Risk Assessments

Question 1

What is the difference between a Risk and a Hazard?

Answer 1

Hazard;
“A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm”

Risk;
“Likelihood of an event happening and the severity of the resulting harm.”

Question 2

Which piece of legislation places an absolute duty on the Employer to make suitable and sufficient Risk Assessments?

Answer 2

The Health and Safety at Work Act stipulates in Regulation 3;

Places an absolute duty on the employer to make suitable and sufficient risk assessments.

Question 3

What does the acronym ALARP stand for?

Answer 3

As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)

Question 4

What are the Employees responsibilities with regards to Risk Assessments?

Answer 4

Employees Responsibilities;

• Complying with the findings of a RA
• Informing Line Management when a process changes
• Identifying if it is felt that a risk assessment fails to identify appropriate control measures.

Question 5

State the five steps to Risk Assessment?

Answer 5

The Five Steps to Risk Assessment

• Step 1 – Identify the hazards
• Step 2 – Decide who might be harmed and how
• Step 3 – Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
• Step 4 – Record your findings and implement them
• Step 5 – Review your assessment and update if necessary

Question 6

What MOD Form is a Risk Assessment documented on?

Answer 6

MOD Form 5010a

Question 7

At what frequency should a Risk Assessment for a High Risk task be reviewed?

Answer 7

High Risk: 6 Monthly

Question 8

What are the three different methods of composing a Risk Assessment?

Answer 8

Dynamic – A mental assessment of risk for use when any delay would increase the risk of harm. Dynamic assessment can also be used as the initial step in a formal risk assessment.

Specific – A written method of evaluating the risk of harm e.g. in accordance with MoD Form 5010a.

Generic – An evaluation of risk that can be applied to common tasks.

Question 9

How often should a Risk Assessment for a Low-Risk task be reviewed?

Answer 9

Low Risk: Every 2-3 Years

Question 10

How long should Risk Assessment be retained for?

Answer 10

3 years - In accordance with JSP 375, Part 2, Volume 1, Chapter 39 - Retention of Records.

Question 11

How often should a Risk Assessment for a Medium Risk task be reviewed?

Answer 11

Medium Risk: Annually