Topic 10- Safety Issues, Environment

Question 1

Define the term hazard?

Answer 1

Anything that can cause harm in the workplace.

Question 2

Define the term risk?

Answer 2

The chance high or low, that someone in the workplace will be harmed by a hazard.

Question 3

What is a risk assessment?

Answer 3

A risk assessment is a careful examination of what in the dance studio and other areas, such as athe changing rooms, toilets, corridors, eating areas, stairs and lifts, could cause harm to the people that use the facilities.

Question 4

What is the point of a risk assessment?

Answer 4

To make sure that no one is hurt or becomes ill as a result of a dangerous dance environment. To weigh up whether adequate precautions have been taken or to put in place further precautions to reduce the liklihood of harm.

Question 5

Fill in the blanks.

The key to a risk assessment is to decide whether a ______ __ ___________ and whether the precautions that have been taken have ______________ _______ ___ ____.

Answer 5

The key to a risk assessment is to decide whether a hazard is significant and whether the precautions that have been taken have satisfactorily reduced the risk.

Question 6

True or false?

A hazard is always a risk

Answer 6

False.

Electricity is a hazard but if the equipment is properly maintained and looked after, it isn’t a risk.

Question 7

What are the six key areas of a risk assessment?

Answer 7

1. What activity is being assessed?
2. What are the hazards?
3. Who might be harmed and how?
4. Severity of the risk
5. Actions taken to reduce the risk
6. Review

Question 8

Whenever an accident or injury occurs, this must be recorded. Why?

Answer 8

• This is a legal requirement (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)
• Recording accidents gives the opportunity to see the bigger picture of how and where injuries are occurring
• Assessment of acidents can form the basis of preventative action, an essential part of the risk assessment process

Question 9

What 6 things should be on an accident report?

Answer 9

1. The date and time of the accident
2. The name of the person(s) involved
3. The nature of the accident
4. What immediate action was taken
5. What follow up action was taken
6. The name(s) and signature(s) of the person(s) who dealt with the accident

Question 10

When is it a legal requirement that the health and safety executive be notified?

Answer 10

In the event of major injuries, such as fractures (except fingers and toes), dislocations and injuries that result in hospitilisation for a period exceeding 24 hours.

Question 11

Why is ventilation an important environmental factor for dancers?

Answer 11

Dancers need a source of fresh, non-contaminated air whilst dancing. The ventilation of a studio shouls allow the removal of stale and humid air and ensure air movement that provides a sense of freshness without a draught. Windows usually provide sufficient ventilation

Risk of accidents is increased if adequate ventilation is not achieved.

Question 12

Why is temperature an important environmental factor for dancers?

Answer 12

Adequate air temperature is important in helping the dancer’s body to warm up appropriately and reduce the chances of injury. It is generlaly accepted that the ideal temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees.

Question 13

Why is lighting and cleanliness an important environmental factor for dancers?

Answer 13

The lighting and cleanliness of a studio should be sufficient to enable dancers to move about safely.

Question 14

Why is room dimensions and space an important environmental factor for dancers?

Answer 14

A suitable space for dancing is one that allows maximum enjoyment and movement without jeopardising physical safety. An ideal space should be large enogh to allow dance movements to be performed with reasonable freedom.

Question 15

What are the minimum facilities that must be available at a dance studio?

Answer 15

In addition to the room that is used for dance, other rooms should be available to allow dancers to change and have access to toilet facilities.

Question 16

What are the guidelines about toilet and changing facilities?

Answer 16

Must be separate for males and female participants and should be in readily accessible places. Must be kept clean, adequately lit and ventilated. Washing facilities should have hot and cold running water, soap and clean towels or another means of drying.

Question 17

What are the guidelines about hallways and stairs?

Answer 17

The hallways and stairs should offer sufficient headroom and width to allow peoople to move freely. No obstructions should be in the way, each section of the corridor should be sealed off by fire doors. There should be handrails on at least one side of the stairs.

Question 18

What is a sprung or semi-sprung dance floor?

Answer 18

One that provides a relatively stable surface deck and an underlying cushion, spring or elastic suspension.

The deck provides a stable surface on which the dancer can move, slide, balance and turn while allowing the dancer’s weight to be cushioned in the immediate area of impact.

Question 19

What precautions need to be taken if dancing on a concrete floor?

Answer 19

Important to minimise the number of activities that involve jumping or high impact steps or consider wearing shock absorbing footwear.

Question 20

What precautions need to be taken if dancing on a slippery floor?

Answer 20

It may be necessary to wear footwear. Water or resin can also be used to reduce the danger of slipping. Permission needs to be sought from the studio or hall owners.

Question 21

What precautions need to be taken if dancing on a cold or dirty floor?

Answer 21

Try to minimise the time spent sitting or lying on the floor.