ND Unit A - Element A5: Risk Control

Question 1

What are the main risk management strategies?

Answer 1

The main risk management strategies are:
• Avoidance or elimination.
• Reduction.
• Risk retention – with or without knowledge.
• Risk transfer.
• Risk sharing.

Question 2

List the factors that should be considered when choosing control measures. 


Answer 2

The factors to be taken into account when choosing control measures are:
• Long/short term.
• Applicability.
• Costs.
• Effectiveness.
• Legal requirements/standards.
• Competence and training requirements.

Question 3

Give three reasons why cost-benefit analysis is not as simple as adding up all the benefits of a health and safety programme and subtracting the costs.

Answer 3

Three reasons why cost-benefit analysis is not as simple as adding up all the benefits of a health and safety programme and subtracting the costs are:
• Not all costs and benefits can be accurately estimated.
• Benefits may not be seen immediately.
• Some costs and benefits are one-off and others are recurring.

Question 4

Explain how risk assessment should be used to develop a safe system of work.

Answer 4

Risk assessment may be used to develop a safe system of work through:
• Analysing the task – identifying the hazards and assessing the risks.
• Introducing controls and formulating procedures.
• Instructing and training people in the operation of the system.
• Monitoring and reviewing the system.

Question 5

What is a permit to work?

Answer 5

A permit to work is a formal, written document of authority to undertake a specific procedure and is designed to protect personnel working in hazardous areas or activities.