Risk Assessment Risk Control December 2016 Dr Emer
Risk Assessment & Risk Control December 2016 Dr Emer Bell Integrated Risk Solutions
Session content • 1. Basic principles of risk assessment – definitions of likelihood of harm and severity of harm – deciding on a risk rating – deciding on what action is required and how soon you have to act – the principles of prevention
Session content 2. Risk assessment requirements common to all Units and how to carry them out. • Offices and other rooms • Display screen equipment • Manual handling • Pregnant employees
Session content 3. Specialist risks • Labs, workshops • Biological agents • Chemical agents (including gases, carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive hazards) • Electrical equipment • Fieldwork
Session contents 3. Specialist risks • • Lone working & out of hours Noise Pressure equipment Projects Vehicles Vibration Work equipment Work at height
Risk assessment is about…… • identifying sensible measures to control the risks in your workplace. • Your risk assessment will help you decide whether you have covered all you need to. – That you have done enough to ensure everyone’s safety.
Definitions • Hazard – is any situation, substance, activity or event, that could potentially cause injury or ill health.
Hazardous situations Examples ; • • slippery or uneven walking surfaces, cramped working conditions, badly ventilated areas, high locations, noisy locations, poorly lit areas, confined spaces.
Hazardous substances • Examples; • • corrosive and toxic chemicals, flammable and explosive materials, dangerous gases and liquids, radioactive substances, particulates, bacteria viruses.
Hazardous activities • • • Dangerous tasks Unnatural postures and movements Heavy lifting Repetitive work Interpersonal conflicts Bullying
Hazardous events • Examples – Explosions – Implosions – Fires – Leaks – Falling objects – Equipment malfunction
The concept of risk asks two future oriented questions: • What is the probability that a particular hazardous event or exposure will actually occur in the future? • How severe would the impact on health and safety be if the hazardous event or exposure actually occurred?
Risk assessment • A risk assessment considers the effectiveness of existing controls and then evaluates the probability and the potential severity of specific hazardous events and exposures.
Definitions • Taken from British Standard (BS) 18004: 2008 Guide to Achieving Effective Occupational Health and Safety Performance • Part 3 of NUI Galway Safety Statement
ESTIMATING THE SEVERITY OF HARM
Slight harm • Nuisance and irritation (e. g. headaches) • Temporary ill-health leading to discomfort (e. g. diarrhoea). • Minor cuts and bruises • Eye irritation from dust.
Moderate harm • • • Partial hearing loss Dermatitis Asthma Work-related upper limb disorders Ill health leading to permanent minor disability Lacerations Burns Concussion Serious sprains Minor fractures.
Severe harm • • • permanent disability fractures respiratory illness hearing loss partial sight loss
Extreme harm • • acute fatal diseases severe life shortening diseases permanent substantial disability fatal injuries amputations multiple injuries major fractures.
ESTIMATING LIKELIHOOD OF AN ACCIDENT OR ILL HEALTH
When thinking about the likelihood or probability of an accident or ill health happening you must consider….
Likelihood of harm • Frequency and duration of an individual’s exposure to the hazard.
Likelihood of harm • Vulnerability of the individual or group (e. g. young or inexperienced transition year student, pregnant mothers and those working alone);
Likelihood of harm • Potential failure of services, e. g. electricity and water. • Potential failure of plant and machinery components and safety devices.
Likelihood of harm • Protection given by personal protective equipment (PPE) and whether this is correctly worn when required. – Face mask is no good unless it is fit tested.
Likelihood of harm • Unsafe acts (unintended errors or intentional violations of procedures) • A person; – might not know what the hazards are, – might not have the knowledge, physical capacity, resources, skills or motivation to work safely, – underestimate risks to which they are exposed.
Likelihood of harm • Unsafe acts • A person may; – underestimate the practicality and utility of safe working methods, – be influenced in their behaviour by organisational culture (e. g. a perception that the Research Group tolerates risktaking in the interests of productivity).
Very likely • Typically experienced at least once every six months by an individual
Likely • Typically experienced at least once every five years by an individual
Unlikely • Typically experienced once during the working lifetime of an individual
Very unlikely • Less than 1% chance of being experienced by an individual during their working lifetime
RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX
Risk assessment
Worth noting! • The risk rating is not the most important element • Deciding on and implementing controls to minimise or eliminate risk is the most important aspect
Risk level Acceptability: • Guidance on necessary action and timescale.
