Health & Safety Flashcards
(159 cards)
1
Q
What is included within your firms H&S policy?
A
- Health and Safety Training (Asbestos Awareness Training).
- Accident Reporting
- Fire and Emergency Procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Lone Working
- Managing Stress in the Workplace
2
Q
What is Lone Working?
A
The risks of working alone - outlined under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
Issues for consideration include.
- The remoteness or isolation of workplaces.
- Condition of workplace.
- The possibility of interference, including violence or criminal activity from other persons.
- The nature of injury or damage to health and the anticipated “worst case” scenario.
- Emergency Procedures.
3
Q
What is the purpose of the RICS Surveying Safely Professional Standard - What have you taken from this?
A
This professional standard sets out a good practice and principles for the management of health and safety for RICS-regulated firms and RICS members.
* Risk management
* Fire safety
* Lone working
* Asbestos
* Legal Responsibilities
4
Q
Are you aware of any updates to RICS Surveying safely?
A
The Guidance note was recently updated to a professional standard. (February 2024)
– The 2nd edition replaced the 1st edition in 2018.
– Introduced the ‘safe person concept’ to ensure individuals take responsibility for their own and others health and safety while at work.
– There is also a greater focus on the competence of individuals.
5
Q
What is the maximum height a residential surveyor is expected to access using a ladder?
A
No more than 3 metres above floor level.
6
Q
Are you aware of any H&S guidance on working from height?
A
The Works at Height Regulations 2005.
Working at height includes:
– Working on a ladder.
– Fragile surfaces (flat roof)
– Falls into open ground (excavations)
7
Q
How do you comply with the ‘Works at Height Regulations 2005’?
A
I ensure works are properly planned by taking into consideration:
– The weather conditions.
– The height of the task: if more than 3m cannot be accessed via a ladder.
– The duration: Short-duration /low-risk tasks if less than 30min
– Condition of the surface being walked on: Flat roofs or suspended timber floors.
8
Q
What are the most common causes of accidents when working at height?
A
Roof works – falling through fragile surfaces and roof lights is the most common cause of workplace death or injury.
9
Q
Are you aware of any changes to H&S regulations?
A
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022
The amendment introduced the regulations to a wider group of works defined as Limb A-Limb B workers.
– Limb A – All employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
– Limb B – Workers that carry out casual or irregular work for one or more organisations.
Building Safety Act 2022
All new higher-risk buildings must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator.
All responsible persons must record their fire safety arrangements to demonstrate how fire safety is managed in the premises.
10
Q
What’s the purpose of a risk assessment & method statement?
A
Risk assessment: Identifying the risk /analyses of risk with a rating.
Method Statement: How the works will be carried out safely in accordance with the known risks.
11
Q
Different types of risk assessment?
A
General Risk Assessment:
General H&S risks which employees could be exposed to in the workplace /construction sites.
Site Specific Risk Assessment:
Identifying specific hazards relating to the works such as: working from height, hazardous substances and manual handling.
Dynamic Risk Assessment:
Re-evaluate the work /working environment which may have changed when attending site.
- Is it still safe?
- Are control measures in place?
- If not, retire to a place of safety and reconsider how to continue safely.
12
Q
What does the term “so far as is reasonably practicable” mean?
A
That the degree of risk can be balanced against time and cost of taking measures to avoid the risk.
13
Q
What measures do you take to ensure your own health and safety on inspection?
A
– Desktop survey to assess any site risks /limitations (overhead cables or access).
– Full details name /number of the person I am meeting.
– Make sure my calendar is updated with where I am at what time and date and who I am meeting.
– I take the necessary Personal Protective Equipment with me.
14
Q
What considerations do you need to make before inspecting a property in poor repair?
A
– Consider whether the building is safe to enter.
– If I have the correct PPE.
15
Q
What act governs Health & Safety?
A
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
16
Q
What does the ‘Health and Safety at Work Act 1974’ cover?
A
– Duty to all employees to ensure the H&S and welfare at work of all employees.
– Reporting of injuries and dangerous occurrences
– Review of risk assessments (The Management of H&S at Work Regulations 1999).
– Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 requires employers to provide appropriate PPE for their employees.
– Policed by the H&S Executive as a criminal offence with fines and or imprisonment.
