Health & safety Flashcards

1
Q

What guidance did the RICS release on good practice principals for the management of health and safety in RICS regulated firms and for RICS members?

A

RICS Surveying safely, 2018

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2
Q

What is the structure of RICS Surveying safely, 2018?

A
  1. Personal responsibilities for RICS members and firms
  2. Assessing hazards and risks
  3. Workplace health and safety
  4. Occupational hygiene and health
  5. Visiting premises and sites
  6. Fire safety
  7. Residential property surveying
  8. Procurement and management of contractors
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3
Q

According to RICS Surveying safely, 2018, what must all RICS regulated firms ensure they provide?

A

• Safe working environment
• Safe work equipment
• Safe systems of work
• Competent staff

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4
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.

• Seeks to ensure that individuals accept responsibility for their own actions and they have the tools they need to do their job safely

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5
Q

What new guidance was contained in the 2nd edition of RICS Surveying safely?

A

• Inclusion of advice of mental health and wellbeing
• Introduced the concept of a ‘safe person’

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6
Q

What should you consider when undertaking an inspection of a building site?

A

• Consider precautions and potential hazards/risk assessments
• Sign in an out of building construction site and receive a site induction
• Check dated tag if going on scaffolding
• Wear non-slip sole shoes/boots when going up a ladder

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7
Q

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should a surveyor consider wearing?

A

High visibility jack, protective footwear, hard hat, protective goggles, gloves and ear defenders

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8
Q

What does you companies Lone Working Procedure say about inspecting sites alone?

A

• Tell someone where you are going when you leave the office
• Have a “buddy” as someone you will check in with at the end of the day if you aren’t returning to the office
• Carry a charged mobile phone and personal alarm
• Have your “escape lines” ready
• Attempt to verify the authenticity of viewers and meet them outside the property/site before entering

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9
Q

What is included in Health & Safety at Work, 1974 (as amended)?

A

• “Duty to very employer to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees”
• Must report injuries and dangerous occurrences
• Must undertake, record and regularly review a risk assessment
• Detailed Health & Safety information is to be held on site, usually in the Operations & Maintenance Manual

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10
Q

Who polices the Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974?

A

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

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11
Q

How large does an organisation have to be to carry out a documented health and safety risk assessment?

A

Firms employing more than 5 staff

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12
Q

What is a hazard in a risk assessment?

A

Anything that has the potential to cause harm (e.g. a wet floor)

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13
Q

What is a likelihood/probability in a risk assessment?

A

The risk that someone is harmed (e.g. the risk of fall over on the wet floor)

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14
Q

What are then FIVE steps of a risk assessment?

A
  1. Identify hazards present
  2. Identify people at risk from the hazards e.g. employees, contractors, visitors
  3. Evaluate the risk, considering the likelihood and severity of any accidents. Existing controls in place should be identified and evaluated
  4. Record the findings on a suitable form
  5. Review the risk assessment regularly
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15
Q

What is a method statement?

A

• Document that details the way a work task or process is to be completed
• Outlines the hazards involved and a step by step guide on how to do the job safely
• Details the control measures introduced to ensure the safety of anyone who is affected by the task or process

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16
Q

What documents need to be provided before a contractor can begin their work?

A

All risks and public liability insurance

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17
Q

What FOUR points must be contained within a companies Health & Safety policy?

A
  1. A policy setting out the organisations commitment to Health and Safety
  2. Details of the organisation’s Health and Safety structure, with roles and responsibilities for organising Health and Safety
  3. A risk assessment setting the risk within the workplace and the preventative measures in place
  4. Details of the planning, implementation of the Health and Safety Policy and control measures
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18
Q

The ‘Six Pack’ of Health and Safety Regulations clarify how employers must comply with their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. What are the SIX regulations?

A
  1. Management of Health and Safety at Work
  2. Display Screen Equipment
  3. Manual Handling Operations
  4. Personal Protective Equipment at Work
  5. Provision and Use of Work Equipment
  6. Workplace Heath, Safety and Welfare
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19
Q

What types of property does the Fire Safety Order 2005 apply to?

A

Non-domestic property in England & Wales

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20
Q

Under Fire Safety Order 2005, who is the “responsible person”?

A

The employer or occupier who controls the property, or owner if vacant

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21
Q

What are examples of reasonable fire precautions that can be put in place?

