PTWs, Risk Assessments

Question 1

What is a Dangerous Space?

Answer 1

An enclosed space is one that:
• has limited openings for entry and exit;
• has inadequate ventilation; and
• is not designed for continuous worker occupation.

The UK regulations define a dangerous space as: ‘Any enclosed or confined space in which it is foreseeable that the atmosphere may at some stage contain toxic or flammable gases or vapours, or be deficient in oxygen, to the extent that it may endanger the life or health of any person entering that space.’

Question 2

Principles of Permit to Work

Answer 2

• The permit should be relevant and as accurate as possible. It should state the location and details of the work to be done, the nature and results of any preliminary tests undertaken, the measures undertaken to make the job safe and the safeguards that need to be taken during the operation.
  
  • The permit should specify the period of its validity (which should not exceed 24 hours) and any time limits applicable to the work that it authorises.
  • Only the work specified on the permit should be undertaken.
  • Before signing the permit, the authorised officer should ensure that all measures specified as necessary have in fact been taken, or procedures are in place.
  • The authorised officer retains responsibility for the work until they have either closed the permit or formally transferred it to another authorised officer who should be made fully conversant with the situation. Anyone who takes over from the authorised officer, either as a matter of routine or in an emergency, should sign the permit to indicate transfer of full responsibility.
  • The competent person responsible for carrying out the specified work should countersign the permit to indicate their understanding of the safety precautions to be observed.
  • On completion of the work, the competent person should notify the authorised officer and get the permit closed.
  • The competent person carrying out the specified work should not be the same person as the authorised officer.

Question 3

Chapters of COSWP regarding Risk Assessment

Answer 3

Chapter 1 - Managing Occupational Health & Safety

Question 4

Steps of Risk Assessment?

Answer 4

Annex 1.2 - 5 Steps of a Risk Assessment
• Step 1 Identify the Hazards
• Step 2 Decide who might be harmed and how
• Step 3 Evaluate risks and decide on precautions
• Step 4 Record your findings and implement them
Step 5 Review your risk assessment and update if necessary

Question 5

What is Hazard, what is Risk?

Answer 5

Hazard - A source of potential harm or damage

Risk - The likelihood of a hazard occurring and what the consequences would be.