Risk Management
Definitions:
Hazard
Something with the potential to cause harm.
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Risk
8The likelihood that the harm will be realised.
8
When assessing risks the potential severity of the consequences is also considered.
Laws requiring risk assessment
Section 2(1) HASAWA 1974
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1999
The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1998
The Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996
The Display Screen Equipment (Health and Safety) Regulations 1992
5 Steps to Risk Assessment
Look for the Hazards
Decide who might be harmed and in what circumstances
Evaluate the risks, and the adequacy of existing controls
Record the significant findings
Review the assessment
Step 1 - Identify the hazards
A Hazard is something with the potential to cause harm
Physical
Chemical
Biological
Ergonomic
Psychological
Hazard Identification Techniques
Inspections
HAZOP
Job Safety Analysis
Hazard Books and Contact Schemes
Fault Tree Analysis
Step 2 - Decide who might be harmed & how?
Consider groups who may be especially at risk
the disabled, pregnant workers, children and young workers
Step 3 - Evaluate the risks
Consider the likelihood and severity
Are existing controls adequate?
Is there anything else that can be done to make it safer (SFAIRP)?
Are legal standards met and best practice followed?
Risk assessment matrix
Hierarchy of Control
Reduce
General Principles of Prevention
avoiding risks;
evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;
combating the risks at source;
adapting the work to the individual
adapting to technical progress;
replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous;
developing a coherent prevention policy, relating to the working environment;
giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures;
giving appropriate instructions to employees.
Step 4 - Record significant findings
You must decide what the significant findings are, they may include;
the significant hazards
the existing control measures
identification of workers affected
reference to other guidance
Step 5 - Review the assessment
The assessment must be reviewed when:
You believe it is no longer valid
There has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates.
the workplace
new work rates
new process or plant
competency of individuals
new legal requirements
A safe system of work
“A safe system of work is a formal procedure which results from a systematic examination of the task in order to identify all the hazards. It defines safe methods to ensure that hazards are eliminated or risks minimised.”
Nothing is absolutely safe
Nilsson v. Redditch Borough Council
Develop a safe system of work
Analyse the task
Implement the system
Monitor the system
Materials,Equipment, Environment and People(MEEP)
Environment
Temperature,Lighting,Noise,Ventilation etc.
People
Systems,Training,Skills,Motivation,etc.
Materials
Use,Handling,Storage,Transportation,Disposal etc.
Equipment
Design,Ergonomics,Maintenance,Inspections,etc.
Permit to Work - Situations
High risk activities including
4Confined space entry
4Live working
4Hot/Cold work
4Hazardous areas
4Maintenance operations
4Pressurised systems
Format of a Permit to Work
Issue
Receipt
Clearance and return to service
Cancellation
Extensions