Risk Assessment

Question 1

The whole purpose of health and safety legislation is to protect everyone within the dental workplace, including staff, patients and visitors from coming into any harm while on the premises

Answer 1

This is achieved by carrying out a risk assessment of every potential hazard that could occur. the aim is not necessarily to eliminate every risk completely as this is not possible

Question 2

The steps involved in carrying out a risk assessment should always follow the same pattern

Answer 2

1. Identify the hazard such as a chemical or piece of equipment.
2. Identify who may be harmed such as certain staff or certain patients or visitors
3. Evaluate the risk. is there a hazard only if mishandled or missused or is there a risk if certain precautions are not followed
4. Control the risk. Train all staff incorrect usage to prevent mishandling and keep hazards away from untrained person
5. Record the risk assessment findings to prove compliance and provide a reference for all uses to ensure all staff are fully informed of the potential hazards
6. Review the assessment process on a regular basis to ensure hazardous, events, or injuries do not occur

Question 3

Scenario of potential hazard

Child drinking harmful chemical

Answer 3

Keep harmful chemicals out of reach and keep chemicals locked in storage area and keep children out of storage area and keep children under control at all times

Question 4

Scenario of potential hazard

Person falling out of window on premises

Answer 4

Install window locks, install restricted opening device. Keep staff only areas locked.

Question 5

Scenario of potential hazard

Falling over on the premises

Answer 5

Keep all access routes, clear of debris and blockages
Avoid cleaning during work time
Clear all spillages immediately
Use hazard signs to highlight potential sources of injury example, wet floor sign