17
Q
What is a risk assessment?
A
Legal requirement for organisations if they employ more than 5 staff to carry out and document H&S risk assessments of all their significant hazards.
18
Q
What are the five steps to a risk assessment?
A
– Identify the hazard present
– Identify the people at risk form the hazards
– Evaluate the risk; take into account the likelihood and severity of any accidents.
– Existing controls in place should be identified and evaluated.
– Record findings on a suitable form
– Review the risk assessment regularly.
19
Q
What is a hazard?
A
Anything that could cause harm (such as a wet floor).
20
Q
What is a risk?
A
The probability that someone will be harmed (falling over on the wet floor).
21
Q
Tell me about Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995?
A
– Injuries must be reported to HSE within 15 days from the date of the accident.
– All employers must keep a record of all injuries over 3 days.
– Accident book must be kept for a minimum of 3 years.
22
Q
What does RIDDOR require reporting of?
A
Work related accidents causing:
* Death
* Serious injuries
* Diagnosed injuries
23
Q
What are the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015?
A
The aim is to improve the overall management and co-ordination of H&S at all stages of a construction project.
24
Q
You are inspecting an industrial property and see a blue sign, what does this mean?
A
This represents a mandatory action such as eye protection MUST be worn.
25
You are inspecting an industrial property and see a red sign, what does this mean?
This prohibits actions and also denotes emergency equipment such as a fire extinguisher.
26
You are inspecting an industrial property and see a green sign, what does this mean?
Safe conditions such as safe areas, emergency exits.
27
You are inspecting an industrial property and see a yellow sign, what does this mean?
Warns against hazards such as slippery surfaces
28
What is your firms lone working policy?
– The addresses and names and numbers of site visits is to be recorded.
– A call to the office once the inspection is complete is also required.
29
How do you ensure your personal safety?
– Take a fully charged mobile phone on inspections
– Take appropriate PPE
– Call back system to the office
– Calendar made available to view by colleagues
30
What do you do when you arrive on site?
– Check in with the contact person
– Explain my method of work
– Read the occupiers safety induction sheet
– Put on PPE needed
– Read instructions about exits, alarms and safe areas.
31
What do you do whilst inspecting?
– Work safely
– Obey all instructions
– Do not interrupt safe working of others
– Wear ID and PPE at all times
– Avoid dangerous situations or shortcuts
– Do not enter prohibited areas
– Do not use prohibited devices.
32
What would you do if an accident occurred on site?
– Stop working immediately.
– Call the emergency services if required.
– On return to office report it to my line manager.
– Fill out incident report form.
– Update lone worker spreadsheet (if working alone).
33
What is a method of work statement?
– A proposal of how any work is carried out:
– Inspection method
– Access requirements
– Survey equipment to be carried on site.
– PPE I intend to wear.
34
What is the HSE Guidance document on CDM called?
L153: Managing H&S in Construction
35
What is the key aim of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015?
To govern the H&S of projects in the UK.
CDM integrates health and safety into the management of construction works and encourage everyone involved to work together.
It places legal duties on everyone involved in the project from design, through to construction and beyond.
36
Who are the Duty holders of CDM?
– Client
– Designer
– Principal Designer
– Contractor
– Principal Contractor
– Workers
37
What experience have you had under CDM regulations?
I have undertaken Principal Designer duties for multiple residential refurbishment schemes to provide supported living accommodation.
This included:
- Requesting information from the contractor prior to works commencement CPP.
- Preparing risk assessments.
38
What are the General Principles of Prevention?
The general principles of prevention is a term used in the CDM Regulations to describe a systematic way of dealing with potential health and safety risks.
This is also known as Hierarchy of Controls in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Provides a framework to identify and implement measures to eliminate or control risks.
39
What are the 9 Principles of Prevention?
These are listed in Appendix A of L153 ‘Managing H&S in construction’
* Avoid risks.
* Evaluate risks that cannot be avoided.
* Putting control measures in place.
* Adapt the work to the individual, especially regarding the design of workplaces.
* Adapt to technical progress.
* Replace the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous.
* Develop a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence factors to the working environment.
* Give collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures.
* Give appropriate instructions to employees.
40
What are the Clients duties under CDM?
