Element 4: Do / Check

Question 1

Explain the meaning of the term - Hazard:

Answer 1

Something with the potential to cause harm

Question 2

Explain the meaning of the term - Risk:

Answer 2

The chance that the hazard will actually cause harm. The extent of risk is normally a result of considering both the likelihood of a hazardous event happening and the severity (consequence) if it were to happen.

Question 3

Outline the main stages of a general risk assessment.

Answer 3

Identifying preventive and protective measures by evaluating the risk(s) arising from a hazard(s), taking into account the adequacy of any existing controls, and deciding whether or not the risk(s) is acceptable.

Question 4

In relation to risk assessments explain what is meant by the term ‘suitable and sufficient’.

Answer 4

• Must be proportionate to the level of risk Identifies the significant hazards and risks
• Allows evaluation of the risks
• Allow suitable control measures to be identified
• Enable priorities to be set
• Remain valid over a period of time
• Carried out by competent people

Question 5

Identify four groups of workers who might be particularly at risk from workplace activities.

Answer 5

1. Young workers
2. New or expectant mothers
3. Disabled workers
4. Lone workers / shift workers trainees

Question 6

Identify the specific statutory requirement for an employer to provide a safe system of work

Answer 6

Section 2.2a of HASAWA puts a duty on employers to provide, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe system of work.

Additionally, they have a common law duty to provide a safe system of working

Job safety analysis is a process used to develop a safe system of work. Outline the steps to take in developing a safe system of work using the acronym SREDIM.

Select the job to be carried out. Record each individual task within the job Evaluate the risks associated with each task Develop safe methods of carrying out the tasks Implement the measures Monitor those measures to ensure that they are effective.

Question 7

Explain the meaning of the term “Safe system of work”

Answer 7

Put simply, a safe system of work is a defined method of doing a job in a safe way. They are normally formal and documented and describes how to carry out a task without risk of harm

Question 8

Outline the factors that should be considered when developing a safe system of work

Answer 8

The extent and type of risks _ Tasks involving a high degree of risk are very likely to need tight controls including formal written procedures. The complexity of operation – Complex operations will require a documented method of working to ensure workers carry out the tasks in the correct sequence and to the correct standard.

Accident and loss history – A history of accidents and incidents related to certain activities is an indication that you will probably require a more formal system of work. Regulatory requirements – In some countries and for certain operations there may be a legal requirement to develop and implement a formal safe system of work. For example many countries require it for work in confined spaces.

Question 9

Setting objectives to establish, implement and maintain safe systems of work. Ask:

Answer 9

• Who will set objectives?
• Are they documented?
• Do they cover legal and organisational requirements?
• Are they in line with corporate requirements?
• Are they SMART?

Question 10

Planning should provide for:

Answer 10

• Identifying hazards and assessing risks
• Deciding how they can be eliminated or controlled;
• Agreeing health and safety targets with managers and supervisors;
• A purchasing policy which takes health and safety into account;
• Safe design of tasks, processes, equipment, products and systems of work;
• Procedures to deal with serious and imminent danger;
• Co-operation with neighbours, and/or subcontractors;
• Setting standards against which performance can be measured.

Question 11

The MHSWR require a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment to be carried out. What is mean by ‘suitable and sufficient’?

Answer 11

• Must be proportionate to the level of risk
• Identifies the significant hazards and risks
• Allows evaluation of the risks
• Allow suitable control measures to be identified
• Enable priorities to be set
• Remain valid over a period of time
• Carried out by competent people

Question 12

Identify the 5 steps to risk assessment

Answer 12

Step 1 Identify the hazards

Step 2 Identify who can be harmed and how

Step 3 Evaluate the risks

Step 4 Record the significant findings

Step 5 Review and revise as necessary

Question 13

Identify methods of hazard identification using internal sources

Answer 13

• Workplace inspections
• Talk with staff
• Accident and incident records
• Past risk assessments
• Medical records
• Maintenance records

Question 14

Identify methods of hazard identification using external sources

Answer 14

• Legal standards Guidance (HSE)
• Manufacturer’s information
• Trade bodies
• Safety organisations
• Trade unions

Question 15

Which categories of people might be considered when completing Step 2 of a risk assessment

Answer 15

Employees

• Young workers
• New or expectant mothers
• Disabled workers
• Lone workers / shift workers trainees

Non - employees

• Visitors
• Contractors
• Trespassers
• Members of the pub

Question 16

What criteria would be considered when evaluating the risk from a hazard in Step 3

Answer 16

The likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of any harm, taking into account the adequacy of existing control measures.

