Health and safety Flashcards

1
Q

What is the HSE?

A

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. It acts in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain’s workplaces.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define what service the HSE provides to improve safety?

A

The HSE is there to protect people’s health and safety by ensuring risks in the changing workplace are properly controlled.
The HSE helps businesses adapt to changes in occupational health and safety law and practice.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How long should H&S data be kept for?

A

Technically forever (subject to the nature and intended use), information such as asbestos exposure may be required to monitor long term illness such as asbestosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is a Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan (CPH&SP)?

A

Developed during the construction phase by the contractor, the purpose is to demonstrate how the building will be built from a safety perspective.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the key principles of COSHH?

A

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) requires employers to prevent or reduce workers’ exposure to substances including:
-Chemicals.
-Fumes, gases, vapours and mists (paint, glue, welding, cleaning agents).
-Dusts (asbestos, silica).
-Biological agents and germs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is corporate manslaughter?

A

An organisation is guilty of a corporate manslaughter offense if the way in which its activities are managed or organised causes a person’s death and if this amounts to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed by the organisation to the deceased.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme?

A

It is a non-for-profit independent organisation founded in 1997 to improve the image of the industry. It encourages contractors and their supply chain to implement best practice.
-Aims to promote construction.
-Aims to deliver the best practice in terms of site operations (cleanliness of site etc).
-Voluntary effort.
-Delivering standards and benefitting the surrounding neighbourhood and community.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the main assessment categories within the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme?

A

There are 5 codes of considerate practice:
Care about Appearance.
Respect the Community.
Protect the Environment.
Care about Safety.
Value their Workforce.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the biggest cause of long-term health issues in the construction industry?

A

Breathing in hazardous dust and fumes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Historically, which type of accident kills the most construction workers?

A

Falls from height.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the minimum height of the main guard-rail on scaffolding?

A

950mm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

The Beaufort Scale is important when working at height externally, what does it measure?

A

Wind speed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

When are visitors or works most likely to have an accident on a construction site?

A

When they first start on a new site.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

When you last visited a construction site, what considerations did you give to your own health and safety?

A

Preparing or contributing to method statements or risk assessments.
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Attending site inductions and adhering to the contractor’s site rules.
Ensuring that health and safety was discussed at meetings.
Reporting any issues to site management.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

You are going to complete a site valuation on your own, what should you do before leaving the office?

A

Advise my manager where I am going and who I am meeting, I would also suggest a time when I am due back to the office.
Make the site manager aware of the visit and check I have the correct PPE.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What H&S hazards have you come across on your projects?

A

-Impact of site traffic movements.
-Poor lighting.
-Manual handling.
-Slips I trips I falls.
- Working at height.
-Noise.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is a CSCS card?

A

-Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
-Provides proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do.
-By ensuring the workforce are appropriately qualified, the card plays its part in improving standards and safety on UK construction sites.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What does PPE stand for?

A

Personal protective equipment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Can you give some examples of PPE?

A

Hard hat.
Gloves.
Hi-vis vest.
Steel toecap boots.
Eye and hearing projection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

A member of the public has been injured by work activities and taken to hospital for treatment. What should happen next?

A

The accident should be reported by the responsible person to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

The site has been issued with a prohibition notice by the HSE. What does this mean?

A

A prohibition notice normally requires the site to stop a particular activity straight away. The site must not resume activity until action has been taken to remove or control the risk.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What should you do first if you find an injured person on sit

A

Assess the situation - do not put yourself in danger.
Raise the alarm and call for help.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

There has been a serious accident on site. When should an automated external defibrillator (AED) be used?

A

AEDs can save the life of someone having sudden cardiac arrest when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does RAMS stand for?

A

Risk Assessment and Method Statement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is a method statement?

A

A statement/methodology that details the way work will be completed. The method statement should outline the hazards involved and include a step-by-step guide on how to execute safely.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is meant by risk assessment?

A

Identifying a hazard, measuring the risk and identifying the method of reducing the risk.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the hierarchy of H&S risk control?

A

-Top is most effective -
Elimination
Substitution
Engineering
administrative
PPE

28
Q

What do you do if you find asbestos on site?

A

Stop work immediately and ensure the area is safe (nobody else can access).
Report the matter to the Site Manager, there may be a requirement to notify the HSE.
The asbestos will need to be tested by a competent contractor to identify the type.

29
Q

Which regulations (produced by the HSE) are applicable to asbestos?

A

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

30
Q

Are you aware of any guidance issued by RICS associated with asbestos?

