2.1 e safe working practices

Question 1

Safe working practices and project work

Answer 1

The Health and Safety at Work Act applies to
students in school and colleges.
* In a school workshop, teachers would carry out a risk assessment before allowing students in.
* Each student should conduct him/herself
appropriately and be aware of others working
nearby.
* Students should only use or have access to
machinery if they have been taught how to use it correctly and have permission to do so.
* All workshops will have procedures in place for safe working practices which each student will be made aware of.
* Some guidelines are common sense, for example
appropriate behaviour whilst others require more thought – wear protective clothing when necessary
or sit correctly at an appropriate height when
operating machinery.
* Students should be aware of emergency stop buttons on machinery should the need arise and to
avoid injury.

Question 2

Product safety

Answer 2

• Relevant legal safety requirements should be
  considered during the iterative process of design.
• Issues around product safety should become
  apparent through thorough testing and modelling
  of ideas.
• User or wearer trials should highlight product
  safety concerns. Another iteration might be needed
  to address any problems.

Question 3

Risk Assessment

Answer 3

A risk assessment forms part of the requirements
of the Health and Safety at Work Act. This is a legal requirement that all employers have to abide by
- The law states that risks should be reduced where ever it is practical to do so to ensure the safety of all employees.
* A risk assessment could apply to the design and
manufacture of a product. The outcome of this could impact on the design of the product.

Question 4

What is risk assessment?

Answer 4

This is an examination of what could cause harm
to employees in the workplace. Identifying hazards forms part of this. Controls then need to be in place
to mitigate against them.
♦ Hazard – anything that could cause harm –
chemicals, electricity, an open drawer….
♦ Risk – the probability of someone being harmed
- high or low risk.

Question 5

5 step risk assessment

Answer 5

1. Identify the hazards - review the workplace and
   processes to identify what could cause harm.
2. Decide who could be at risk and how - look closely
   at all operations and the people involved. Some
   people for example those with a disability might be at greater risk in some roles.
3. Evaluate the risk and consider precautions - once a hazard has been identified put steps in place to limit or reduce the risk.
4. Record all the findings and implement them - staff need to be fully aware of the hazards and risks they may face.
5. Review the risks and update when necessary.
   This is an on-going process as things change in a workplace. It should be updated accordingly.

Question 6

Provision of equipment, training and signage

Answer 6

Machinery, tools and equipment should be checked
regularly to ensure it is safe to use.
* Machinery should be switched off when not in use.
* Protective clothing should be supplied where necessary.
For some tasks for example, goggles should be worn and ear protectors if machinery is particularly loud.
* For some machinery clamps or bolts might be necessary to hold items securely in place whilst being worked on.
* Some machines have protective guards which should be in place before use.

Question 7

Signage

Answer 7

• Clear and precise instructions for the safe use of
  machinery should be clearly displayed beside the
  machinery.
• Warning signs to show possible hazards within the work
  shop should be on display.
• Hazardous materials should be securely stored and
  appropriate warning signs must be in place.
  Examples of warning signs:
  Toxic
  Highly flammable
  Harmful
  Corrosive