Question 17

What information would be recorded in Step 4 of a risk assessment

Answer 17

• The significant hazards
• The people who may be affected
• The risk and adequacy of existing control measures
• Any further actions that are required
• Reference to any documents used during the assessment

Question 18

Under what circumstances might a risk assessment be reviewed

Answer 18

• When you think it is no longer valid
• Following accidents in the workplace
• Following the introduction of new machinery, processes or systems of work.
• Following the introduction of new legislation or standards.
• At regular intervals to ensure it remains valid.
• Following significant changes to the workforce

Question 19

Identify groups of workers who may be classed as ‘special cases’ with respect to risk assessments

Answer 19

• Young people
• New and expectant mothers
• Disabled workers
• Lone workers
• Home workers
• Shift workers

Question 20

Identify the general principles of prevention as stated in Schedule 1 to the MHSWR

Answer 20

• Avoid risk
• Evaluate unavoidable risk
• Control hazards at source
• Adapt to technical progress
• Replace the dangerous by the less/non-dangerous
• Develop a coherent prevention policy
• Give priority to collective measures over individual measures (safe place v safe person)
• Provide appropriate training, information and supervision to employees

Question 21

Giving examples, outline the hierarchy of control using E.R.I.C.P.D.

Answer 21

Elimination – avoid the risks completely by for example riveting instead of welding (for welding fume) .

Reduce risks at source by making the hazard safer or by substitution

Isolate the worker from the hazard using barriers or other engineering solutions

Control – with safe systems of work and operating procedures

Personal protection – including hard hats, gloves, safety boots, ear defenders and safety glasses.

Discipline – provide suitable training to ensure workers are competent and supervise to ensure rules are being followed.

Question 22

Identify 8 main limitations of personal protective equipment

Answer 22

1. Only protects the person wearing the equipment
2. Relies on people wearing it correctly
3. Relies on people wearing it at all times
4. Needs to be replaced when it no longer gives correct protection
5. Can be a source of infection
6. Needs to be the correct type
7. Can interfere with communication
8. Can be costly for provision and replacement

Question 23

Identify the differences between respirators and breathing apparatus

Answer 23

A respirator filters the air around the user so is dependant on there being oxygen in that air. Breathing apparatus supplies respirable air and is therefore suitable for use in oxygen reduced, or oxygen deficient, atmospheres.

Question 24

Giving an example for each, identify the shape and colour of the following signs

Answer 24

Prohibition - a round sign with red border and diagonal line from 10 to 4. Black pictogram. No smoking.

Warning or hazard - a yellow triangle with black border and black pictogram. Danger from electricity.

Safe condition - green square or rectangle with white pictogram. First aid point.

Mandatory - blue circle with white pictogram. Respiratory protection must be worn.

Question 25

Sources of health and safety information

Answer 25

Internal to the organisation Accident/ill-health and absence data Audit/inspection findings Accident Investigation reports Maintenance records Cost and management performance data Compliance data External to the organisation ``` Manufacturers’ data Legislation HSE and HSC publications Trade associations British standards www Reference publications Professional bodies Consultants ILO ```

Question 26

Identify the specific statutory requirement for an employer to provide a safe system of work

Answer 26

Section 2.2a of HASAWA puts a duty on employers to provide, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe system of work. Additionally, they have a common law duty to provide a safe system of working Job safety analysis is a process used to develop a safe system of work. Outline the steps to take in developing a safe system of work using the acronym SREDIM. Select the job to be carried out. Record each individual task within the job Evaluate the risks associated with each task Develop safe methods of carrying out the tasks Implement the measures Monitor those measures to ensure that they are effective

Question 27

Identify the common risks specifically associated with entering and working in confined spaces

Answer 27

Fire or explosion Loss of consciousness due to increased body temperature Loss of consciousness due to asphyxiation Drowning Asphyxiation due to free flowing solids.