Make **suitable arrangements** for managing the project:
- Appoint duty holders.
- Allow sufficient time and resources are allocated.
- Prepare and provide relevant information to other duty holders (PCI).
- Ensure PD and PC carry out their duties.
- Welfare facilities are provided.
41
Who is deemed a client under CDM?
A client is anyone who has construction work carried out for them.
- Commercial clients – provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors.
- Domestic client (own home) - client duties are transferred to the contractor unless written agreement for PD to take on client duties.
42
What are the Designers duties under CDM?
When preparing or modifying designs to eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risks.
- Provide information to other members of the project team to help fulfil their duties.
43
What are the Principal Designers duties under CDM?
Plan, manage and monitor the pre-construction phase of a project. This includes:
- Identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks.
- Prepare and provide relevant information to the principal contractor to help them plan, manage and coordinate H&S in the construction phase.
44
What is the Principle Contractors role under CDM?
Plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate construction phase.
- Liaise with client and principal designer.
- Prepare CPP.
- Suitable site inductions are provided.
- Reasonable steps are taken to prevent unauthorised access.
- Welfare facilities are provided.
Contractor – anyone who engages construction workers or manages construction.
45
What are the workers duties under CDM?
The people who work under the control of contractors on a construction site.
- Be consulted about matters that affect their H&S
- Report anything, they see that may endanger either their own or other H&S
- Cooperate with their employer contractors and other duty holders.
46
What is Pre-Construction Information?
This can include the location of services, asbestos, site risk assessments etc.
Client must provide soon as possible.
Principal Designer to assist client to gather information.
47
When does CDM Regulations apply?
To all construction works.
48
When are construction projects notifiable?
Works last longer than 30 working days and has more than 20 workers working at the same time or Exceeds more than 500 working days.
49
What is a CPP
A construction phase plan is a collection of documents that need to be kept up to date;
How we are going to plan /manage the works with risk assessments, welfare provisions, access arrangements etc.
Contractor must provide CPP for every construction project.
50
Who's responsibility under CDM is it to provide Risk Assessments & Method Statement (RAMS)
PD is responsible for identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks.
Contractor to provide sequence of how works are to be done and how the risks are to be managed.
Principal Designer can issue a PQQ (pre-qualifying questionnaire) to challenge the contractors if they have the correct qualifications etc.
51
What is a H&S file?
A series of documents to ensure the Health and Safety of any person carrying out future construction or maintenance works.
This includes the risks and how to maintain the building with the provision of as built drawings.
This is often prepared in the pre-construction phase and updated throughout the project with the information provided by the contractor.
Principal Designer to prepare the H&S file and deliver this at the end of the project.
If the PD has no more involvement in the project at the end the PD can pass their responsibility over to the PC to issue the H&S file at the end.
H&S file is required for all projects where more than 1 contractor or a PD is appointed.
52
What was the purpose of your inspection at Worden Hall?
I was appointed by the local authority who was planning to renovate the building. To ensure all defects were included within their planned works they required a condition survey to identify defects.
I provided a photo of each defect alongside recommended remedial works, budget costs and a rating system.
Each defect was given a RAG rating (Red, Amber, Green) for each defect identified:
– Red - Immediate work necessary to secure the building and prevent structural deterioration (rotten timber windows and failure of lath and plaster ceilings).
– Amber - General repair work to secure long-term future of the building (clearance of gutters to prevent dampness).
– Green - Refurbishment works to improve the appearance (e.g. decoration).
53
What H&S information did the client provide at Worden Hall?
The building was owned by the Local Authority who had appointed an architect to manage a project.
With this being part of the planned construction works the architect had produced Pre-Construction Information on behalf of the client to ensure anyone working on site is aware of the H&S elements.
I reviewed the PCI and identified below ground culverts, cellars and rainwater tanks to certain areas of the building. This restricted the safe use of a MEWP so I suggested inspection via a pole mounted camera.
54
What else did you review /identify in the PCI at Worden Hall?
Asbestos R&D report – ACM’s to the boiler room.
Presence of bats within the clock tower – the inspection was in January. I considered this to be within the hibernation period (between November and February – colder months) and did not inspect the clock tower.
