HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

The Management
of Health & Safety at Work
Regulations 1999

Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

Recommended Procedures for
Risk Assessments
Management Of Health & Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 The Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999 initially started as an EU

Directive which whilst focussing on management duties.
 It introduced the concept of completing risk assessments prior to starting any
process / application in the workplace.

 IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO CONDUCT A RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE

WORKPLACE

In the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regs 1999 states:

‘Every Employer shall make a suitable and efficient assessment of:-
a) The risks to the health and safety of their employees to which they are exposed
whilst they are at work
b) The risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of
or in connection with the conduct by him or his undertaking;

For the purpose of identifying the measures they need to take to comply with the
requirements and prohibitions imposed on him by or under the relevant statutory
provisions.’
Management Of Health & Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Principals Of Risk Management

A Risk Assessment
‘very straight forward
process based on
judgement requiring
no specialist skills or
complicated
techniques.’

Risk Management can be defined as:

“The eradication or minimisation of the adverse affects of risks to
which an organisation is exposed.”
Management Of Health & Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Within the Oxy-Fuel Gas Industry, two types of risk assessments can be
distinguished:

 General assessments of the complete range of workplace risks – as required

under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, 1999.

 Risk Assessments required under specific legislation – for example for

hazardous substances (COSHH).
5 Stages to Risk Assessment
HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 When writing a risk assessment, it must be decided what the requirements are
already complied with and, if not, what additional action must be taken to
ensure compliance.

1. Identifying the hazards.

2. Decide who might be harmed & how.
3. Evaluating the associated risks & decide
on precautions (controls).
4. Record findings & implement them.
5. Review & Update as necessary.
Stage 1 - Identify the Hazard
HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 Any hazard has the potential to cause harm.

 Harm can include ill health and injury, damage to property, plant, products or the
environment, production losses or increased liabilities.
Stage 1 - Identify the Hazards
Categories Of Hazard HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

To help with the process of identifying hazards it is useful to categorise hazards in

different ways, for example by topic:

• Mechanical
• Electrical.
• Radiation.
• Substances.
• Fire and explosion.
• Working at Height.
• Manual Handling.
• Confined Spaces.
Stage 1 - Identify the Hazards
HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 Dangers of stored energy - pressure equipment.

 Flammable liquid and gases. (Fires & Explosions)
 Substances: Disposal, Absorption, Inhalation & Ingestion.
 Noise Hazards (heavy duty acetylene / propane heating nozzles.
 Vehicles (forklifts, cranes) covering both site transport, and travel by road.
 Machinery and power equipment (ie. guarding).
 Hazards associated with manual lifting/handling of tools, materials, etc...
 Contractor’s activities.
 Display screen equipment.
 Violence to staff.
Stage 1 - Identify the Hazards
HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

► Slips/falls on the uneven ground / heights.

► Hazards from plant and machinery associated with
assembly, commissioning, operation, maintenance,
modification, repair and dismantling.
► Harmful energies (e.g.., electricity, radiation, noise,
vibration). Repetitive strain injuries tasks.
► Working environment hazards, e.g.. too hot / too
cold.
► Lighting levels.
Stage 2. Decide Who Might be Harmed & How?
HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Generally it will be staff occupying the workplace.

Attention must be paid to:

► Visitors.
► Contractors.
► Cleaning staff.
► Maintenance staff.
► Inexperienced staff.
Stage 3 - Evaluating the Risks & Decide on
Precautions (Controls). HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 In order to evaluate the risk involves making a formal assessment on the

consequence and probability using:

 Risk = Severity x Likelihood

Stage 3 - Evaluating the Risks & Decide on
Precautions (Controls). HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Severity:
The effect of a hazard may for example be rated:

1. Major
Death or major injury or illness causing long term disability

2. Serious
Injuries or illness causing short-term disability

3. Slight
All other injuries or illnesses
Stage 3 - Evaluating the Risks & Decide on
Precautions (Controls). HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Likelihood:
The likelihood of harm may be rated:

1. High
Where it is certain that harm WILL occur.

2. Medium
Where harm will OFTEN occur.

3. Low
Where harm will SELDOM occur.
Stage 5. Review & Monitoring
HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 To review the assessment periodically the maximum period is recommended 12

monthly. Some companies have 6 monthly intervals and some have had every 4
months.
 When there is a significant change in the process being completed.
 The introduction of new machines, substances or people into the workplace may
introduce new risks or change the category of an existing risk from low to medium
or high.

