Health and Safety

Question 1

What are some key pieces of legislation you are aware of?

Answer 1

Health and Safety at work act 1974
Building Safety Act 2022
CDM Regulations 2015
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
RICS Surveying Safely GN

Question 2

Is it a crminal offence to breach H&S at work act 74?

Answer 2

Yes, can be punished with fine/imprisonment or both.

Question 3

What is PPE?

Answer 3

Protective clothing such as helmets, goggles, etc designed to protect wearer’s body from injury or infection.

Question 4

What is a hazard?

Answer 4

Something that has the potential to cause you harm. e.g. toxic dust.

Question 5

What is a risk?

Answer 5

The likelihood of a hazard causing harm e.g. poor weather

Question 6

When is the most recent Surveying Safely GN effective from?

Answer 6

February 2019

Question 7

What are some topics mentioned within Surveying Safely?

Answer 7

-Assessment of hazards and risks
-Visiting premises (e.g. HS matters to consider)
-Occupational health and hygiene
-Fire safety
-RICS members’ places of work

Question 8

Who is responsible for enforcing health and safety regulation?

Answer 8

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Question 9

What happened in the case of Suzy Lamplugh?

Answer 9

Suzy was an Estate Agent who after attending a property viewing went missing. Surveying safely establishes guidance on lone working so that to decrease the chances of this tragedy happening again.

Question 10

What must RICS Regulated Firms provide in terms of HS?

Answer 10

-Safe working environment.
-Safe working equipment.
-Safe systems of work
-Competent staff

Question 11

What does the HS at work act 74 do?

Answer 11

Places duty on employers to ensure HS and wellbeing of employees and other affected persons is not at risk, so far as reasonably practicable.

Question 12

What is the basic procedure for a risk assessment?

Answer 12

-Identify risk
-Decide who me be harmed and how
-Evaluate risks and decide on precautions
-Record findings and implement
-Review and update
-Advise all those affected of outcome of assessment and methods of work, or other control measures necessary to minimise or eliminate risk.

Question 13

What are some ways to ensure personal safety when on inspection?

Answer 13

Take charged mobile phone
Plan escape route
Make diary available to colleagues
Park your car close by and keep keys on you
Make sure you know who you are meeting
Be aware of aggressive occupants and dogs

Question 14

What is the safe person concept?

Answer 14

Established in RICS GN Surv Safely. Means that each individual assumes individual behavioural responsibility for their own, colleagues and others health and safety while at work.

Question 15

What is a method statement?

Answer 15

A document that details the way a work task is to be completed and prior approved. Should outline hazards involved and include step by step guide on how to do the job safely. Must detail what control measures have been introduced to ensure safety on everyone undertaking work or affected.

Question 16

In Pembroke House, what did the RAMS include?

Answer 16

-Details of staff onsite and how long work would take.
-Details of the job.
-Site specific risk assessment.
-Site specific method statement listing all tools and PPE required to undertake work.

Question 17

When is a Risk Assessment required?

Answer 17

If organisation employees more than 5 staff.

Question 18

Outline typical risk assessment?

Answer 18

1. Identify hazards present
2. Identify people at risk from the hazards.
3. Evaluate risk, considering the likelihood and severity of any accidents. Existing precautions in place should be identified and evaluated.
4. Record findings on suitable form.
5. Review risk assessment regularly

Question 19

List the ‘Six Pack’ H&S Regulations and what they do.

Answer 19

Clarify how employers comply with H&S at work act 1974.

1. Management of h&S at work
2. Display Screen Equipment
3. Manual Handling Operations
4. PPE at work
5. Provision and Use of Work Equipment
6. Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare

Question 20

What is an EWS and why is it used?

Answer 20

External Wall Systems. Type of form called EWS1 Form. Wef following Grenfell to enable valuations to take place for tall residential building. Form requires ‘qualified prof’ to confirm EWS has been accessed for safety. Form valid for 5 years and RICS have issued guidance on this.

Question 21

What is the leading asbestos regulation and what does it do?

Answer 21

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012:

-Applies to non-domestic and communal areas of domestic buildings. Non-compliance is criminal offence.

Statutory duty to manage existing asbestos in commercial property.

Question 22

What is RAAC?

Answer 22

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Question 23

Why is RAAC dangerous?

Answer 23

Concerns that type of concrete may not be durable and that it only has a lifespan of 30 years and can fail if damaged by water.