A

Asbestos: legal requirements and best practice for property professionals and clients - 4th edition, May 2021.

31
Q

What are the 3 most comment types of asbestos?

A

*Crocidolite
-Characterised by its straight blue fibres.
-This type of asbestos is considered the most lethal form of the mineral.

*Amosite
-Commonly known as brown asbestos.
-The second most common asbestos type - and the second deadliest.

*Chrysotile
-Commonly known for its long, curly fibres.
-Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos used in industrial and commercial applications.
-Usually white in colour.

32
Q

Name the difference types of asbestos survey available?

A

Asbestos Management Survey - The purpose of the management survey is to manage asbestos- containing materials (ACMs) during the normal occupation and use of premises.

Refurbishment/demolition survey - The R&D survey is required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment, or demolition.

33
Q

Where is asbestos commonly found in older buildings?

A

Cement gutters and downpipes
Corrugated roofs.
Floor and ceiling tiles.
Insulated boards.
Lagging.
Textiles.
Soffits.

34
Q

What is an asbestos management plan?

A

An asbestos management plan is a crucial document designed to register and detail how asbestos will be managed in a property and what activities will be engaged to ensure people remain safe from asbestos exposure.

35
Q

What should the asbestos management plan include?

A

The plan must say who is responsible for what and should include:
-The party responsible for managing asbestos.
-The asbestos register identifying type and location etc.
-Plans for work on asbestos material.
-The schedule for monitoring the materials’ condition.
-Telling people about your decisions.

36
Q

How can asbestos be managed on site?

A

-Remove - eliminate the risk.
-Encapsulate - process of applying a protective layer onto the asbestos containing material (ACM which will contain asbestos fibres and provide some protection to the ACM from damage.
-Manage - set up an asbestos management plan.

37
Q

What are the main health hazards when somebody is exposed to asbestos?

A

-Asbestosis - a chronic lung disease that can cause shortness of breath, coughing and permanent lung damage.
-Lung cancer.
-Mesothelioma - a cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen.

38
Q

When is an employer required to have a written H&S policy in the UK?

A

When they employ more than 5 people.

39
Q

Can you list 5 H&S Regulations which are applicable to a construction project?

A

-Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
-Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
-Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015.
-Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
-Working at Height Regulations 2005.

40
Q

What is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974?

A

-The basis of British health and safety law is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
-The Act sets out the general duties which employers have towards employees and members of the public and employees have to themselves and to each other.
-These duties are qualified in the Act by the principle of ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’.
-The main requirement on employers is to carry out a risk assessment. Employers with five or more employees need to record the significant findings of the risk assessment.

41
Q

What does RIDDOR stand for?

A

Reporting of Incidents Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.

42
Q

Tell me about Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)?

A

RIDDOR puts duties on employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises (the Responsible Person) to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences (near misses).

43
Q

What are the key principles of Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)?

A

These Regulations (often abbreviated to LOLER) place duties on people and companies who own,operate, or have control over lifting equipment. This includes all businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment.
-Properly planned by competent person,
-Fit for purpose
-Records must be kept of examinations

44
Q

What is The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005?

A

The regulations require employers to protect their employees from excessive levels of noise that could cause hearing damage. There are two main action levels for continuous noise:

Lower exposure action value - daily or weekly noise exposure level of 80dB.
Upper exposure action value - daily or weekly noise exposure level of 85dB.

45
Q

Are you aware of any recent amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

A

-The Fire Safety Act 2021 , the Act received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021 .
-The Act amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 with the intention of improving fire safety in multi-occupancy domestic premises.

46
Q

Can you detail some of the key changes as a result of The Fire Safety Act 2021 coming into legislation?

A

The key changes are:
-The Act provides clarification as to who is accountable for reducing the risk of fires.
-It provides that a ‘Responsible Person’ who could be, for example, the owner or manager of a multi occupied residential buildings, must assess and mitigate the fire safety risk associated with both (1) the
structure and external walls of a building and (2) entrance doors to individual flats and communal parts of the building.
-The fire risk assessment for the building must be updated to cover both areas referred to above. The Responsible Person can appoint a fire risk assessor to assist with compliance.
-Failure to comply with obligations contained within the Act could result in enforcement action being taken against the Responsible Person.

47
Q

Does RICS publish any information on how to execute your role safely?

A

Surveying safely - 2nd edition, November 2018.

48
Q

What is the purposed of ‘Surveying safely’?

A

Sets out basic, good practice principles for the management of health and safety for RICS-regulated firms and RICS members. It sets out principles for those engaged in the built environment as property professionals and includes health and safety responsibilities.

