topic 7- safe working practices Flashcards
what things need to be considered to work out if safe working practices are being used
all tools equipment and machinery are in good working order
selecting correct equipment for the task
using tools and machinery in a safe manner
being aware of the safety of others
what are examples of safe working practices
- not operating machinery or equipment unless trained to use
- PPE must be worn when using machinery
- all guards and safety measures should be used
- damaged machinery or equipment should be removed and reported
- work areas should be kept neat clean and free of hazards
- all people must be aware of emergency procedures eg fire evacuation routes
- walkways kept clear and free from trip hazards
- if a person becomes ill or injured or in the event of an accident this should be reported
what are the consequences if a company fails to follow health and safety regulations
- could be sued or have to pay a fine if someone gets injured
- could result in death in worst case
- creates a bad image of company may mean less people buy products
- HSE charge a fee for helping to fix where not followed
what is a risk assessment
a process that considers what might cause harm to people and what reasonable steps may be taken to prevent that harm
what does the risk assessment consist of
- the potential hazards
- an evaluation of the risk ( the likelihood or chance that someone may be harmed as a result of being exposed to hazard)
- control measures to minimise the risk
- review date
what should happen with the risk assessment
-before any manufacture activity to take place, employer must by law carry out a risk assessment
- records must be kept in any establishment where there are five or more employees and must be regularly reviewed by the employer
- original assessment and any changes should be kept on file
what is the body responsible for the enforcement of workplace health and safety
Health and Safety Executive
what does RIDDOR stand for and what is their role
-reporting of injuries diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (2013)
-puts duties on employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises (the Responsible Person) to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences (near misses)
what is the act that protects the health and safety of those at work
HASAWA- health and safety at work act
what does COSHH stand for and what is it
-control of substances hazardous to health
- the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health to prevent or reduce workers exposure.
what are considerations that COSHH looks at and how does it ensure that substances are controlled
-finding out what the health hazards are and
-deciding how to prevent harm to health
-providing control measures to reduce harm to health
-providing information, instruction and training for employees and others;
-planning for emergencies.
-Exposures are below the Workplace Exposure Limit, where one exists.
-Exposure to substances that cause cancer, asthma or genetic damage is reduced to as low a level as possible
- some substances or when substances are mixed could cause harm eg bleach and dust
what is the responsibility of the employer
It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees
what is the responsibility of the employees
to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work
what should be considered when selecting and using PPE
-Choose products CE marked
-Choose equipment that suits the user – size, fit and weight of the PPE
-If more than one item of PPE is worn , make sure they can be used together, eg wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks
-Instruct and train people how to use it
what are examples of PPE
gloves
safety goggles/ glasses
respirator
visor
apron
helmet
hard shoes
what do the health and safety executives have the power to do
-Enter premises.
-Inspect and investigate.
-Take measurements, samples and photographs.
-Require an area or machine to be left undisturbed.
-Seize, render harmless or destroy dangerous items.
-Obtain information and take statements
what is the HSEs role
- investigate whether people are at risk, to find out if something has gone wrong.
-Require you to take action to control risks properly if you are not already complying with the law. - potentially taking prosecutions where people are put at serious risk.
- Provide advice and guidance to help you comply with the law and avoid injuries and ill health at work.
what is asbestos and what is the health risk of this
-asbestos was often used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing
- now banned in uk
-Asbestos can be found in any building built before the year 2000
-causes around 5000 deaths every year
-When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases
-These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything
what are the meanings of different colours in safety signage
-red: prohibition (danger, stop)
- yellow or amber: warning ( take precautions)
- blue : mandatory ( wear PPE)
- green : emergency escape or first aid
