RISKRISK ASSESSMENTASSESSMENT
Mechanical Mechanical EngineeringEngineering
January 2011January 2011
MarkMark HoareHoareHealth and Safety Health and Safety ManagerManagerThe University of BirminghamThe University of Birmingham
Course ContentCourse Content
Introduction to health and safetyIntroduction to health and safety
How heath and safety is managed at the How heath and safety is managed at the UniversityUniversity
Risk assessment in theoryRisk assessment in theory
Risk assessment in practiceRisk assessment in practice
WHAT IS HEALTH & SAFETY?WHAT IS HEALTH & SAFETY?
Health and Safety is Health and Safety is notnot the absence of the absence of accidents or ill healthaccidents or ill health
BUTBUTthe result of taking positive action to the result of taking positive action to identify identify causescauses and and implementimplement and and maintainmaintain suitable suitable preventive measurespreventive measures to eliminate risk or to eliminate risk or reduce risk to an acceptable reduce risk to an acceptable level.level.
What is an acceptable level?What is an acceptable level?
TimeTimeMoneyMoneyEffortEffort
The greater the The greater the riskrisk the more resources the more resources that need to be put into controlling the that need to be put into controlling the
riskrisk
WHY BOTHER WITH HEALTH & WHY BOTHER WITH HEALTH & SAFETY?SAFETY?
PeoplePeople
TheThe LawLaw
CostCost of of AccidentsAccidents
UniversityUniversity’’s reputations reputation
£
LAWLAW
Mainly the Health and Safety At Work ActMainly the Health and Safety At Work Act–– --and regulations made under itand regulations made under it
Also Also ‘‘Duty of careDuty of care’’
UniversityUniversity’’s Policy interperate the laws Policy interperate the law
safe plant and equipmentsafe plant and equipment
safe systems of worksafe systems of work
safe handling, transport and storagesafe handling, transport and storage
information, training and supervisioninformation, training and supervision
safe access and egresssafe access and egress
safe environmentsafe environment
safety policysafety policy
trade union consultationtrade union consultation
Employer’s duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all his employees. In particular:
HSWA Section 2
Similar responsibility towards non employees
EmployeeEmployee’’s s duty while at work:duty while at work:to take reasonable care of his own and other to take reasonable care of his own and other peoplespeoples’’ health and safetyhealth and safetycoco--operate with employersoperate with employers
No person shall interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety or welfare.
HSWA Sections 7 & 8
Fire at Southampton University -Cost of £millions-to deal with immediate incident-to rebuild-to relocate world class research work-reputationPlus stress on all levels of staff and students
HOW is H&S ORGANISED and HOW is H&S ORGANISED and MANAGED?MANAGED?
UNIVERSITY LEVEL‘The University’ via the VC & Senior Staff
Heads of College
Supported by:University ‘Workplace Wellbeing’ TeamUniversity Policy, Guidance and Rules
COLLEGE LEVEL
Workplace Wellbeing TeamWorkplace Wellbeing Team
DirectorDirector MrMr David HarrisonDavid Harrison
Health and Safety UnitHealth and Safety Unit
Occupational HealthOccupational Health
Staff Support ServicesStaff Support Services
[Sustainability and Environmental Advisor][Sustainability and Environmental Advisor]–– Dr Trevor ShieldsDr Trevor Shields
www.intranet.bham.ac.uk/university/hsu/advice.shtml
HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY PHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHY
H & S MUST BE MANAGEDH & S MUST BE MANAGED
the creator of the risk must control the riskthe creator of the risk must control the risk
prevent accidents, incidents, ill health before prevent accidents, incidents, ill health before they occurthey occur
assess risk and target resourcesassess risk and target resources
the greater the risk the more resources to the greater the risk the more resources to control the riskcontrol the risk
NEED TO MANAGE THE RISKNEED TO MANAGE THE RISK
IdentifyIdentify foreseeable hazardsforeseeable hazards
in orderin order
to prevent or control themto prevent or control them
toto
recognised standardsrecognised standards
and be able toand be able to
demonstrate that it is being done and the demonstrate that it is being done and the correct standards are being achievedcorrect standards are being achieved
Examples of Accidents in Mechanical EngineeringExamples of Accidents in Mechanical Engineering
Lifting a flywheel, slipped through his fingers onto footLifting a flywheel, slipped through his fingers onto footCoolent to grinder stopped, dust extraction caught fireCoolent to grinder stopped, dust extraction caught fireSpark from a linisher hit person in the eyeSpark from a linisher hit person in the eyeCut finger on swarfCut finger on swarfDie on press failed and hit person in faceDie on press failed and hit person in faceUsing emery paper on lathe, caught hand on chuckUsing emery paper on lathe, caught hand on chuckSteel bar being moved slipped through fingersSteel bar being moved slipped through fingersPiece of hot weld went down a studentPiece of hot weld went down a student’’s backs backInjured back lifting post bagsInjured back lifting post bagsCut arm using hack sawCut arm using hack sawUsing bench drill without clamping work and cut fingerUsing bench drill without clamping work and cut finger
Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment
HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974ACT 1974
Requires employers to ensure the health, Requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and non safety and welfare of their employees and non employees employees
How can this be done without assessing the How can this be done without assessing the risks they face?risks they face?
MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH & MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK REGS 1999SAFETY AT WORK REGS 1999
Specifically requires employers to Specifically requires employers to carry out risk assessmentscarry out risk assessments
–– Employers must make Employers must make suitablesuitable and and sufficientsufficient assessments of risks to assessments of risks to employees and other persons arising from employees and other persons arising from or in connection with their conduct or or in connection with their conduct or undertaking undertaking for the purpose of identifying for the purpose of identifying control measurescontrol measures
ProcessProcessIdentifyHazard
AssessRisk
Manage the Risk
Monitor Review Improve
ProcessProcessIdentifyHazard
DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS
HAZARDHAZARD–– something with the something with the
potential to cause potential to cause harmharm
g\winppt\riskass\1
ProcessProcessIdentifyHazard
AssessRisk
DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS
HAZARDHAZARD–– something with the something with the
potential to cause potential to cause harmharm
RISKRISK–– the likelihood of the likelihood of
that harm being that harm being realisedrealised
g\winppt\riskass\1
Clear identification of hazardsClear identification of hazards
What are the risks from the What are the risks from the hazards?hazards?
ProcessProcess
ProcessProcessIdentifyHazard
AssessRisk
Manage the Risks
Identify those who may be harmed and numbersIdentify those who may be harmed and numbers–– young persons/studentsyoung persons/students–– physical impairmentphysical impairment–– pregnantpregnant–– strength/height strength/height –– immunoimmuno--compromisedcompromised
Take account of Take account of –– Some may be regulars in workplace, some notSome may be regulars in workplace, some not–– Staff, students, visitors, contractors, maintenance, cleaners, pStaff, students, visitors, contractors, maintenance, cleaners, patients, public etc.atients, public etc.–– Different levels of competence, knowledge, Different levels of competence, knowledge, awareness, languageawareness, language etc.etc.–– Away from campus, travelling, fieldwork etc.Away from campus, travelling, fieldwork etc.
ExistingExisting controlcontrol measuresmeasures–– Are they Are they adequate?adequate?
What more do I have to do?What more do I have to do?
ProcessProcess Assess the RiskAssess the Risk
Evaluating the riskEvaluating the risk–– Separate significant from insignificant risksSeparate significant from insignificant risks
ProcessProcess Evaluate RiskEvaluate Risk
Evaluating the riskEvaluating the risk–– Separate significant from insignificant risksSeparate significant from insignificant risks
OutcomeOutcome–– No injury / minor / major / fatalNo injury / minor / major / fatal
ProcessProcess Evaluate RiskEvaluate Risk
Evaluating the riskEvaluating the risk–– Separate significant from insignificant risksSeparate significant from insignificant risks
OutcomeOutcome–– No injury / minor / major / fatalNo injury / minor / major / fatal
Clarify why risks are significantClarify why risks are significant–– consequenceconsequence–– probabilityprobability–– frequencyfrequency–– numbers affectednumbers affected
ProcessProcess Evaluate RiskEvaluate Risk
Evaluating the riskEvaluating the risk–– Separate significant from insignificant risksSeparate significant from insignificant risks
OutcomeOutcome–– No injury / minor / major / fatalNo injury / minor / major / fatal
Clarify why risks are significantClarify why risks are significant–– consequenceconsequence–– probabilityprobability–– frequencyfrequency–– numbers affectednumbers affected
ProcessProcess Evaluate RiskEvaluate Risk
Can the risk be accepted?Are existing controls Ok?Are more controls required
ProcessProcessIdentifyHazard
AssessRisk
Manage the Risks by:
Elimination/SubstitutionSeparation
Controlling to Acceptable Level by:
ProceduresSystems
Instructionsi.e.Method Statements
Personal Protective Equipment Warnings
ProcessProcess Controlling the RiskControlling the Risk
Can the hazard be removed altogether?Can the hazard be removed altogether?
If not, how can risks be controlled so that If not, how can risks be controlled so that harm is unlikely?harm is unlikely?