49
Q

Is ‘Surveying safely’ RICS regulation or guidance?

A

Guidance.

50
Q

What is the concept of a ‘safe person’, as outlined in RICS Surveying safely, 2018?

A

Each individual assumes individual behavioural responsibility for their own, their colleagues’ and others’ health and safety while at work.

51
Q

What are the key points of the CDM Regulations 2015?

A

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
-To ensure clients, designers, contractors and others consider the health and safety of those constructing, maintaining and demolishing the works.
-Places statutory duties on clients, principal designer, designers and contractors to plan, manage and coordinate health & safety throughout project.
-Improves safety on site through design, planning and management.

52
Q

Who are the key duty holders under CDM 201 5?

A

Client.
Principal designer.
Principal contractor.
Designers.
Contractors.
Workers.

53
Q

Under CDM, what are commercial clients?

A

Organisations or individuals for whom a construction project is carried out that is done as part of a business.

54
Q

Under CDM, what are domestic clients?

A

People who have construction work carried out on their own home (or the home of a family member) that is not done as part of a business.

55
Q

Under the CDM, who must make suitable arrangements for managing a project, including the allocation of sufficient time and other resources?

A

The client.

56
Q

How does CDM apply to domestic clients with no contractors?

A

CDM 2015 applies if the work is carried out by someone else on the domestic client’s behalf. If the householder carries out the work themselves, it is classed as DIY and CDM 2015 does not apply.

57
Q

Who are designers under CDM?

A

Organisations or individuals who as part of a business, prepare or modify designs for a building, product or system relating to construction work. Designers provide information to other members of the project team to help them fulfil their duties.

When preparing or modifying designs, eliminate, reduce, or control foreseeable risks that may arise during:
-Construction.
-The maintenance and use of a building.

58
Q

What is the role of the principal designer?

A

The principal designer has an important role in influencing how risks to health and safety are managed throughout a project. Design decisions made during the pre-construction phase have a significant influence in ensuring the project is delivered in a way that secures the health and safety of everyone affected by the work.

-Plan, Manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety
-Advise on completion of the Pre-construction information
-Eliminate foreseeable health and safety risks
-Communicate issues with H&S and risks to other members of project team

59
Q

What is the role of the principal contractor?

A

Principal contractors have an important role in managing health and safety risks during the construction phase so they must have the skills, knowledge, experience and, where relevant, organisational capability to carry out this work.

-Plan, Manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety
-Advise on completion of the Pre-construction information
-Write Construction plan
-Consult workforce on H&S
-Ensure inductions and other H&S principals are conducted
-Protect the Site

60
Q

What is the F10 notification?

A

The form which is sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to notify them of a relevant construction project.

61
Q

When is a project notifiable to the HSE under CDM Regulations?

A

A construction project is notifiable if the construction work is expected to:

-Last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working at the same time at any point on the project or,
-Exceed 500 person days.

62
Q

Who issues the F 10?

A

This is the client’s responsibility; however, the F10 is often delegated to the principal designer or H&S advisor.

63
Q

What is pre-construction information (PCI)?

A

-Pre-construction information plays a vital role in the tender documentation. It enables prospective contractors to be fully aware of the project’s health and safety and welfare requirements. This will allow prospective contractors to have a level playing field as far as health and safety is concerned on which to provide tender submissions.

-During its development, the pre-construction information can provide a focus at which health and safety considerations of the designs are brought together under the control of the principal designer.

64
Q

What is included in the pre-construction information document (PCI)?

A

Includes:
Description of works.
Client considerations and management requirements.
Environmental restrictions and existing site risks.
Significant design and construction hazards.
Health and safety file.

65
Q

What is the Health & Safety File?

A

Prepared and issued promptly following completion of the construction works containing information needed during future construction work (including cleaning, maintenance, alterations, refurbishment and demolition works). It is essential for those parties involved in carrying out future works to alert them
to any H&S risks that should be considered in the planning or carrying out of such works.

66
Q

What should the Health & Safety File include?

A

-A brief description of the work carried out.
-Any hazards associated with the materials used (e.g., special coatings which should not be burnt
-Information regarding the removal or dismantling of installed plant and equipment.
Nature, location and markings of significant services, including underground cables, gas.
-Residual hazards and how they have been dealt with (e.g., surveys or other information regarding asbestos, contaminated land, etc).

67
Q

Who should the principal designer pass the Health & Safety File onto when the project reaches completion?

A

The employer and end user.