55
What are limited loading areas and why did this prevent the use of a MEWP?
The platform for the MEWP to be sited should be on firm and level ground.
The underground tanks were housed within covers that could not be possible to determine if they were strong enough to withstand the applied pressure.
Ground features such as trenches, manholes and rainwater tanks can all lead to overturning of the MEWP.
56
Were there any H&S risks using a telescopic pole camera?
I consider if there were any overhead cables present.
I considered the height required and the weather on the day of inspection (windy).
57
What were the limitations to a pole camera?
– The telescopic pole camera is 10m which accessed all roof areas in full detail excluding the clocktower.
– This being said, the clock tower roof was visible from the 10m point in sufficient detail for the survey.
58
What other H&S considerations did you take when undertaking the inspection at Worden Hall?
* Lone working
* Overhead power cables – pole camera.
* Moving vehicles to the rear public car park (hi-vis required.)
59
What H&S risks are you aware of relating to rainwater tanks?
Contamination of collected rainwater with disease caused from birds and other animals, poses the biggest risk to health.
For example, rainwater collected from the roof that could be contaminated.
60
What is a Below ground culvert?
A culvert is a closed conduit or tunnel used to convey water from one area to another, normally from one side of a road to the other side.
61
When is an F10 required?
The F10 notification must be submitted to the Health & Safety Executive for any construction project in the UK that is expected to last longer than:
– 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working simultaneously.
– Exceed 500 person days.
62
What’s the purpose of an F10 notification?
The F10 notification (Notification of Construction Work) is a requirement under the CDM Regulations 2015.
The purpose is to regulate H&S on construction sites to ensure that proper plans and arrangements are put in place before works commence.
63
What details are required for an F10 form?
– Site address.
– Brief description of the works.
– Planned construction start and end dates.
– Maximum number of people working on the site.
– Contact details for client, principal designer and principle contractor.
64
Whose duty is it under the CDM regulations to submit the F10?
The responsibility lies with the client.
However, as principal designer I was delegated to submit the notification on my client's behalf.
65
What happens if a notifiable project was to over run?
I would monitor the days on site and workers throughout the scheme and notify the HSE where necessary.
66
What would happen if you didn’t submit an F10?
Failure to submit the F10 notification is a breach of CDM 2015 and can result in penalties.
67
Why did you ensure the F10 notification was visible on site?
The F10 notice must be displayed in the construction site office, so it is accessible to anyone working on the site.
This is the Clients duty, but usually, the Client passes this instruction on to the Principal Contractor to fulfil.
68
When are you required to submit an F10 notification?
Regulation 6 of the CDM regulations requires that the client must give notice in writing to the HSE as soon as is practicable before the construction phase begins.
69
At Westminster Avenue; What other duties did you advise your client of under CDM?
Make suitable arrangments for managing the project.
– Their duty to provide relevant information such as pre-construction information which I helped bring together.
– Duty to provide suitable welfare facilities; one of the units were unoccupied and used as the site office /welfare.
70
At Westminster Avenue; What was your role? What were your responsibilities?
I assisted the principal designer to Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase of a project.
This included:
– Assisting the client in their duties to prepare the pre-construction information pack.
– I ensured that everyone involved in the pre-construction phase communicated and I coordinating their work where required.
– I liased with the principal contractor to help in the planning, management, monitoring and coordination of the construction phase.
71
Can you please expand on your knowledge of Construction (design and Management) regulations?
Intended to ensure that the health and safety issues are properly considered during a projects development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced.
72
What is the hierarchy of risk control?
This is used to reduce risks to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking preventative
measures, in order of priority:
- Eliminate
- Substitution
- Engineering Controls
- Admin Controls (daylight hours /lone working)
- PPE
73
How are projects notified?
Submit an F10 form to the HSE
74
What is Notifiable Non Licensed Work (Asbestos)?
Work involving removal of damaged ACM’s. Contractor must notify HSE/LA before carrying out.
75
What is CDM?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which govern the way construction projects of all sizes and types are planned in the UK.
76
What is included in Pre-Construciton Information?
* Description of the site and proposed works.
* Contact details for the project team.
* H&S Information.
* Asbestos reports.
77
What is a construction phase plan?
