Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In assessing the suitability of controls not only
must guidance be sought, but reference to the MHSW
Regulations and RRFSO hierarchy of controls should be
considered. These are detailed below:
5
5
10
15
20
25
4
4
8
12
16
20
3
3
6
9
12
15
1. Avoiding risks
2.
Evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided
2
2
4
6
8
10
3.
Combating the risks at source
4.
Adapting to technical progress
1
1
2
3
4
5
5.
Adapting the work to the individual, especially as
regards the design of workplace, the choice of work
equipment and the choice of working and produc-
tion methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating
monotonous work and work at a predetermined
work rate and to reducing their effect on health
1
2
3
4
5
Severity/consequences
Figure 5.12
Example of a semi-quantitative risk matrix
6.
Replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or
less dangerous
Once individual risks have been evaluated using a
semi-quantitative approach, it is possible to establish
formalised action plans based upon the risk grading - a
sample is shown in Table 5.4.
The type of risk analysis or evaluation method used
will vary from organisation to organisation; whether a
numerical matrix or high, medium, low matrix is used
will very much be dependent upon the risk levels of an
organisation's activities and workplaces.
7.
Developing a coherent overall prevention policy
which covers technology, organisation of work and
the infl uence of factors relating to the working
environment
8.
Giving collective protective measures priority over
individual protective measures and
9.
Giving appropriate instructions to employees.
The above principles of control are used in the MHSW
Regulations. The same principles are used in the RRFSO
and the Fire (Scotland) Act, which omits point 5 and
slightly rewords the paragraphs to focus upon fi re.
Chapter 6 will detail in more depth with the range of
risk control measures available in a practical approach,
which while not exactly mirroring the above serves to
provide the basis from which to consider the manage-
ment of any residual risks.
To ensure that a risk assessment can be
demonstrated as being 'suitable and suffi cient', one of
the key factors to be considered is that of prioritisation of
5.5.5
Applying additional risk control measures
Having analysed the risks taking into account any existing
control measures, the next stage in the risk assessment
process is to consider the effectiveness of the controls
and additional control measures that will be required to
reduce the risk as low as is reasonably practicable.
A wide range of risk control measures are available,
many of which can be identifi ed through reading HM
Government, HSE and industry guidance documentation,
or seeking advice from specialist advisers and companies.
Table 5.4
Example of recommended actions against residual risk values
Risk level
Guidance on necessary actions and timescales
High
risk 15-25
These risks are unacceptable; signifi cant improvements in risk control are required. The work activity or use
of the workplace should be halted with immediate effect until risk controls are implemented that reduce the
risk so that it is no longer high
Medium risk 6-12
Efforts should be made to reduce the risks associated with the activity or workplace. Medium- and longer-
term risk reduction measures should be introduced within a specifi ed time frame following the introduction of
a series of short-term risk control measures
Low risk 2-4
Minimal control measures are required to be implemented to satisfy the level of risk. Any control measures
required to further reduce the risks are of a low priority. Arrangements should be made to maintain current
arrangements for risk control
Insignifi cant risk 1
These risks are considered acceptable; no further action is required other than to secure arrangements to
maintain current risk control