Hierarchy of controlsHierarchy of controls–– eliminate or substituteeliminate or substitute–– engineering controlsengineering controls–– administrative controlsadministrative controls–– personal protective equipmentpersonal protective equipment–– information and instructioninformation and instruction
ControlsControls–– consider competenceconsider competence–– consider emergencies etc.consider emergencies etc.–– must be maintained and monitored for effectiveness must be maintained and monitored for effectiveness
Controlling the riskControlling the risk–– Is there University policy/guidance?Is there University policy/guidance?–– Is there HSE guidance?Is there HSE guidance?–– Is there an industry/research standard?Is there an industry/research standard?–– Apply hierarchy of controlsApply hierarchy of controls–– Consider competencyConsider competency–– Identify emergency proceduresIdentify emergency procedures–– Health surveillance may be requiredHealth surveillance may be required
ProcessProcess Controlling the RiskControlling the Risk
Management Guidance
Manual HandlingElectrical TestingFire LaddersBiological SafetyIonising RadiationPressure SystemsCarcinogensEtc….
Risk AssessmentSupervisionWork EquipmentConfined SpacesLaboratory WorkWork Station DesignOfficesYoung PersonsEtc…...
Local plans/organisation
University Health & Safety Policy & Strategy
Specific Policies Specific Guidance
http://www.hsu.bham.ac.uk
www.intranet.bham.ac.uk/university/hsu/
ProcessProcess Using the Assessment Using the Assessment
UseUse the assessment outcomethe assessment outcome–– proceduresprocedures (including emergency)(including emergency)–– instructionsinstructions–– methods of workmethods of work
Communicate to those who need to know Communicate to those who need to know –– studentsstudents–– shared premisesshared premises–– contractorscontractors–– visitor etc.visitor etc.
Record of the assessmentRecord of the assessment–– SignedSigned–– DatedDated–– Specify review dateSpecify review date
ProcessProcess RecordingRecording
Laboratory Worker Severely BurnedLab worker sustained severe chemical burns when she was splashed with a hot beaker of perchloric acid. She was moving a beaker of the liquid which was at 200 degrees C when it slipped from her grasp, spilled onto her clothes and burst into flames. Her leg also caught fire. She had five operations and will have permanent scarring. She was not wearing any personal protective clothing.
Company fined £25,000. Judge said “they had no proper procedure in terms of safety procedure, equipment and training…….the company fell lamentably short of the standards required.”
East Anglian Daily Times
Risk Assessment?Risk Assessment?
One accident canlead to another
A Student modified a TV to take headphones.
He did not know that the set was a live chassis type.
The phones were live at 350vwhen he used them.
He received severe shock and burnsand was rendered unconscious.
Also, as he fell he pulled the TV setdown on him and his shoulder wasbroken.
Specific Risk Assessments Specific Risk Assessments Required ForRequired For
Display Screen Assessment Display Screen Assessment
Manual HandlingManual Handling
Hazardous Substances (COSHH)Hazardous Substances (COSHH)
DSE Checklist http://www.hsu.bham.ac.uk/univ/pdfs/dsechkl.pdf
ProcessProcessIdentifyHazard
AssessRisk
Manage Risks by
Elimination/Control to
Acceptable Level
Monitor Review
ProceduresSystems
InstructionsWarnings
i.e.Method Statement
REVIEW & REVISEREVIEW & REVISESignificant changes, revise assessmentSignificant changes, revise assessment
–– workplace changes, new substances, procedures, workplace changes, new substances, procedures, equipment etc.equipment etc.
Good practice to review anywayGood practice to review anyway
Some assessments (COSHH) must be Some assessments (COSHH) must be reviewed at specific periodsreviewed at specific periods
DonDon’’t amend for trivial changest amend for trivial changes
Walk round, look, ask people, look at accident Walk round, look, ask people, look at accident statistics, manufacturerstatistics, manufacturer’’s instructions, data s instructions, data sheets etc.sheets etc.
Case Study
Working at height
Hazard –working at heights –falls, well known
Risk –high, well known
Eliminate
Control •Work at height regulations•University guidance on work at heights
•Competent Contractors•Selection of equipment•Training of operatives•Supervision•Inspection arrangements•Monitoring arrangements
Case Study
Storage of flammable and hazardous materials
Risks knownFollow University’s Hazardous Substances Policy-particularly storage section.
Inspect against this plus housekeeping issue
Risk assessment may consider:
Are loose gas cylinders required?-pipe in direct from a permanent installation
Is such a large quantity of oil required?
Inspection may consider:
Who is responsible/why such a mess?
Why was the rubbish not cleared away?-supervision
SummarySummary
Understand activityUnderstand activityIdentify hazardsIdentify hazardsIdentify those who might be harmedIdentify those who might be harmedEvaluate the riskEvaluate the riskControl the riskControl the riskRecord the assessmentRecord the assessmentReview and reviseReview and revise
Use the assessment to formulate procedures etc.Use the assessment to formulate procedures etc.