Hierarchy of Written Safety Controls

Question 1

What is the hierarchy of written safety controls?

Answer 1

Signs posters notices

Written safety instructions

Safe systems of work

Permits to work

Question 2

What is the regulation for signs and notices?

Answer 2

Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) regulations 1996

Question 3

What is the purpose of signs and notices?

Answer 3

Issue a specific instruction

Draw attention to a hazard

Question 4

What are posters commonly used for?

Answer 4

To highlight a prominent hazard within a specific area

Question 5

What are safety instructions?

Answer 5

Small set of rules to cover specific situations or locations

Essentially a list of do’s and dont’s

Can be written or pictorial

Question 6

What are examples of safety instructions?

Answer 6

Using step ladders
Movement of pallet trucks
Rules for pedestrian walkways
Cleaning items of equipment
Evacuation drill
Use of fire fighting equipment

Question 7

What are safe systems of work?

Answer 7

It defines safe methods of working to ensure that hazards are eliminated or risks minimised

Question 8

How are safe systems of work produced?

Answer 8

Formal procedure which results from systemic examination of a task in order to identify all associated hazards

Question 9

What are the 6 considerations for safe systems of work?

Answer 9

People
Plant and equipment
Procedures
Management
Environment
Materials

Question 10

What section of the HASAWA 1974 act refers to safe systems of work?

Answer 10

Section 2(2)(e)

Question 11

What are some examples of tasks where safe systems of work are used?

Answer 11

Cleaning and maintenance operations

Vehicle loading and unloading

Working alone or remote from workplace

Breakdowns and emergencies

Scaffolding safety

Handling of dangerous substances

Manual handling of heavy objects

Rules for driving

Question 12

When are permits to work used?

Answer 12

For high risk activities where a procedural error could result in a fatality

Question 13

What is part A of a permit to work document?

Answer 13

Procedures to be undertaken prior to commencement of work to isolate risks

Question 14

What is part B of a permit to work document?

Answer 14

Procedures to be followed during the work to prevent accidents and injuries

Question 15

What is part C of a permit to work document?

Answer 15

Procedures to be followed after completion of work to restore safe operating conditions

Question 16

What are example tasks where a permit to work might be needed?

Answer 16

High voltage electrical work
‘Hot’ work
Extreme heights
High pressure system testing
High level ionising radiation
Explosive atmospheres
Asbestos removal
Confined spaces

Question 17

What are the 6 different types of safety signs?

Answer 17

Prohibition signs

Warning signs

Means of escape

Fire safety signs

Mandatory action signs

Chemical labelling