The construction phase plan (CPP) records arrangements for managing health and safety risks associated with the construction of the project and is the basis for communicating those arrangements to those involved in the construction phase.
78
What are the 5 steps for a risk assessment? IDERR
1: Identify the Hazards.
2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How.
3: Evaluate the Risks and Take Action to Prevent Them.
4: Record Your Findings.
5: Review the Risk Assessment.
79
What is the document the RICS have produced in relation to health and safety?
RICS Surveying Safely (Professional Standard) 2nd Edition (Nov 2018)
80
Can you give me the key components of that? (Surveying Safely)
* ‘Safe Person’ concept introduced within the 2nd edition.
* Assessing hazards and risks (risk management, assessing risk, risk assessments)
* Places of works (risks relating to building age, location, use etc.)
* Occupation hygiene (hazardous substances e.g. asbestos, working environment e.g. Lighting)
* Visiting premises of sites (lone working, condition of the property being visited)
81
What is Surveying safely guide about?
Sets out basic, good practice principals for the managment of H&S.
How to assess hazards and risks as well as the concept of managing the risk. It covers general activities associated with places of work, occupational health and safety, what to do when visiting jobs, fire safety, residential surveys and procurement of contractors.
82
What is the safe working concept?
Each individual assumes individual responsibility for themselves and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
83
What is a Risk Assessment?
A Risk Assessment is a systematic examination of tasks, examining the likeliness they will occur, and the impact they will have.
84
What do you consider when writing a Risk Assessment?
* Identify all risks
* Determine who might be harmed by the identified risk.
* Evaluate the risk and decide on precautions.
* Record your findings
* Review your risk assessment and update if necessary.
85
What are the types of asbestos surveys?
Management survey: Required to manage ACM during the normal occupation and use of premises.
Refurbishment & Demolition Survey: Required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition.
86
Can you name some common places you would find asbestos?
* Loose fill insulation
* Asbestos cement corrugated sheet
* Asbestos cement downpipes
* Lagging on pipes
* Artex textured coatings
* Asbestos Insulating board soffits
* Vinyl floor tiles
87
What Regulations are in force in relation to asbestos?
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
88
What does the RICS surveying safely say about asbestos?
Shows a diagram of typical locations of asbestos in a building.
It is necessary to identify ACMs and produce a management plan for preventing exposure to asbestos.
89
Under the asbestos regulations, who is the duty holder?
Person responsible for maintaining the property.
90
When was asbestos banned?
All Asbestos by 1999
(Blue & Brown 1985)
91
What are the three most common types of Asbestos known in our industry?
* Chrysotile – white
* Crocidolite- blue
* Amosite - brown
92
What is the difference between a management survey and a R & D survey?
The purpose of the management survey is to manage asbestos during the normal occupation of premises.
The refurbishment / demolition survey is required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition. The survey does not need a record of the condition of asbestos.
93
What are the key principles of Control of Asbestos Regs?
* Applies to employers and employees working in asbestos related situations
* Places a duty on employers to provide adequate PPE, protect employees from exposure and provide procedures in the event of exposure
* It places a duty on employees to follow the rules and procedures and report incidents to the relevant authorities.
94
What is licensed work? (asbestos)
Licensable work includes:
- removing sprayed coatings
- removal of pipe lagging
- any work involving loose fill insulation.
- where the exposure of workers to asbestos is not sporadic and of low intensity. (more than 2 hours in any 7-day period)
- the risk assessment cannot clearly demonstrate that the control limit will not be exceeded (control limit exceeds 0.1 fibres /cm3/hour)
95
What is unlicensed work? (asbestos)
Must be sporadic and low intensity and not exceed 0.6 fibers/cm3 per 10 minutes.
Short non continuous maintenance with non-friable material.
Removal where ACM’s are in reasonable condition, where ACM is in good condition and being sealed.
96
What is the HASAWA?
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that as of 2011 defines the fundamental structure and authority for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare within the United Kingdom
97
Under the General Principles of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, an Employee should specifically do what?
* Take responsible care for their own safety
* Follow the training received
* Take responsible care for other people’s Safety
* Cooperate with their employer regarding Health and Safety
* Tell someone if through a working practice a Health and Safety risk is identified
98
What is they key H&S legislation in the UK?
