Factors to be taken into account when selecting risk controls Flashcards
List the principles of prevention
AVOIDING RISKS
Not using the material or carrying out the activity eliminates the need for control
EVALUATING RISKS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be carried out
COMBATING THE RISKS AT SOURCE
Control the risk as close to the point of generation as possible to prevent its escape into the workplace
ADAPTING WORK TO THE INDIVIDUAL
Consider the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view to alleviating monotonous work and work at a predetermined work-rate and to reducing their effect on health.
ADAPTING TO TECHNICAL PROGRESS
Many risks disappear from the workplace as better processes and methods are introduced.
REPLACING THE DANGEROUS WITH THE NON-DANGEROUS OR LESS DANGEROUS
This is always a key aim i.e. using rechargeable, battery-operated, plastic-cased drills instead of metal-cased, hand-held, mains electric drill.
DEVELOPING A COHERENT OVERALL PREVENTION POLICY
Such a policy should cover technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence of factors relating to the working environment.
GIVING COLLECTIVE PROTECTIVE MEASURES PRIORITY OVER INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES
A safe place of work should be the main priority rather than a safe person e.g. control of noise at source should be the aim rather than the issue of hearing protection
GIVING APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTIONS TO EMPLOYEES
Control measures are often categorized into one of three different types.
List and explain these categories
TECHNICAL
The hazard is controlled or eliminated by designing a new machine or process, or by producing some guarding measure
PROCEDURAL
Such as a safe method of work e.g. introducing permit-to-work systems as part of a safe system of work
BEHAVIORAL
Involves education and training of operatives, putting up notices and signs, using protective equipment and generally making employees aware of the risks
List and explain the hierarchy of control measures including their categories
ELIMINATION (TECHNICAL)
Stop using the process, substance or equipment or use it in a different form
SUBSTITUTION (TECHNICAL/PROCEDURAL)
Replace a toxic chemical with one that is not dangerous or less dangerous.
ENGINEERED CONTROLS (TECHNICAL/BEHAVIORAL) Redesign of the process or equipment to eliminate the release of the hazard so that everyone is protected; enclosure or isolation of the process or use of equipment to capture the hazard at source and release it to a safe place, or dilution to minimize concentration of the hazard.
SIGNAGE/WARNINGS/ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS (PROCEDURAL/BEHAVIOURAL)
Design work procedures and work systems to limit exposure e.g. limit work periods in hot environments, develop good housekeeping procedures. Controls may include use of signs, training in specific work methods, and supervision.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (TECHNICAL/BEHAVIOURAL)
Respiratory protective equipment, gloves etc. only protects the individual
List and explain the factors affecting the choice of control measures
PROPORTIONALITY
It is the responsibility of organisations to take ownership of their risks and therefore to take proportionate (sensible) steps to manage those risks. This means focusing attention on the significant risks that cause injury and ill health, not the trivia or everyday low risks. Proportionality is achieved by concentrating on the real risks - those that are reasonably likely to cause a significant level of harm - and not wasting valuable time and resources on unlikely events with low level outcomes.
EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROLS
No one control measure can be 100% effective, so when evaluating which measure to adopt you have to take into account its effectiveness. PPE is of limited benefit because it only protects the person wearing it and not necessarily all those at risk.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS & STANDARDS
In some circumstances, legislation dictates the standard required.
COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING NEEDS
Clearly, the control measures adopted for a specific situation must be such that the user is competent to use them without creating a risk to the user or others. This may mean additional training and supervision which are an added cost.