Very low risk • These risks are considered acceptable. • No further action is necessary other than to ensure that the controls are maintained.
Low risk • No additional controls are required unless they can be implemented at very low cost (in terms of time, money and effort). • Actions to further reduce these risks are assigned low priority. • Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls are maintained.
Medium risk • Can the risks can be lowered, but the costs should be taken into account. • The measures should be implemented within a defined time period. • Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels are associated with harmful consequences.
High risk • Substantial efforts should be made to reduce the risk. • Risk reduction measures should be implemented urgently within a defined time period and it might be necessary to consider suspending or restricting the activity, or to apply interim risk controls, until this has been completed.
High risk • Considerable resources might have to be allocated to additional controls. • Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels are associated with extremely harmful consequences and very harmful consequences.
Very high risk • These risks are unacceptable. • Substantial improvements in risk controls are necessary, so that the risk is reduced to an acceptable level. • The work activity should be halted until risk controls are implemented that reduce the risk so that it is no longer very high. If it is not possible to reduce risk the work should remain prohibited.
Deciding on controls • You must put controls in place to eliminate or reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
General Principles of Prevention • Best approach to deciding on what controls to put in place. • Best approach to prioritising controls. • Have legal backing – requirement of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act
1. Avoid the risk • Simple - If you can get rid of the hazard then people are not exposed to the risks! • You should apply this principle first.
2. Evaluate unavoidable risks • This requires you to undertake risk assessments. If you can’t get rid of a hazard, you must assess it.
3. Combat the risks at source • Here you are trying to deal with the hazard at its root. • If you have a noisy machine, giving staff hearing protection is not dealing with the root of the problem. • If you enclose the machine so that it is not noisy or if you replace the machine with a quieter one, then you are combating the risk at source.
4. Adapt the work to the individual • This is the principle of arranging the workplace and tasks to take into account your employees and to reduce the affect of work on health.
5. Adapt your work place in line with technical progress • Safer systems of work are always being developed. You must keep up to date with new systems, so that you can put them into use in your workplace.
6. Replace dangerous systems with safer alternatives • This applies to dangerous articles, substances or systems of work. • If you are using a solvent that may be toxic, then you should consider if there is a non-solvent alternative that is safer. • If you can take steps to make it safer, then do it.
7. Develop a prevention policy • This is where you would set out how you are going to protect your employees and other people from the hazards in your workplace
8. Give priority to collective protective measures • Here it is better to put controls in place that protect everyone, rather than for example just handing out personal protective equipment to employees.
9. The giving of appropriate training and instructions • Training or information is required to carry out potentially hazardous tasks safely.
Timeframe for putting in controls
• All this information is in Part 3 of NUI Galway Safety Statement
Risk assessment for a room • Use Standard Risk Assessment Form or • PEMAC Care
Risk assessment is a physical & mental activity 1. Pick a room, office, work area. a) Record location b) Record the date! 2. Identify who is or may be at risk – staff, students, visitor but don’t forget cleaners & maintenance staff.
Hazard identification 3. Identify all the equipment in the room, and activities conducted in the room. You do need to walk around, preferably with someone else. • Look at how you get in and out of the room • Look at how you access the windows to open them • Look up!
Hazards • • Electric fan heater Kettle Use of PCs Storage of archive boxes on high shelves • High windows
Hazard outcomes • Electric fan heater – Fire – Tripping on trailing cable – Electrocution
Risk assessment
Existing controls Underline existing ongoing controls • Fire detection in place • Staff trained in fire safety • Equipment visually inspected annually
List to do controls/arrangements • Replace with electric oil filled radiator – Date by which it should be done • Put a ramp over the trailing cable – 12/1/17 When a control is put in place, tick√
• List who is responsible for the control – Both on going or future controls • State what other resources are Helps required – PPE – Additional training planning resource allocation
• Reflect what is actually happening from a control perspective • Do not state you have a control when it is not in place. • Set a date for action & follow up.
Completed risk assessments • Be sure that the controls are comprehensive and tie in with relevant policies or procedures in the NUI Galway Safety Statement Policy. • You are likely to require supporting documentation in addition to the PEMAC Care records for more complex hazards.
PEMAC Care • PEMAC Care is the on line safety management tool in place since 2012. • It simplifies the process of room hazard identification and risk assessments
PEMAC Care • Has pull down menus to let you choose hazards and controls required.
PEMAC Care calculates risk rating for you & colour codes it
PEMAC Care • Some basic training is required • Safety Coordinators and other selected staff have access to it. • Excellent for keeping track of what needs to be done.