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
99
What does reasonably practical mean?
A decision based on access the cost, time and effort relative to the company.
100
What are the penalties under the H&S act 1974?
* Unlimited fines
* Up to 2 years imprisonment(or more for corporate or gross negligence)
* Directors disqualified for life
101
How frequently would you expect a scaffold to be inspected?
Before it is used for the first time the every 7 days.
The contractor is to maintain a Scaffold Register on site.
102
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment
103
What is the definition of PPE?
PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work.
3 levels simple, intermediate, and complex
104
What PPE might you normally take when visiting a building site?
* Hi Vis
* Steel toe cap boots
* Hard hat
* Gloves
* Mask
* Harness
* Hand sanitiser
105
What is legionnaires disease?
Potentially fatal form of pneumonia cased by legionella bacteria dispersed into the atmosphere.
Cause by standing water in pipes.
106
What is a O&M file?
O&M manual contents AKA “operation and maintenance manual” (O&M manual), is a file that contains all the information required for the operation, maintenance, decommissioning and demolition of a building or structure.
107
What is included in a O&M file?
* Description of the main design.
* Lists of the building’s construction guidelines (incl. specs, finishes, cladding, doors and windows, roof construction etc.).
* Versions and revisions to drawings and specifications.
* Detailed instructions for its operation and maintenance (covering health and safety documents, equipment and manufacturers’ instructions for efficient and proper operation).
* A complete asset register of all plant and equipment installed.
* Documentation on commissioning and various testing results.
* The inclusion of warranties, guarantees and certifications.
* Outlines or instructions related to upkeep, maintenance, operation, demolition, decommissioning and disposal.
108
What is the hierarchy of control?
System used to minimise or eliminate exposure to hazards.
* Elimination
* Replace the hazard (Substitution)
* Isolate people from the hazard (Engineering Controls)
* Change the way people work (Administrative Controls)
* PPE - last resort to protect against risk.
109
What is a control measure?
A measure put in place to reduce the potential harm of a task or activity.
110
What additional guidance could you seek in relation to access?
* Part M
* Equality act
* BS8300 - Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. Buildings - code of practice
111
Who is the HSE and what do they do?
Health and Safety Executive.
They are Britain’s independent regulator for workplace health and safety. It prevents work-related death, injury and ill health.
112
What is a Risk/Hazard?
* A Hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm.
* A Risk is the chance of something happening which could be a percentage.
113
How are risks managed on site?
* Review the risk assessment
* Follow the rules of the contractor enforced by the site manager such as PPE and working at height.
* If I have concerns, I will raise this with the site manager
114
Who is a principal designer?
A principal designer can be an organisation or individual who is appointed by the client.
To plan, manage, monitor and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase.
115
How long should a principal designer be appointed for?
The duration of a principal designer's appointment should take into account any design work which may continue into the construction phase.
A principal designer should be in place for as long as there is a need for their role to be performed.
Where the appointment finishes before the end of the project, they should fully brief the principal contractor on matters arising from designs relevant to any subsequent construction work, and also pass the health and safety file on to them.
116
What is a designers risk assessment?
This is where designers of construction project provide information about the risks originating from their design which need to be considered /managed on site.
I use the CDM RAG list as a practical guide on what to elimate or avoid.
Red List may include a lack of Pre-Construction Informaiton (Asbestos survey reports /fragile roof coveirngs etc.)
117
What is risk management?
Risk management is where appropriate time is taken to consider how a plan of action could deviate from what you expect.
Risks must be measured, prioritised and managed appropriately.
118
What is the purpose of the RICS Professional Standard: Surveying Safely?
Mandatory document for RICS regulated firms and members in regard to carrying out their work activities safely.
119
What are the headings in Surveying Safely:
- Responsibilities of Members and Firms (safe person concept)
- Relevance of professional groups
- Assessing Hazards and Risks
- Places of work
- Occupational health & hygiene (asbestos diagram)
- Visiting premises or sites
- Fire Safety
- Residential Property Surveying
- General procurement and management of contractors
120
What is a risk assessment?
Assessing what in your work could cause harm to people and what precautions are to be put in place to prevent harm.
121
What is the Hierarchy of Risk Control?
Where risks are elimated or reduced by taking preventative measures, in order of priority.