A

• Fire detection and warning system
• Fire fighting equipment
• Safe exit routes
• Personal emergency evacuation plan
• Emergency lighting
• Signage
• Suitable fire doors

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22
Q

What section of the Building Regulations deals with fire safety?

A

Part B

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23
Q

What was the Hackitt Review?

A

• Led by Dame Judith Hackitt, reported in May 2018
• Independent Review of Building Regulation and Fire Safety, called “Building a Safer Future”
• Made over 50 recommendations for changes to ensure a more robust regulatory system

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24
Q

Provide some of the examples of recommendations made under the Hackitt Review?

A

• Upgrading building standards and guidance
• New regulatory body (a single joint competent authority) to regulate and check fire and structural safety in high rise residential building
• Involving residents in fire safety procedures
• Clear responsibilities for on-going life safety management for buildings

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25
Q

What was banned in September 2018 to improve fire safety?

A

The use of combustible cladding on residential buildings over 18 metres tall

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26
Q

What are the International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS)?

A

Provides globally consistent, high-level principles for fire safety in the design, construction and management of building

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27
Q

What action did the RICS take following the Grenfell Tower fire?

A

• Produce an impartial Fire Safety Guide to highlight the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in keeping their properties safe
• Worked with other bodies to provide advice and support to the Government
• Advised members of the importance of owners, landlords and managers having robust fire assessments for their properties
• Issued guidance on existing high-rise buildings fire safety in October 2017
• Provided the government with evidence to assess the effectiveness of the Fire Safety Order 2005

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28
Q

How long does someone have to be incapacitated for to be required to report it under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR)?

A

7 days incapacitation

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29
Q

How quickly do injuries need to be reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR)?

A

15 days from the date of the accident

30
Q

How serious does an injury need to be in order for an employer to have to keep a record of it under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR)?

A

3-day plus injuries must be recorded in an accident book

31
Q

How long must the accident book be kept after an occupational accident or injury?

A

Minimum of 3 years

32
Q

What does the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 relate to?

A

Gross breach of a duty care by a corporate body which leads to a person’s death

33
Q

What are the penalties under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007?

A

Range from an unlimited fine, imprisonment and disqualification as a company director

34
Q

Who does the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 place a duty on?

A

Those who are in occupation or in control of premises (e.g. landlords)

35
Q

What does the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 require those who are in occupation or control of premises to do?

A

Imposes a common duty of care to lawful visitors, that they will be reasonably safe in using the premises

36
Q

Do those in occupation or in control of premises owe a duty of care to trespassers?

A

They are covered under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984

37
Q

What is asbestos?

A

An insulating material which can cause serious health problems and fatal diseases

38
Q

Why is asbestos dangerous?

A

When it is disturbed or damaged it can release small toxic fibres which can lodge on the lungs and cause illness

39
Q

What are the 3 types of asbestos?

A
  1. Brown (amosite)
  2. Blue (crocidolite)
  3. White (chrysotile)
40
Q

When was asbestos banned in the UK?

A

Asbestos has been an illegal material in the UK since 1999. Other forms were banned in 1985

41
Q

What is the key legislation on asbestos?

A

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

42
Q

Who is the defined duty holder under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?

A

Owner of the premises if vacant or the tenant if they hold a repairing lease

43
Q

What are the two types of asbestos survey? When would they be used?

A
  1. Management survey – to locate and assess it and advice on its management during normal occupation and use of premises. No sampling of materials or analysis is undertaken
  2. Refurbishment/demolition survey – required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition. Samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos are taken and analysed
44
Q

What are the FIVE steps that the duty holder must undertake with regards to asbestos?

A
  1. Duty holder must asses whether the premises contain asbestos, where it is and what condition it is in. If in doubt, materials must be assumed to contain asbestos
  2. Produce a risk assessment and a plan to manage the asbestos – do any areas need encapsulating or removed
  3. Produce an asbestos register
  4. Make the register available to all parties who might disturb it
  5. Review the register regularly (HSE recommend every 6 months)
45
Q

What must a newly constructed building have to confirm that there isn’t any asbestos in the building?

A

Architect’s certificate

46
Q

What is the penalty for surveyors dealing with asbestos incorrectly under the Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2008?

A

Maximum fine of £20,000 and possibility of 12 month prison sentence for many offences
More serious offences can be tried at the higher courts where there is no limit on the fines to be imposed

47
Q

Who must be employed to undertake work on asbestos?

A

A licensed contractor

48
Q

What is the only defence for mismanagement of asbestos?

