Health and Safety Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is a risk assessment
A risk assessment is a systematic method of looking at work activities, considering what could go wrong, and deciding on suitable control measures.
What types of risk assessment are there
Qualitative Risk Assessment Quantitative Risk Assessment Generic Risk Assessment Site-Specific Risk Assessment Dynamic Risk Assessment
What is a Qualitative Risk Assessment
Qualitative Risk Assessment - A qualitative risk assessment will look at the risk of somebody being injured, and if that is high, medium or low. The risk is calculated by the severity of harm x likelihood of harm.
What is a Quantitative Risk Assessment
Quantitative Risk Assessment - The quantitative risk assessment is used to measure risk by assigning a numerical value. Often qualitative risk assessments might assign numbers to different levels of risk such as a 5x5 matrix. These are often colour coded to indicate the severity of the hazard.
What is a Generic Risk Assessment
Generic Risk Assessment - A generic risk assessment will often be used for similar activities or equipment across different sites, departments or companies.
What is a Site-Specific Risk Assessment
Site-Specific Risk Assessment - A site-specific risk assessment is a risk assessment that has been completed for a specific item of work, that takes account of the site-location, environment, and people doing the work.
What is a Dynamic Risk Assessment
Dynamic Risk Assessment - A dynamic risk assessment is a process of assessing risk in an on the spot situation. This type of risk assessment is often used to cope with unknown risks and handling uncertainty. workers need to have the skills and awareness to recognise and deal with danger.
What are the steps to undertaking a risk assessment
There are typically 5 steps to a risk assessment;
Step 1: Identify hazards, anything that may cause harm.
Step 2: Decide who may be harmed, and how.
Step 3: Assess the risks and take action.
Step 4: Make a record of the findings.
Step 5: Review the risk assessment.
What are the colours of asbestos
The colours of asbestos are only visible under a special type of microscope and are as follows;
White = Chrysotile
Brown = Amosite
Blue real name = Chrocidolite
What are some examples of asbestos-containing materials
Asbestos cement board Cement Pipes Blown-in insulation & Spray-applied insulation (Flock) Boiler Insulation Fire prevention; Fire curtains, Fire blankets, Fire doors Packing materials Pipe lagging Textured ceilings (Artex) Vinyl floor tiles Vinyl sheet flooring
When did asbestos get banned
Chrysotile banned in 1999 (Serpentine)
Amosite and Crocidolite banned in 1985 (Amphibole)
What is relevant asbestos regulation
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
What is licenced asbestos removal
- Large removal tasked e.g. asbestos flock removal
- Notifiable if 0.1 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air per 4 hours
- ASB5 form at least 14 days before the work starts
What is non-licenced asbestos removal
- Should not exceed 0.6f/cm3 measured over 10 minutes
- ACMs have to be in good condition and coated and non-friable
- e.g. Encapsulation and sealing-in work on asbestos-containing materials
What is the Abestos Register
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4) creates a legal duty to manage asbestos. If asbestos is present, or is presumed to be present, then it must be managed appropriately. An asbestos register will contain;
The location of any ACMs.
The type of asbestos they contain.
The condition of the materials.
What is Legionnaires
The term Legionnaires is used to describe bacterial infections including Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever.
Legionella is typically inhaled by the form of aerosol and small particles penetrate the lungs. Legionnaires is a notifiable disease since 2010.
What are some sources of Legionella
Typical sources include;
- Cooling towers
- Pipework (dead legs)
- Water storage tanks
- Hot water systems
- Spa pools
- Natural (soil, ground water, sea water)
When is Legionella active
Legionella is active between 20 & 46°C with its optimum temperature being 37°C.
How can Legionella be prevented
- Temperature regulation below 20°C or above 60°C
- Installation of drift eliminators
- Biocides such as oxidization agents
- UV disinfection
- Regular maintenance