- Elimination (re-design the activity)
- Substitution (replace work process)
- Engineering controls (use equipment to prevent falls)
- Administrative Controls (lone working /daylight inspecitons)
- PPE (where risks cannot be eliminated)
122
What is a Health and Safety file?
Health and safety information that details the initial construction, alterations and refurbishment through to maintenance.
A health and safety file is required as part of the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015.
Principal Designers responsibility under CDM to pass over to the client at the end of the project.
This forms part of the overall health and safety management system required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
123
Westminster Avenue: Why did you ensure the F10 was visible to the contractor in their site office?
The F10 must be displayed in the construction site office so it is accessible to anyone working on the site in a form that can be easily understood.
This is the client's duty but usually, the client passes instructions to the Principal Contractor to fulfill.
124
What is included in a H&S file?
All information to allow future work to be carried out safely.
This includes:
- Description of the work carried out;
- Hazards that have not been eliminated through the design and construction process
- How hazards have been addressed (asbestos survey)
- H&S information for cleaning or maintenance.
- Location of underground cables /gas supply etc.
- Drawings (as-built)
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Worden Hall; What PPE did you use during the survey and why?
- Hi-visibilty jacket (movement of vehicles to the car park)
- Steel toe capped boots (protecting the foot when stepping on a sharp object – property had been vacant for a long period of time).
This was determined by the hazards identified during the assessment.
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When does an employer have to prepare a written health and safety policy and record the findings of risk assessment?
When they employ 5 or more people.
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What does a risk assessment tell you?
What risks exist and how they should be controlled
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When should PPE be considered in a risk assesment?
Only considered where risks can not be eliminated by other means.
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What are the 5 steps needs to manage risk?
- Identify hazards
- Assess the risks
- Control the risks
- Record findings
- Review the controls.
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Under the H&S at work act 1974 which 2 groups do employers have a general duty to?
- Employees
- Members of the public
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What happens if CDM Regulations are breached?
Failure to comply with CDM requirements can result in enforcement action being taken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, penalties can range from:
- Fines
- Imprisonment (for individuals)
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What is the difference between Inherent Risk and Residual Risk?
Inherent risk: the amount of risk that exists in the absence of controls.
Residual risk: the amount of risk that remains after controls are accounted for.
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What process did you take to populate the risk assessment at Worden Hall?
- Identified the known /possible hazards
- Decided who might be harmed and how
- Evaluated the risks and decide on precautions
- Recorded the findings and implemented them.
- I then reviewed the assessment on site and would update if necessary.
Advised all those affected of the outcome of the assessment and methods of work, or other control measures necessary, to minimise or eliminate risk.
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What hazard did using the pole camera eliminate and what risk remained?
- Working from height.
- Potential unstable ground /tipping of the MEWP.
Risks Remained: Overhead power cable for the pole camera and weather conditions.
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What height does a worker need to be considered as working at height?
Any height where a worker can fall a distance liable to cause injury.
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What risks affect lone workers?
- Violence
- Stress /Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Medical suitability to work alone
- Rural Areas /unable to make contact.
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When should risk control in a risk assessment be reviewed?
- When the control may no longer be effective.
- Changes in the workplace (staff /processes).
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What are the basic principles of a risk assessment?
- Identify the hazards
- Decide who might be harmed and how
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
- Record the findings and implement them
- Review the assessment and update if necessary
- Advise all those affected of the outcome of the assessment and methods of work, or other control measures necessary, to minimise or eliminate risk.
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What is a Risk Assessment?
Analysing what could cause harm to people, so that you can judge whether or not you have taken enough precautions to prevent harm.
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What is the safe person concept?
Each individual assumes individual behavioral responsibility for their own, their colleagues' and others' health and safety while at work.
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Have you acted as PD /could you?
I have assisted the PD to carry out their duties.
I would act as PD if I had the relative skills, knowledge and experience for that particular project /work.
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What must you consider during the design phase?
- Designer risk assessment (identify the hazards and evaluate the risks that may arise from the design)
- Compliance with legislation
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What Hazards do you consider when using a MEWP?
Entrapment: operator trapped between part of the basket and a fixed structure, eg overhead steelwork.