Question 28

Outline 8 factors to be considered when developing a safe system of work for entering and working in a confined space

Answer 28

1. Nature of the work 2. Nature of hazards and risks 3. Presence of harmful airborne substances 4. Availability of oxygen 5. Numbers of people are exposed 6. Duration of work 7. Means of getting in and getting out 8. Adequacy of control measures 9. Emergency arrangements including rescue

Question 29

Give the meaning of the term ‘permit to work’.

Answer 29

A formal document giving signed authority to carry out specific work.

Question 30

Identify 4 typical activities that would require a permit to work

Answer 30

1. Hot works (outside of recognised safe working area) 2. High voltage work 3. Confined space work 4. Work on railway lines

Question 31

Outline the steps in a typical permit to work system

Answer 31

Issue by the authorised issuing department within the organisation Receipt by an authorised person on behalf of those who are to carry out the work Clearance of the permit at the end of the work. If the permit is cancelled or the work overruns it is good practice to close that permit and open another one.

Question 32

What information would typically be found on a permit to work

Answer 32

* The work to be done * The plant and equipment involved * The name of the person authorised to do the work * The steps taken to make the plant safe * The hazards that remain * The precautions to take to deal with the hazards * The length of time the permit is valid * The name of the person who is specifying that precautions have been taken before the work starts.

Question 33

Planning for health and safety involves:

Answer 33

* Setting aims and objectives * Ensuring resources, including provision of competent people and correct equipment * Identifying hazards and assessing risks * Implementing risk controls and standards of performance * Developing and sustaining a positive culture

Question 34

When health and safety objectives are set for the organisation they should include the consideration of:

Answer 34

* Who is going to set objectives * How the objectives will be set at each functional level * Legal and other requirements * Hazards and risks associated with work activities * Technological options * Financial, operational, and business requirements * Views of interested parties such as insurers, customers

Question 35

Health and safety objectives need to be SMART. This means they should be:

Answer 35

* Specific – clearly defined objective * Measurable – achievement of the objectives are measurable * Achievable – the objective can be achieved within the organisation * Reasonable – timescale and resources are appropriate and available * Time-bound – a completion date is set

Question 36

Meaning of hazard, risk and risk assessment

Answer 36

Hazard: ‘something with the potential to cause harm (this can include articles, substances, plant or machines, methods of work, the working environment and other aspects of work organisation)’. Risk: ‘the likelihood of potential harm from that hazard being realised’. Risk assessment: ‘identifying preventive and protective measures by evaluating the risk(s) arising from a hazard(s), taking into account the adequacy of any existing controls, and deciding whether or not the risk(s) is acceptable’.

Question 37

The main objectives of a risk assessment are:

Answer 37

* To examine what could cause injury/harm to people and weighing up whether enough is being done to prevent harm prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury/harm * To ensure legal compliance according with legislation and therefore protect the organisation from legal action * To protect all assets of the organisation and therefore reduce financial loss

Question 38

Risk assessments must be ‘suitable and sufficient’, in practice, this means that assessments should:

Answer 38

* Be proportionate to the level of risk * Identify the significant hazards and risks * Allow for the evaluation of the risks * Allow for suitable control measures to be identified * Enable priorities to be set * Remain valid over a period of time * Be conducted by a competent person

Question 39

Risk assessments can be carried out following a simple 5-step approach, as follows:

