How do you develop a safe system of work?
- Assess task
- Identify hazards
- Define safe methods
- Implement
- Monitor
What are the things that should be considered when planning emergency procedures on a construction site?
Types of emergency • Contact with emergency services • Location of place of safety • Emergency lighting • Sufficient emergency exits/escape routes • Nomination of competent persons to control • Co-ordination with other employers • How to deal with the media
What is a safe system of work?
In simple terms, a safe system of work is a defined method for doing a job in a safe way. It takes account of all foreseeable hazards and seeks to eliminate or minimise these.
It is worth pointing out that SSOW does NOT infer “absolute safety” - it means reducing risk to the lowest level “reasonably practicable”.
What are the types of construction site emergencies for which people might need to be evacuated?
- Fire/explosion
- Bomb threat
- Chemical spill or gas release (if working on, or close to, a petrochemical plant)
Give an example of a RIDDOR reportable disease.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Severe cramp of the hand or forearm
- Occupational dermatitis
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome
- Occupational asthma
- Tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm
- Any occupational cancer
- Any disease attributed to an occupational exposure to a biological agent
What are the four steps involved in accident investigation according to HSE publication HGG 245?
- Step 1: Gather the information.
- Step 2: Analyse the information. Determine the Immediate and Root causes.
- Step 3: Identify suitable risk control measures.
- Step 4: Develop an action plan and implement.
What should be considered when deciding on first aid requirements on a construction site?
- Workplace hazards and risks
- The number of workers on site
- History of accidents
- Work patterns
- The remoteness from emergency medical services
- Employers working on shared sites
- Annual leave and other absences of first aiders
What are the statutory reporting requirements for a fatality, specified injury or dangerous occurrence?
Quickest practicable means, to relevant enforcing authority, written report within 10 days.
What determines the level of investigation that should take place after an accident?
In determining the level of investigation, you must consider the worst potential consequences of the incident, NOT only the actual outcome. (e.g. a scaffold collapse may not have caused any injuries but had the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries
What is a “Dangerous occurrence” as defined by RIDDOR 2013?
One of several specific, reportable adverse events that had the potential to cause harm. For example,
- The collapse, overturning or failure of load-bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment.
- Plant or equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines.
- The accidental release of any substance which could cause injury to any person.
Give the meaning of “Permit to work”.
“A formal recorded process used to control work which is identified as potentially hazardous (high risk). It is also a means of communication between site/installation management, plant supervisors and operators and those who carry out the hazardous work”.
What are the 4 components of a safe system of work?
- Materials
- Equipment
- Environment
- People
What are the recommended three levels of investigation?
- A low-level investigation will involve a short investigation by the relevant supervisor or line manager.
- A medium level investigation will involve a more detailed investigation by the relevant supervisor or line manager, the health and safety adviser and employee representatives.
- A high-level investigation will involve a team-based investigation, involving supervisors or line managers, health and safety advisers and employee representatives.
Give an example of a RIDDOR reportable Specified injury.
• Fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes
• Amputations
• Any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight
• Any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs
• Serious burns (including scalding) which:
- Covers more than 10% of the body
- Causes significant damage to the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs
• Any scalping requiring hospital treatment
• Any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia
• Any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which:
- Leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness
- Requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
What is the purpose of “LOTO”?
Lock out, tag out (often referred to as LOTO) is a safety procedure that ensures that any piece of equipment being worked on cannot be inadvertently powered up or started in any way while workers are working on it. LOTO involves the isolation of all energy sources; a means of ensuring inadvertent re-energisation; and an adequate means of warning (usually in the form of a tag or label).
Give examples of where a PTW might be used on a construction site.
- Hot work
- Confined space entry
- Excavation work
- Work on electrical systems/machinery
- Asbestos removal
- Electrical isolation
- Work over water
When would a management of change procedure need to be used?
For changes to: • Process chemicals and raw materials • Process technology • Equipment • Instrumentation/ computer program revisions • Alarms and interlocks • Operating procedures • Process conditions • Operating parameters • Personnel changes
Give the meaning of “LOTO”.
Lock Out Tag Out
What is “MOC”?
Management of Change.
