Risk Assessment and COSHH Flashcards
Why is a risk assessment necessary?
It ensures the user is safe when using the product
What are the two different types of risk assessent?
- Risks involved when the product is being used
- Risks involved when manufacturing the product
What are the 5 steps to risk assessment?
- Look for Hazards
- Who will be harmed
- Evaluate the risks
- Record findings
- Review and revise our assessment
Describe step 1 (look for hazards)
analyse the workplace or product for areas that could cause harm. e.g. loose clothing, long hair, metal or wood particles getting in eyes
Describe step 2 (who will be harmed)
Think about the user, worker, member of public. the risks will vary for different people depending on their ability or experience
Describe step 3 (evaluate the risks)
is the risk HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW? consider precautions.
How likely are dangers to happen? consider mitigating these risks
Describe step 4 (record findings)
write down hazards and conditions. this must be told to all you employees/users
Describe step 5 (review and revise your assessment)
when new equipment is brought in or new products made, it could lead to new hazards, so a new risk assessment needs to be carried out
What does COSHH stand for?
Control of substances hazardous to health
What is COSHH?
It is a control measure used to mitigate risk (it is a sub branch of Health and Safety Law)
Give 4 examples of Hazardous substances that COSHH controls.
- Chemicals
- Nano-particles
- Fumes
- Dusts
- Biological agents
- Vapour
- Gases
- Fibres
What are different methods that can be put in place for COSHH?
- Signage
- Training (employers have to make sure staff are properly trained)
- Marked areas (could be fenced off, robots in cages, e.g. areas where you must have safety equipment or areas where nothing is allowed to be on the floor
- Personal protective equipment (PPE - safety specs, aprons, masks)
