Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5.5.6
Recording of risk assessment fi ndings
the risk controls, particularly with regard to an implemen-
tation programme.
It is therefore essential that a mechanism for priori-
tisation be considered. Any action plan emanating from
a risk assessment must be SMART:
Where fi ve or more persons are employed by an
employer, the risk assessment fi ndings (the signifi cant
ones) must be recorded. It is good practice that all fi nd-
ings of risk assessments are recorded, not only if they
are legally required, but also so that they can be used
for providing staff and management with information and
may help defend claims for negligence.
A wide variety of differing forms are used for record-
ing risk assessments and there is no universal layout.
In general forms refl ect the requirement of the law and
guidance issued by the enforcing authorities. The
Five
Steps to Risk Assessment
document produced by the
HSE suggests the minimum standards of what should
be recorded on a risk assessment form.
Regardless of the approach adopted to record the
fi ndings, key elements should be recorded and are likely
to include:
➤
Specifi c
➤
Measurable
➤
Achievable
➤
Realistic
➤
Time bound.
In addition any action plan arising from a risk assess-
ment must seek to identify the appropriate resources
required to complete the action. This must include time
and people required. It is also important to ensure that
the person in the organisation who is responsible for its
implementation is identifi ed to enable follow-up of the
implementation plan.
➤
The building, task, or location being assessed
➤
The name of the assessor/s
➤
The date of assessment
➤
The scheduled date of review of the assessment
(arbitrary see section 5.4.7)
➤
A breakdown of all the identifi ed hazards (if a task,
hazards at each stage of the task)
➤
Persons at risk and why
➤
Current control measures
➤
An evaluation of risk (with existing controls in place)
➤
Identifi cation of controls required to reduce the risk
(prioritised in an action plan)
➤
An evaluation of any residual risk (with the additional
controls in place).
Better assessments identify named persons and target
dates for implementing fi ndings as part of the action
plan. An example of a form to record a task-based risk
assessment is provided at Appendix 5.1.
Figure 5.13
A fi re door retaining device - an example of
the application of technical progress
5.5.7
Reviewing and revising the assessment
Following a fi re risk assessment in a small
offi ce facility it was identifi ed that no early
warning system by way of detection was
installed, particularly in storerooms and other
unoccupied out of the way areas.
While the action plan identifi ed that a
detection system complying with BS 5839
Part 1 was required, the action plan also
identifi ed that domestic smoke alarms could
be installed as an interim measure, while
awaiting the design, installation and certifi ca-
tion of the new system.
The assessment must be kept under review to ensure
that it remains valid for the activity or premises to which
it relates. If circumstances change, the assessment
must be reviewed and where new hazards are intro-
duced or the overall risk changes, the assessment must
be revised, amended or a new assessment completed
to take account of the changes that have invalidated the
original assessment.
It should also be noted that when a prioritised
system for implementing controls is used the assess-
ment should be reviewed at each stage to ensure that
the required level of control is maintained.
