Health and safety - L1

Question 1

What health & safety legislation are you aware of?

Answer 1

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012,

Question 2

Is it a criminal offence to breach the H&S at Work Act 1974?

Answer 2

Yes, breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are criminal offences and can result in prosecution.

Question 3

Tell me about your employer’s health & safety policy?

Answer 3

Undertake annual DSE assessment
hostile sites database
lone working policies
HS&E reporting system

Question 4

What are your health & safety duties as an individual surveyor?

Answer 4

To comply with legislation, follow employer policies, undertake risk assessments, and ensure personal and public safety while on-site.

Question 5

What guidance does the RICS produce about H&S?

Answer 5

RICS provides guidance on topics like “Surveying Safely” and risk management in various professional environments.

Question 6

Tell me something you understand from reading Surveying Safely.

Answer 6

Effective 2019
covers the safe person concept - about each individual assuming individual behavioural responsibility for their own, others and colleagues health and safety at work

Question 7

What must Regulated Firms provide?

Answer 7

Firms must have adequate health and safety policies, training, and resources to ensure compliance and safeguard employees.

Question 8

What happened in the case of Suzy Lamplugh?

Answer 8

Suzy Lamplugh, a surveyor, went missing during a client meeting, highlighting the need for lone worker safety protocols.

Question 9

Why is this important for surveyors?

Answer 9

Surveyors often work alone, so implementing robust safety measures (like check-in systems) is crucial to mitigate personal risk.

Question 10

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Answer 10

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including helmets, gloves, eye protection, and safety footwear.

Question 11

What is a risk?

Answer 11

The likelihood and severity of harm occurring as a result of exposure to a hazard.

Question 12

What is a hazard?

Answer 12

Anything that has the potential to cause harm, such as asbestos or unsafe structures

Question 13

How would you undertake a risk assessment before attending site?

Answer 13

Identify site-specific hazards, assess potential risks, consult safety guidelines, and implement necessary control measures (e.g., PPE, safe working practices).

Question 14

What is asbestos?

Answer 14

A naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction, now known to cause serious health issues, including lung disease.

Question 15

What legislation are you aware of in relation to asbestos?

Answer 15

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 governs how asbestos must be managed and disposed of.

Question 16

What do you understand by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?

Answer 16

The regulations impose a duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties, including identification, risk assessment, and appropriate controls.

Example of this being non-domestic properties I manage in Rye.

Question 17

Who is the duty holder?

Answer 17

The duty holder is typically the property owner or manager responsible for maintaining asbestos safety in the premises.

Question 18

When was asbestos banned?

Answer 18

The use of asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999.

Question 19

What is occupational health?

Answer 19

Occupational health focuses on the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses and the promotion of worker well-being.

Question 20

Why is it important? (occupational health)

Answer 20

It ensures long-term health, safety, and productivity in the workplace by minimizing exposure to occupational hazards.

Question 21

What are the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015?

Answer 21

CDM 2015 aims to ensure health and safety in construction projects by clearly defining duties for designers, contractors, and clients.

Question 22

What is a notifiable project?

Answer 22

A project that lasts longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers or exceeds 500 person-days.

Question 23

Tell me about your understanding of the Equality Act 2010.

Answer 23

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination in the workplace and ensures reasonable adjustments are made for disabled persons.

Question 24

Tell me about your understanding of fire safety?

Answer 24

Fire safety is about identifying risks, and implementing measures and compliance with fire regulations - Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

Question 25

Explain what RIDDOR is.

Answer 25

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurances Regulations 2013 require the reporting of workplace injuries to the HSE
an example of this was on a site visit I was bitten by a tic, i reported this to my line manager, and had to be reported to HSE

Question 26

Explain any recent changes to Part B that you are aware of.

Answer 26

Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations was recently updated with changes to guidance on external fire spread and combustible materials in high-rise buildings.

Question 27

Explain your understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Answer 27

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces a framework for the safety management of high-rise residential buildings, including building safety cases and the creation of accountable persons.