Risk Assessment • Not a once off exercise • Review when there are outstanding actions • Review annually thereafter • If there is an accident
Ensure controls remain effective • • • Accountability Maintenance of equipment Refresher training Keep up to date with hazard information Regular review and consultation with staff – Staff meeting – Safety inspections
Risk assessment formats • Some hazards require a specific risk assessment format • Manual handling • Display screen equipment • Pregnant employees
Manual handling • The law requires task specific manual handling risk assessments. • Assessment helps us to decide whether we carrying out the task in a way that minimises the risk.
What tasks should be assessed?
Manual handling • Specific form available on Health and Safety Office website. • Risk assessment can be carried out by staff who have received manual handling training
Manual handling risk assessment form • Series of questions or prompts about the; – Task – Load – Environment – Person doing the task • Potential solutions – Queries whether they are feasible or not
Manual handling assessment • Use the same risk assessment matrix to determine the risk rating
Display Screen Equipment • The law requires that staff who use a PC are provided with an assessment • The aim is to prevent musculoskeletal problems and eye strain
Display Screen Equipment Assessment • Advice on good set up • Checks that equipment is appropriate for the user, e. g. chair is not too deep, desk is not too low, keyboard responds etc.
Display Screen Equipment Assessment • Carried out by a trained assessor in the Unit. • Specific form (Health and Safety Office website)
Display Screen Equipment Assessment • Sitting for long periods with poor posture can have long term negative effects that do not resolve. • The correct equipment and ergonomic set up can have a big positive impact on staff well being
Pregnant employees • The law requires a specific risk assessment. • Let staff know that they need to inform their Supervisor if they are pregnant. • Assessment can be carried out by Safety Coordinator or Supervisor.
Pregnant employees • Only carry out an assessment if you have been informed by the pregnant staff member. • Carry it out in conjunction with them. • Specific form available on H&S Office website
Pregnant employees • Examines the hazards a pregnant employee may encounter – Work Environment – hot, cold, smelly, uneven surfaces – Manual handling – Chemical agents – Biological agents – Ionising radiation
Pregnant employees • Assessment helps decide if; – Modifications to work are required – Alternative work should be provided – Health and Safety leave is required
• On its own, paperwork never saved anyone. • It is a means to an end, not an end in itself - action is what protects people. • Risk assessments should be fit for purpose and acted upon.
Specialist risk assessment
Workshops & labs • Similar approach to the room risk assessment except within lab or workshop the activity or equipment may require a separate assessment as well, e. g. – Noise – Equipment – Chemicals – Biological agents
Workshops & labs • Use the standard form or PEMAC Care but cross reference and link to the separate risk assessments.
Shared facilities • Must be done cooperatively • Be clear who is responsible for what. • Controls might include a procedure for spillage or gas leak that require joint action – Be clear on the roles in an emergency
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
Biological agents • Defined as ‘a micro-organism, including those which have been genetically modified, a cell culture, and a human endoparasite, which may be able to provoke any infection, allergy or toxicity. ’
Biological Agents • Research and teaching labs • Fieldwork – Weil’s disease – Sewage treatment – Zoonoses • Service workers – Tetanus – Weil’s disease
Biological agents • Must consider the Biological Agents Regulations 2013 – Classification of biological agents into 4 categories based on infectivity and potential for treatment. – Sets out controls required
Biological agents • Health and Safety Office Website has resources to inform the controls required; – Lab Biosafety level 1 and 2 Code of Practice – Biohazard Emergency Plan – Sterilisation – Main findings of biological safety audit
Biological Agents • Use the standard risk assessment form. • Ensure the following are considered or cross referenced on the form; • a. the hazardous properties of the Biological Agents • b. the risks of aerosol production • c. precautions against exposure • d. containment levels and procedures
Biological Agents e. hygiene requirements f. personal protective equipment g. Action in the event of spills h. the use specialist equipment and instruments, including autoclaves, safety cabinets and cryostats i. the management of waste
CHEMICAL AGENTS