Answer 39

1. Identification of hazards The first step of the risk assessment methodology is to identify the hazards. Hazards are defined as anything with the potential to cause harm/injury. There are many hazards present in the workplace. Hazards may be identified using a variety of methods including: * General workplace inspections * Statutory inspections * Job or task analysis * Incident data * Legislation/guidance information * Manufacturers information * Talking with workforce * Internal specialists (e.g. chemists, engineers) Hazards are present in many forms such as: * Physical – electricity, noise, vibration * Chemical – dusts, fibres, fumes * Biological – animal waste, human waste * Ergonomic – poorly designed work equipment; poorly designed workplaces Some of these hazards cannot be seen or heard but are present and have the potential to cause significant harm. For example, welding fumes or the bacteria present in animal waste. 2. Identifying population at risk ``` The next step of the risk assessment process is to consider who could be harmed. This includes the consideration of any persons who may be exposed to the workplace hazards, such as: • Workers • Maintenance staff • Cleaners • Contractors • Visitors, public, etc. ``` 3. The format for the recording of this assessment should address the following issues: * A description of the work activity * The significant hazards associated with the work activity * Identification of workers at risk, including vulnerable groups * Evaluation of risks * Identification of existing controls and decision on whether additional controls are required * Additional controls * Revised risk level * Date, time, review period and name of assessor 4. General principles of prevention have been developed. These principles of prevention are used during the risk assessment process when deciding which preventative and protective measures will be most effective. The general principles of prevention are: * Avoiding risks * Evaluating unavoidable risks * Combating risks at source * Adapting work to the individual * Adapting to technical progress * Replacing the dangerous with the non-dangerous/less dangerous * Developing an overall coherent prevention policy * Giving priority to collective protective measures over individual protective measures * Giving appropriate instructions to workers 5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – this risk control method is considered the least effective and so the last resort. There are many different types of PPE used within organisations to protect people from a variety of hazards. It is often considered as a less efficient control as it is dependent on the employee using it correctly. It is important that the organisation ensures all PPE is suitable and effective for use in the work situation. This includes ensuring the: * Correct equipment is supplied for hazard type and environment * Adequate training/instruction is provided on use * Issuing, monitoring and exchange system is in place * Cleaning/sterilisation is available where necessary * Suitable storage for PPE is provided

Question 40

PPE is considered as the last resort on the risk control hierarchy because there are a number of limitations. The main limitations are:

Answer 40

* PPE does not eliminate the hazard * PPE does not reduce the hazard * Only protects the wearer and has to be worn to protect * May introduce new hazards due to use, such as reduced dexterity when wearing a glove * Management may not enforce wearing * May not be worn correctly * Wrong size and uncomfortable for the user * Used when damaged and not providing protection * Not properly maintained

Question 41

The sources of information that are internal to the organisation include:

Answer 41

* Accident/ill health records * Absence records * Inspection, audit reports * Accident investigation reports * Maintenance records * Medical records * Risk assessments

Question 42

The sources of information that are external to the organisation include:

Answer 42

* Manufacturers’ data * Legislation * EU (European Union)/HSE (Health and Safety Executive) publications * Trade associations * International, European and British Standards * ILO (International Labour Organisation) * WHO (World Health Organisation) * Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA) * IT sources

Question 43

It is essential that safe systems of work are documented and records are maintained. They will then:

Answer 43

* Provide a clear setting of standards of work * Enable monitoring against standards of performance * Provide a higher chance of being complied with * Translate into comprehensive training plans * Ensure correct skills and knowledge for work to be carried out safely

Question 44

The permit-to-work system is therefore a formal, written, safe system of work that ensures all necessary actions are taken before, during and after high-risk work activities. The system was introduced within the chemical industry for high-risk activities. It is a system that works equally well in all high-risk work situations. Typical examples of situations include:

Answer 44

* Hot work * Work on live electrics * Machinery/plant maintenance * Confined space entry * Work at height * Work over or near water

Question 45

The process ensures that the higher risk aspects of the task are robustly managed and monitored. They must be:

Answer 45

* Issued by the authorised issuing department within the organisation * Received by an authorised person on behalf of those who are to carry out the work * Cleared at the end of the work

Question 46

The permit to work document will specify:

Answer 46

* The work to be carried out * The identified area of work * The methods of working to be used * Any emergency actions to be taken * Equipment/tools allowed/prohibited in the area * The date and time of permit validity * Any isolation work or testing carried out/necessary * Air testing requirements * The signature of issuer and receiver