Health And Safety Flashcards
What are the key health and safety responsibilities of a surveyor on a construction site?
As a surveyor on a construction site, your key health and safety responsibilities include:
Ensuring compliance with regulations: Familiarize yourself with the relevant health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and ensure that the site complies with the law.
Risk assessment: Be involved in the identification, assessment, and control of risks associated with site activities. Conducting or assisting with risk assessments is essential to prevent accidents.
Providing safety guidance: Ensure that all personnel on site are aware of potential hazards and provide guidance on maintaining a safe working environment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure that the correct PPE is being used and enforced on-site, depending on the activities and environment (e.g., hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety boots).
Reporting hazards: Promptly report any hazards or unsafe working practices to the relevant authorities and take immediate steps to mitigate risks where possible.
Safety inspections: Regularly conduct safety inspections to check for compliance with health and safety protocols and standards.
What are the basic elements of a risk assessment, and why are they important?
The basic elements of a risk assessment include:
- Hazard identification: Identify all potential hazards in the workplace, such as working at heights, electrical risks, or the presence of hazardous substances.
- Risk evaluation: Assess the risk associated with each hazard by considering the likelihood of it occurring and the severity of the potential outcome.
- Control measures: Determine appropriate measures to control or eliminate the risk, such as introducing safety protocols, providing PPE, or making environmental changes.
- Implementation: Ensure that the control measures are put in place and maintained regularly.
- Review and monitor: Continually monitor the risks and review the effectiveness of the control measures, adjusting them as necessary.
Importance:
Risk assessments are critical to ensure the health and safety of all workers, contractors, and visitors on site.
They help to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities by addressing hazards proactively.
They provide a systematic approach to managing safety in a way that complies with legal obligations, reducing the risk of legal consequences.
What is the significance of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) is a primary piece of legislation governing health and safety in the UK. Its significance lies in:
Establishing a legal framework: It sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and others to ensure health and safety at work.
Employer responsibilities: Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their work activities.
Employee duties: Employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.
Enforcement: The Act provides the authority for enforcing health and safety regulations, with penalties for non-compliance.
Basis for further regulations: The HSWA lays the foundation for more specific health and safety regulations, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and Working at Height Regulations.
What is a Method Statement, and why is it important in construction health and safety?
A Method Statement is a document that outlines the specific approach and procedures for carrying out a task or activity on a construction site, particularly where there are significant health and safety risks involved. It typically includes:
A clear description of the task or activity.
A step-by-step breakdown of how the task will be carried out.
Identification of hazards associated with the task and how risks will be controlled.
Details on the PPE required and safety measures in place (e.g., scaffolding, site barriers).
Importance:
A Method Statement is vital for ensuring that all risks are considered and managed appropriately.
It serves as a communication tool to ensure that workers and site personnel are aware of safe practices, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
It is often a legal requirement for high-risk tasks, and failure to produce one can lead to regulatory breaches or incidents.
What is the role of a surveyor in ensuring safe working conditions during a building survey?
During a building survey, a surveyor’s role in ensuring safe working conditions includes:
Health and safety planning: Prior to the survey, assess the potential hazards in the building, including risks associated with asbestos, structural instability, and access challenges.
Personal safety: Use the appropriate PPE for the survey (e.g., helmet, gloves, dust masks) and ensure the safety of those accompanying you.
Environmental hazards: Be aware of environmental hazards such as damp, mould, or poor air quality, and take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure.
Access risks: Ensure safe access to the building, especially for difficult-to-reach areas (e.g., loft spaces, roofs), and use proper ladders, scaffolding, or lifts as necessary.
Fire safety: Be aware of the fire safety procedures for the building, including escape routes, fire exits, and alarms, in case of an emergency.
What are the common types of hazards on a construction site, and how can they be controlled?
Common hazards on a construction site include:
Slips, trips, and falls: Control through clear walkways, good housekeeping, use of proper footwear, and appropriate signage.
Falls from height: Use fall arrest systems, guardrails, scaffolding, and proper training for working at height.
Manual handling: Control by using mechanical aids, correct lifting techniques, and proper training for workers.
Electricity: Control by using proper insulation, regular inspections of electrical equipment, and providing safety training.
Hazardous substances: Control through COSHH assessments, use of PPE, and proper storage and disposal procedures.
Vehicle movement: Control by segregating pedestrian and vehicle routes, using traffic management systems, and providing clear signage.
What is the purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and how should it be used on-site?
PPE is used to protect individuals from health and safety risks. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of injury or illness by providing a barrier against specific hazards. On a construction site, common types of PPE include:
Hard hats: To protect the head from falling objects or impacts.
High-visibility clothing: To ensure workers are seen, especially around vehicles and machinery.
Gloves: To protect hands from cuts, abrasions, chemicals, or burns.
Safety boots: To protect feet from heavy objects, sharp items, or slipping hazards.
Eye protection: To prevent injury from dust, debris, or chemicals.
Hearing protection: To reduce exposure to high noise levels.
Use on-site:
Ensure workers are wearing the correct PPE for the task.
Inspect PPE regularly for damage and replace as needed.
Provide training on the correct use and maintenance of PPE.
Encourage a culture of safety where PPE is not just recommended but required.
How do you monitor health and safety compliance on a construction project?
To monitor health and safety compliance on a construction project:
Regular site inspections: Conduct frequent inspections to ensure safety protocols are being followed, and identify potential hazards.
Audit safety records: Review accident reports, risk assessments, method statements, and safety training records to ensure that the necessary safety measures are in place and effective.
Engage workers: Hold regular safety briefings and encourage workers to report hazards or unsafe conditions.
Monitor PPE usage: Ensure that PPE is being used appropriately, and address non-compliance when it occurs.
External audits: Consider third-party safety audits to provide an objective evaluation of site safety.
