:- Health and Safety Risk Assessment

Question 1

what is Hazard:

Answer 1

– Something with the potential to cause harm

Question 2

what is Suitable and Sufficient Risk:

Answer 2

– Likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of the harm

Suitable and Sufficient
• Be proportionate to the level of risk
• Ensure that all aspects of work activity are covered
• Take account of the way the work is organised
• Identify the significant hazards and risks
• Evaluate the risks
• Identify control measures
• Enable priorities to be set
• Residual risk low

Question 3

Competence of Risk Assessor

Answer 3

• Experience and training in risk assessment techniques
• Knowledge of process or activity
• Technical knowledge of the plant or equipment
• Good communication and report writing skills
• Ability to interpret legislation and guidance
• Possess right attitude
• Knows limitations

Question 4

5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Answer 4

• Identify the hazards
• Decide who might be harmed and how
• Evaluate the risks and the existing precautions
• Record the findings
• Review the assessment and revise if necessary

Question 5

Identifying hazards:

Answer 5

• Task observation
• Accident, ill-health or near miss data
• Workplace inspections
• Job safety analysis
• Legal standards

Question 6

Hierarchy of Control:

Answer 6

• Eliminate
• Reduce
• Isolate
• Control
• PPE
• Discipline

Question 7

When assessment should be reviewed:

Answer 7

• After an accident/incident
• New equipment
• Changes to equipment, plant, process
• Changes in personnel
• Changes in legislation
• Result of monitoring or audit
• Action by enforcing authority
• New information becomes available

Question 8

Why young persons at risk:

Answer 8

• Lack of experience and/or training
• Body not fully developed
• More likely to take risks
• Respond to peer group pressure
• Be over enthusiastic

Question 9

Risks to Young Workers

Answer 9

• Their physical condition
• The workplace
• Physical, Biological and chemical hazards
• The work equipment
• The organisation of work and processes
• Health and safety training

Question 10

Risks to New and expectant mothers:

Answer 10

• Ergonomic
• Manual handling
• Extremes of temperature
• Personal protective equipment
• Radiation
• Chemical agents
• Biological hazards
• Working conditions

Question 11

Risks to disabled workers:

Answer 11

• Reduced mobility for access and egress
• Ability to access welfare facilities
• Reduced sensory ability e.g. speech, hearing or eyesight
• Reduced ability to lift, carry or move objects
• Ergonomic hazards