Risk Level Rating

Likelihood Severity Risk Rating (Likelihood x Severity)

1. High - Where it is certain that harm WILL occur. 1. Major - Death or major injury or illness causing long term disability 6-9 High
2. Medium - Where harm will OFTEN occur. 2. Serious - Injuries or illness causing short-term disability 3-6 Medium
3. Low - Where harm will SELDOM occur. 3. Slight - All other injuries or illnesses 1-3 Low

Assessed By: Date: Authorised By: Date Next Review Due:

 HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Practical
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment – Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding & Cutting
System HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

What Hazards/Risks are

there?
Risk Assessment – Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding & Cutting
System HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Likelihood Severity
1. HIGH – Certain to harm 1. MAJOR – Death, Long Term Disability
2. MEDIUM – Will often harm 2. SERIOUS – Injury, Short Term Disability
3. LOW – Will seldom cause harm 3. SLIGHT – Minor

Persons at Risk Gas Inspectors

Worst Case
Hazard
Existing Controls, Safe Work Procedures & Risk Rating Outcome
Manufacturing (Risks which are Date
Reference to Safe System of Work (Possible
Activity not adequately Completed
(Where applicable) L S Total result of
controlled)
accident)
• Only trained staff to carry out process.
• Ensure the equipment has the correct H&S
Backfires,
devices attached and in accordance with The
Oxy/Fuel Welding Sustained
Acetylene Safety Regulations 2014.
& Cutting & Backfires, & 3 2 6 Severe Burns
• Set regulator to the correct gas pressure for
Inspections Flashback
the nozzle being used
Hazards
• Ensure equipment is purged prior to lighting.
• Ensure a water bucket is available to cool torch.

What Do You Think ?

Risk Assessment – Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding & Cutting
System HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Worst Case
Hazard Existing Controls, Safe Work Procedures &
Outcome Date
(Risks which are not Reference to Safe System of Work L S Total
(Possible result of Completed
adequately controlled) (Where applicable)
accident)

Hot Spark Burns • Protective clothing & PPE to be worn. 1 2 2 Severe Burns

Oxy/Fuel
• Fume Extractors are to be turned on prior
Welding &
to commencing task.
Cutting Dangerous Fumes 1 2 Unconsciousness
• Material to be cleaned prior to 2
Demo demonstrations.

•Hot Metals marked up with date and time.

Hot Metal Burns •Ensure all metal is placed in drawer to avoid 1 2 2 1/3 Degree Burns
burning staff members

• Protective clothing & PPE to be worn.

Crushing Hazards • Any heavy material to be moved using 1 2 2 Broken Limbs
correct equipment.
Risk Assessment – Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding & Cutting
System HSE INDG163 - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

 Gas bottles to be secured upright at all

Gas Bottle Hazards (inc time.
storage, moving and • Only use the correct trolley when
moving gas bottles. 1 2 2 Broken Limbs
using)
• Fuel gas to be stored 3 metres apart
from Oxygen.

Noise Hazard  Ensure the correct PPE is worn. 1 1 1 Long Term Deafness

Oxy/Fuel  Ensure area are free from flammable

Welding & items prior to starting application.
Cutting Fire Hazards • Ensure fire extinguishers are available. 1 1 1 Burns
Demo & • Ensure correct training for staff.
CP7
Inspection
 Use googles with the correct filter
when operating
Eye Injuries 2 1 2 Blindness
• Clear googles must be available at the
reception

Pressure Release  Check hose & fittings separately 2 2 4 Burns

• Complete Pre use checks

 Ensure operators understand the

equipment must be shut down at breaks.
Oxygen Enrichment • Check hose condition weekly for any signs 2 2 4 Blindness
of failure – change immediately
 Risk Assessment – Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding & Cutting
System - Summary

Source:
HSE Report: Statistics on fatal injuries in the workplace in Great Britain 2015
Question

In the ‘5 Stages of Risk Assessments’. What are the first and last stages?

(a) Identify the hazard and Report it.

(b) Decide who will be hurt and Record the results.

(c) Evaluate the hazard and Implement controls.

(d) Identify the Hazard and Review the results.

Any Questions ?