Chemical Agents • Legal requirement to assess under Chemical Agents Regulations • Health and Safety Office have provided information on risks and controls for groups or bands of chemicals – excellent resource making assessment easier – saves time
Banded Risk Assessments • Groups chemicals as follows; – Flammables & explosives – Corrosives and irritants – Oxidisers/Reactives – Toxic substances – Gases under pressure – Respiratory sensitisers – Skin sensitisers *sample
Chemical Agents Risk Assessment Check your inventory of all the chemicals in use – NUI Galway inventory policy & template – Use the information to select the Chemical Risk Assessment Bands
Chemical inventory • The Chemical inventory identifies the different bands of chemicals held in your Unit
Chemical Agents Risk Assessment • You have to identify the chemicals by name • You have to have copies of the Safety Data Sheets for each chemical – Soft and hard copy
Banded risk assessments • Gathers all the information in one place – Risks – Who is at risk – Hazard rating for the worst case scenario – Preventative measures to reduce risk – Actions in an emergency – Training – Hazard rating after controls are in place
Chemical Agents Risk Assessment • You still need to complete a risk assessment for the actual use of the chemical – Activity/Project Risk Assessment
To decide on containment measures, you must; • Determine the severity of harm • Determine the likelihood of exposure
• Severity of harm
Severity of harm GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING SEVERITY OF HARM CATEGORIES HAZARD STATEMENTS Materials or mixtures of substances with listed or suspected extreme toxicity causing irreversible health effects e. g. carcinogens, toxic to reproduction, or mutagens. H 330, H 310, H 300, EUH 032, H 373, H 314, EUH 070, H 334, H 350, H 372/H 373, H 350 i Extreme All substances or mixtures of substances classified as ‘Very Toxic’ or ‘Toxic’ or whose toxicity exceeds that of the moderate category and which can cause extremely serious acute or chronic health effects, even death when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. H 331, H 311, H 301, EUH 029, EUH 031, H 314, H 351, H 318, H 317, H 340, H 360 F, H 360 D, H 362, H 341 Moderate Substances classified as 'Harmful' or 'Irritant' or ‘Corrosive’, which if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin, can have limited effects on health. H 332, H 312, H 302, H 319, H 335, H 317, H 361 f, H 361 d, H 304, EUH 006, H 336 Substances not meeting criteria as 'Harmful' or 'Irritant'. Substances with no associated hazard statements Severe Slight
• Determining likelihood of exposure
A B C D AMOUNT USED PHYSICAL PROPERTIES CONTAINMENT FEATURES Frequency Ease of dissemination Type of flask or container used < 1 g / 1 ml 1 g - 100 g 1 ml -100 ml > 100 g / 100 ml Not easily disseminated - Dense or granulated solids, non-volatile liquids (BP >180°C), Low risk of skin absorption of Exposure Duration of VALUE Exposure (Total) Low Risk Enclosed or mainly enclosed method, e. g. sealed tube / reflux condenser and flask. Low risk of mishap Easily dispersed Medium Risk Fine dusts, dusty Partially closed solids, fumes, colloidal methods e. g. test solids, volatile solids tubes or flasks, risk and liquids of BP 80 – of accident low - 180°C), with low skin medium. absorption. Occasional e. g. only a few times per year Very easily dispersed Gases, vapours, highly volatile liquids (BP <80°C) and aerosols. Readily absorbed via the skin or by inhalation. High Risk Open method with no physical restraints e. g. evaporating basin, beaker and open surface. Risk of accident medium to E Short a few minutes or less 0 Regular Medium e. g. monthly e. g. 5 - 30 - bimonthly minutes 1 Frequent e. g. weekly or more frequent exposure 2 High > 30 minutes
• Physical properties which enable estimation of the ease with which substances spread and enter the body are; – the vapour pressure and evaporation rate, – relative density to air, – solubility in water, – boiling and melting points etc. • Safety Data Sheet also has routes of entry
• Likelihood of exposure/exposure potential = A + B + C + D + E • • • 3 then likelihood is VERY LOW 4 then likelihood is LOW 5 or 6 then the likelihood is MEDIUM 7 or 8 then the likelihood is HIGH 9 then the likelihood is VERY HIGH
LIKELIHOOD OF EXPOSURE Very Low Medium High Very High 1 1 1 -2 2 2 1 1 -2 2 3 3 4 2 2 3 4 4 HAZARD Slight Moderate Extreme Severe
1 or 1 -2 indicates a comparatively Low risk activity that can generally be carried safely on an open bench with the application of basic control measures. 2 or 3 indicates that there is a Moderate risk to the activity and it should be carried out in a fume cupboard other suitably ventilated facility with appropriate control measures. 4 indicates that there is a High risk to the activity which should be reduced by making changes to the procedure where practicable or by ensuring the application of rigorous control measures.