A

You took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence

49
Q

What does the Equality Act 2010 require of those who manage buildings / service providers / landlords?

A

• It is illegal for them to discriminate against or victimise an occupier
• Must make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people if they would be placed at a substantial disadvantage if the work was not carried out

50
Q

How must lettings, sales, assignments and other forms of disposal be carried out in order to be in accordance with the Equality Act 2010?

A

Must not be undertaken in a way which could discriminate, harass or victimise a person

51
Q

What must you have for every property, setting out the access arrangements?

A

Access statement/audit setting out details of access arrangements and alternative arrangements if access cannot be reasonably provided for a disabled person

52
Q

What section of the building regulations deals with access for disabled persons?

A

Part M

53
Q

When faced with an obstacle to access for disabled persons, what choices does the Equality Act 2010 give the service provider?

A

• Remove the feature
• Alter it
• Provide reasonable means of avoiding the obstacle
• Provide a reasonable alternative access to the service

54
Q

According to the Equality Act 2010, what will the test for reasonableness include?

A

• Effectiveness of the adjustment for the disabled person
• The practicality of the adjustment
• Its financial cost and likely disruption
• Financial and other resources available to the service provider

55
Q

What do the Smoke-free (Premises & Enforcement) Regulations, 2007 state?

A

• Illegal to smoke in all enclosed and substantially enclosed public spaces
• “No smoking” sings must be displayed
• Enforce by local authorities
• Penalties range from a fixed penalty notice (£50) to a maximum fine of £2,500

56
Q

What does the Defective Premises Act 1972 require of the landlord?

A

Landlord owes a duty of care to all those who might reasonably be expected to be affected by defects in the property

57
Q

What do the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations, 2015 aim to improve?

A

• Aim to improve the overall management and co-ordnination of Health & Safety at all stages of a construction project

58
Q

Who are the THREE main duty holders under the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations, 2015?

A

• Client
• Principal Designer
• Principal Contractor

59
Q

Who is the principle onus on to ensure that there are CDM arrangements?

A

Client

60
Q

When must the HSE be notified with an F10 form about a construction project?

A

• If a project lasts longer than 30 construction days with 20 or more worker working simultaneously on site

or

• More than 500 ‘person’ days of construction work / demolition work

61
Q

Wha must be maintained during the construction of a building and passed onto the owner/occupier? What doers this contain?

A

• Construction Design and Management (CDM) file
• Contains all aspects of H&S information regarding the property and the operation/running of the building

62
Q

Who polices the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations, 2015?

A

HSE

63
Q

What can the HSE do if the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations, 2015 are breached?

A

• Prosecute and issue fines
• Issue Improvement and Prohibition Notices

64
Q

What are the statutory obligations of a commercial property owner ?

A

• Asbestos management
• Contamination
• Disability discrimination and equality
• Energy performance certificates
• Fire safety
• Healthy and safety
• Legionnaires disease
• Occupiers liability
• PAT testing (for portable electrical equipment)
• Waste management

65
Q

How often should you replace a hard hat?

A

Every 5 years

66
Q

Who’s has responsibilities for Health and Safety?

A

You, your employer, building owners, occupiers and managing agents

67
Q

How would you recognise asbestos in a building? Where is it likely to be located in a building?

A

• Can be found anywhere within a building
• Unlikely to be present in building constructed prior to 1999
• Diagram contained in RICS Surveying Safely, 2018 showing the likely places that asbestos can be located in properties
• Often used as lagging around pipework for fire retardant purposes, partition walls, roof sheets, flooring
• White dust implies the presence of asbestos

68
Q

What would you do if you were inspecting a property and you discovered asbestos?

A

• Document and photograph the location of the asbestos
• Inform the client and ensure that the asbestos register is updated

69
Q

What have the RICS released on fire safety for landlords and tenants?

A

• A clear, impartial guide to fire safety
• Highlights the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in keeping properties safe

70
Q

What has been announced to amend the Fire Safety Order 2005?

A

• Fire Safety Bill
• Clarifies the responsibility in multi-occupied, residential buildings for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts

71
Q

What did the government announce in April 2020 with regards to the changes to building safety?

A

• Response to the Building a Safer Future consultation
• Mandatory sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new high-rise blocks of flats over 11m tall
• £1 billion fund for removing unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings in the budget
• Naming building owners who have been slow to act in removing unsafe ACM cladding
• Introduction of the Fire Safety Bill