Explain the process of conducting a risk assessment specifically for working near unprotected edges and openings, focusing on the steps involved in hazard identification, evaluation, and control.
Conducting a risk assessment for working near unprotected edges and openings is a critical step in preventing falls and ensuring worker safety. This process involves a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards. Here's a detailed explanation of the steps involved:
1. Hazard Identification:
Define the Scope: Clearly define the area to be assessed. Identify all locations with unprotected edges or openings, such as roofs, balconies, loading docks, skylights, floor openings, excavations, or any other areas where a fall could occur. Each area should be clearly defined and noted.
Walk-Through: Conduct a thorough walk-through of the work area. Visually inspect each location where workers may be exposed to unprotected edges or openings. Document each hazard and its specific characteristics. Take photos and make sketches to capture details and to help with later analysis.
Observe Work Activities: Observe the work tasks that are performed near the identified hazards. Note how workers are positioned in relation to the edge or opening, what equipment or tools are used, and how they move within the area. This will help determine specific risks associated with the tasks being performed.
Identify Contributing Factors: Look for factors that could increase the risk of a fall. These might include slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, the presence of obstructions, uneven ground, poor housekeeping, or congested work areas. Identify if there are any distractions, or other potential contributing factors that could cause a worker to fall.
Document Findings: Create a detailed log of all identified hazards. Each hazard should be clearly described, along with its location, characteristics, and any contributing factors. A detailed list with specific notes should be produced so that it can be referred to later in the assessment. This log will be used to develop the control measures. For example, a log might describe the hazard as "Unprotected edge of roof parapet, located on the south side of the building" or "Unprotected skylight opening on the second floor of the warehouse".
2. Risk Evaluation:
Assess the Likelihood: Evaluate the likelihood of a fall occurring. Consider factors like the frequency with which workers are near the hazard, their proximity to the edge or opening, the type of work they perform, their training and competency level, and any history of accidents in that area. If the worker is near the edge frequently, the likelihood of an accident is much higher.
Assess the Severity: Determine the potential consequences of a fall. Consider the height of the fall, the surface or objects the worker could fall onto, and the potential for serious injury or fatality. A longer fall distance will usually result in a much more serious injury. If the fall is onto concrete, or sharp objects, the injury will likely be very severe.
Determine Risk Level: Combine the likelihood and severity assessments to determine the overall level of risk for each hazard. Some companies will use a matrix to help them rank each risk, from low to high. For example, a frequent task performed at height and with a high consequence of injury will be given a much higher risk than a task only performed once a year on the ground floor. Use a scale or matrix to rate the risk so that you have a common system for comparing each risk.
Prioritize Risks: Rank the identified hazards based on their risk level. Focus on addressing high-risk hazards first. Prioritizing risks will ensure that resources and efforts are concentrated on the areas that present the greatest threat to safety.
3. Hazard Control:
Apply the Hierarchy of Controls: Use the hierarchy of controls to select and implement the most effective control measures. This involves eliminating the hazard where possible, then substituting the hazard with a less hazardous alternative, then using engineering controls, administrative controls, and, lastly, using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Elimination: The most effective method is to eliminate the hazard. If it is possible to eliminate the need to work near the edge or opening, then that is the best option. For example, modify a job to perform the task from ground level, using a remote controlled device, or redesign a structure to eliminate the need to work near an edge or opening.
Substitution: If the hazard cannot be eliminated, consider substituting a less hazardous method. For example, instead of working on the roof, modify the access so that workers can work safely from the ground or perform the task using a drone.
Engineering Controls: If elimination or substitution aren't possible, then install guardrails, barriers, covers, or other physical controls that protect workers from a fall. For example, install a temporary guardrail around the edge of the roof, and ensure that skylights are covered.
Administrative Controls: Implement safe work procedures, develop job safety analyses, require permits for working at height, and provide training on safe work practices. Implement a buddy system for working around fall hazards. Use warning signs and barricades to keep workers from entering hazardous areas. Ensure that workers have been properly trained in the specific tasks they are asked to perform, as well as the dangers associated with working at height.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If other controls are not feasible, use personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort, as it relies on worker compliance to be effective. This may include full-body harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, and other components of a fall arrest system. Make sure that the correct PPE is used for the specific work, and that workers are trained in its correct use, limitations, inspection and maintenance.
Implement Specific Controls: Implement the selected control measures for each hazard. For example, if the hazard is an unprotected edge on a roof, the controls could include guardrails and safety netting. If working around an opening, install a cover over the opening, and barricades to keep workers from going near the opening. If the workers are required to access a dangerous area, fall restraint systems, and fall arrest systems would be needed, and workers should be trained in their correct use.
Monitor and Review: After implementing the control measures, monitor their effectiveness. Regularly review the risk assessment to ensure the controls are working as intended and that no new hazards have emerged. Make adjustments as needed to ensure that fall protection measures are effective. Periodically audit the program to ensure compliance.
Document Control Measures: Document all control measures that have been implemented. The documentation should show why each specific control method was selected. Any modifications or changes to control measures must be also documented.
Communicate Control Measures: Ensure that all workers are aware of the control measures and understand their responsibilities. Communication of the hazards and all safety measures must be clear, comprehensive, and provided to every worker. Safety information should be available for workers in a form that they will understand.
By following these steps, a comprehensive risk assessment for working near unprotected edges and openings can be completed, and appropriate control measures can be put in place to minimize the risk of falls and promote a safe working environment. The key is to be thorough in identifying and assessing all risks, and to select the most appropriate and effective control measures, following the hierarchy of controls. A written record should be maintained and readily available so that workers understand the risks and what steps have been taken to keep them safe.