Changes to procedures could be; • Substitution of reagents by less hazardous or less volatile substances. • Selecting an alternative (safer) procedure • Reduction in the scale of use or changes to the containment regime. • Otherwise special facilities e. g. glove box or other totally enclosed sealed process.
Consider • the toxicity of mixtures and impurities of substances that may have an additive effect on target organs. • intermediate and final compounds that are not isolated.
Consider • Substances may have other hazardous properties e. g. corrosive, flammability, reactivity, instability etc. , which should be taken into account and would require extra controls.
Word of caution • No single approach suits all. • This risk assessment approach will give high ratings for processes involving corrosives. – routine preparation of solutions of Sodium Hydroxide by dissolution of pellets might appear unreasonably high. A score of 2 or 2/3 will be obtained whereas from experience we know they can in fact be safely carried out in the open laboratory.
Controls Hierarchy 1. Elimination, – discontinue use of the hazardous substance or procedure altogether.
Controls Hierarchy 2. Substitution, replacing the chemical by a less hazardous one. – Substituting benzene by methylbenzene (toluene) – Substituting a different physical form of the chemical e. g. powder to pellet will also minimise dissemination.
Controls Hierarchy 3. Engineering controls. – e. g. total enclosure, partial enclosure, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) such as a fume cupboard or dust extractor at source.
Controls Hierarchy 4. Remove employee (isolate) or Reduce employee exposure and scale of operations.
Controls Hierarchy 5. Good housekeeping and safety training
Controls Hierarchy 6. Provide suitable personal protective equipment. – Specify glove type – Face masks must be fit tested
Carcinogens, Mutagens, Reproductive Toxicants • H 340 – May cause genetic defects • H 341 – suspected of causing genetic defect • H 350 – May cause cancer • H 351 – suspected of causing cancer • H 360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child • H 361 – Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxicant • An individual risk assessment is mandatory for; • Each carcinogen, mutagen and reproductive toxicant. • The actual use of the chemical agent: – the Activity/Project risk assessment provides the detailed risk assessment in the actual use of the agents together with the other chemicals and equipment that are part of the activity /project
CMR risk assessment • When assessing the risk of likelihood of exposure consider; – Working with CMRs does not always mean a user is exposed to the CMRs. – Routes of exposure • ingestion is very unlikely to occur • working with the substance in a fume hood minimises inhalation risks • PPE minimises skin absorption risk
CMR risk assessment • When assessing the risk of likelihood of exposure consider; – Solutions may be very dilute – Quantities may be very small – Duration and frequency of use may be very low – Users may be experienced or inexperienced at a particular technique
CMR Controls • The use of a CMR over a less hazardous chemical must always be justified. • Zero exposure must always be the aim • Regulations require that exposure to carcinogens be controlled as far as is technically possible.
CMR Controls • All work with carcinogens must be supervised by a competent person. • Training of workers must raise awareness that adverse effects may arise after a long period. • Pregnant women must not be exposed to CMRs in any way. If this is not possible, the pregnant woman must completely avoid CMR work areas.
CMR Controls ! • Note: If there is a risk for a pregnant woman there is likely to be a risk for others • If you think you need to exclude a pregnant woman then you must seriously question the adequacy of your controls.
CMR Controls • GUIDANCE NOTE ON CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES by BAND - Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reproductive Toxicants (CMRs) on H&S Office website provides good information on required controls
ACTIVITY/PROJECT RISK ASSESSMENT
Activity/Project Risk Assessment - chemicals • Form available on Health and Safety Office website • You must consider the full life cycle of the chemicals – Storage – Use – Waste disposal * sample
Activity/Project Risk Assessment - chemicals • Identify the chemicals used – The quantities – Duration of exposure, how exposure may occur • Attach the banded risk assessments • Reference or attach the SOPs for the procedure • Reference the Safety Data Sheets
Activity/Project Risk Assessment - chemicals • Record what training has been provided or is required • Sign off by the Principal Investigator or Academic Supervisor or other competent person – Note: other hazards associated with the procedure such equipment or biological agents can also be considered on this form
Shared facilities • If you share facilities you must share your risk assessment information. – Other lab users have a right to know – They need know what to do if there is a spillage – Staff or students from another group may be pregnant
PROJECT RISK ASSESSMENT
Project/activity risk assessment • Projects or activities may have several types of hazard – Electrical equipment – Chemicals – Biological agents – Manual handling – Use of a particular lab or workshop – Use of vehicle – Travel abroad
Project/activity risk assessment • Look at the project in a holistic way but break it down by hazard • May sure each aspect is assessed separately • Make sure there are controls to minimise the risk for each hazard
Project/activity risk assessment • You can cross reference relevant room risk assessments, biological agents risk assessments etc. that have already been completed.