Overturning: the machine may overturn throwing the operator from the basket
Falling: an operator may fall from the basket during work activities
Collision: the vehicle may collide with pedestrians, overhead cables or nearby vehicles.
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What was the risk at Worden Hall in relation to the MEWP?
Ground conditions
The platform should be used on firm and level ground.
The temporary covers should be strong enough to withstand the applied pressure which could not have been determined.
Localised ground features, eg trenches, manholes and uncompacted backfill, can all lead to overturning.
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Are you aware of any guidance relating to working near underground services?
HSE Guidance 'HS(G)47'
"Avoiding Danger from Underground Services"
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What frequency should scaffolding be inspected?
- Every seven days
- Following modification, alteration, or adverse weather conditions.
This is required under Work at Height Regulations and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The results should be recorded and kept until the next inspection.
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What legislation falls under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974?
* Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
* Manual Handling Operations Regulations
* Display Screen Equipment Regulations
* Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations
* Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
* Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
Note: These are known as the 6 pack Regulations
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If you was inspecting a property Year 2002; would you rule out the potential risk of Asbestos?
No, I wouldn’t totally rule out the risk.
I am aware that asbestos may have still been used up to 2002 – 2003 due to materials being stored following the ban in November 1999.
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What type of injuries are reportable under RIDDOR 2013?
- Death
- Amputation (arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe)
- Fractures (other than to fingers, thumbs, and toes)
- Injuries likely to cause permanent blinding or reduction in sight.
- Serious burns (including scalding) which cover more than 10% of the body
- Loss of consciousness caused by head injury
- any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
Note: I would check the HSE Website as I am aware there are others..
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What is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974? How does this apply to you?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires surveyors to ensure the H&S of themselves and any other people who may be affected by their work.
The main purpose is to ensure that employees work in a safe environment where risks to their health and well-being are minimised.
This is done through:
- Appropriate training for employees
- Providing a safe and healthy workplace with suitable equipment and facilities.
This Act is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities.
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What is COSHH?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
These regulations aim to safe guard the health of people coming into contact with substances which are hazardous to health.
Take appropriate measures to prevent or control exposure to toxic, harmful or irritants.
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What is included under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974?
- Safe places to work
- Safe work equipment
- Staff training
- Risk Assessments
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What is a CPP and what do they include?
A construction phase plan is a document prepared by the PC that records H&S arrangements for the construction phase and site rules. Including:
- Description of the works
- Details of key members of the project team
- Management of H&S on site
- Site rules
- Welfare facilities
- Fire and emergency procedures;
- Control of any relevant site risks (working from height etc)
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What is PCI and what do they include?
Pre-construction information provides the health and safety information needed by principal designers and principal contractors in planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating the work of the project. Includes:
- The project brief and key dates of the construction phase
- Planning and management of the project
- Health and safety hazards of the site (reasonably obtainable by the client)
- Existing health and safety file.
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What is a H&S file and what is included?
This contains relevant Health & Safety information to be considered for any future works such as maintenance, cleaning, refurbishment or demolition.Including:
- Description of work carried out
- Hazards that have not been eliminated through the design and construction processes (asbestos)
- Health and safety information about equipment for cleaning or maintaining the structure
- Location of any significant services such as underground cables; gas supply equipment; fire-fighting services.
- As-built drawings of the building.
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What do you consider before working from a ladder?
Ladders can be used when a risk assessment of the risk for carrying out the task has shown that using a higher level of fall protection equipment is not justified.
- Duration of the task (less than 30min).
- Carry out a ‘pre-use’ check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safe to use.
- Maintain 3 points of contact.
- Use the 1-in-4 rule. This is where the ladder should be one space or unit of measurement out for every four spaces or units up (a 75° angle)
- Ladder is on firm level ground.
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What is an Approved Code of Practice?
Guidance approved by the Health and Safety Executive (the HSE)
ACoP’s Give practical examples of good practice and advice on how to comply with the law.
They have a special legal status where a court can find them at fault unless they can show that they have complied with the law in some other way.
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What are British Standards?
Provide guidance and recommendations.
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I see you’ve got the letters AaPS after your email footer – what does this stand for?
The Association for Project Safety
Membership of APS supports continuous professional development and demonstrates the highest professional standards.