Project/activity risk assessment • Elements of the project risk assessment may be recorded on the Standard Risk Assessment Form but gathered together/referenced under the Project/Activity Risk Assessment Form
Project/activity risk assessment Example – A project where a researcher; • drives to a sewage treatment plant alone, • takes sludge samples, • brings them to the lab, • dries them, • carries out an acid digestion and • analyses them with atomic absorption spectroscopy
• Plenty of hazards to consider and assess – Use of vehicle (even if it is their own) – Lone working – Fall from a height – Biological agents – Noise – Chemical agents (acid, flammable gas) – Electrical equipment – Pressure equipment
Equipment • Assessment must consider; – Noise – Electricity – Vibration – Compressors – Service/maintenance requirements – Training in use – Chemical use (coolants, gas)
• Noise – if you can’t hear normal conversation, consider noise measurement • Vibration – ride on equipment, some hand tools, pumps • Pressure equipment (including compressors) – require statutory inspection • Lifting equipment – requires statutory inspection
PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Regulatory requirements Portable equipment which is; – exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in danger, and – supplied at a voltage exceeding 125 volts alternating current, • must be visually checked by the user before use, and periodically inspected by a competent person.
Legal requirement • Also where appropriate, that a competent person tests any portable equipment and certifies whether or not the portable equipment (including any cables and plugs) was, on the day of test, safe and without risk to persons coming into direct or indirect contact with any live part of the equipment
• On a risk assessment basis certain portable equipment will need to be visually checked, periodically inspected or tested.
NUI Galway Policy Electrical Safety – Portable equipment • Provides a flow chart to help assess which equipment requires which level of inspection or testing • Also provides information on frequency of testing and inspection
Assessment types • Level 1. Visual checks – by users, not recorded. • Level 2. Formal visual inspection by a competent person – by staff, recorded. • Level 3. Periodic testing by competent person – staff trained in the use of a Portable Appliance Testing meter
LONE WORKING/OUT OF HOURS
Lone working/out of hours • The Head of each Unit and relevant Academic Staff are responsible for; • undertaking a risk assessment for work activities proposed to be carried out-of-hours, • categorising the risk associated with those activities as A, B, C, D
Lone working/out of hours Category A Risk (Unacceptable) • Activities to be carried out 9 am – 6 pm Mon – Fri only e. g. proposed novel, high risk laboratory work by lone inexperienced researcher.
Lone working/out of hours Category B Risk (High) • Activities to be carried out only by experienced researchers with competent ‘Buddy’ in attendance and all required controls in place.
Lone working/out of hours Category C Risk (Medium) • Activities to be carried out by sufficiently competent researchers and Buddy within contact range. Category D Risk (Low) • Activities to be carried out by any PG student / staff member (e. g. computer work) in a non-hazardous area. Strongly recommended that a buddy should be in the vicinity.
Out of hours • Buddy = another member of staff or a PG student who is in the same working area (within visual/vocal contact range) and who is reasonably familiar with the work being done and what to do in the event of an emergency involving their buddy.
• For category B/C work - give basis for competence to do this work:
Fieldwork • University Policy and Model Code of Practice on Fieldwork in University Units from Health and Safety Office
Definition of fieldwork • Any activity associated with a university-accredited student teaching and /or research programme which takes place beyond the normal scope of a class room or laboratory.
Definition • Activities associated with; – the social sciences, – outdoor surveys/observations of the natural and built environments, – specimen observations , analyses, collections, which are conducted by student and staff on land water, in Ireland abroad.
Code of practice • List typical hazards that should be assessed • Provides a range of checklists to assist in carrying out the risk assessment
Code of practice • Risk Assessment Form for Fieldwork • Accident Protocol Outline • Checklist of Information to be Provided to Fieldwork Team Members • Suggested Issues for Training • Checklist on Medical Issues • Health Questionnaire
Code of Practice • Checklist when Considering Third. Party Providers • Checklist when Considering Accommodation and Catering • Checklist for Travel and Transport • Checklist for Equipment
RISK ASSESSMENT IS A PROCESS NOT A DOCUMENT
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