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marsellan  
#1 Posted : 20 April 2016 09:26:35(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
marsellan

Does anybody have any views or opinions on the content of a risk assessment that sees basically, two different tasks included on the same assessment? The example I use is grit blasting inside a confined space with maybe 4 lines in the assessment covering this task, then the last line switches to spray painting inside the same space! For me, they are different tasks and require different work permits, one being non-naked flame with spark potential and the other cold work. Any thoughts?
imwaldra  
#2 Posted : 20 April 2016 09:51:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
imwaldra

A risk assessment can cover any number of tasks, even though the permits for them may need to be separate. However, the hazards, controls and residual risks for each task need to be considered systematically. So the challenge is to ensure that's done, just as it would be if there was an RA for each task. However, if the same person(s) is/are carrying out the tasks, then combining them makes sense, as they can be involved in thinking through the whole sequence. (I presume you're not thinking about compiling an RA without involving those doing the task?).
Xavier123  
#3 Posted : 20 April 2016 09:51:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123

Don't confuse the legal/administrative recording of a risk assessment findings with the legal requirement to actually risk assess. It's a process, not a document. My focus would be on the detail (or lack of) in the first instance and worry about how its recorded later. You may want separate documents to help meet your own standards and processes but I regard that as administrative. It might make things more complicated when trying to read about contractor plans etc. but you could technically write down every single control measure for every single task a company does on a single document and have it remain 'legal' - albeit very confusing and unhelpful. But still, a mere one line on spray painting in a confined space?
imponderabilius  
#4 Posted : 20 April 2016 09:52:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
imponderabilius

Agree. I would demand a separate RA for each activity. I come across it every day in my job - subbies send me their RAs that state, for example, "hazard: confined space; control measure: Care and experience"...next line - electricity, and guess what control measures are in place... it's up to us, H&S advisors, to either accept or reject such poor hazard perception by subcontractors.
marsellan  
#5 Posted : 20 April 2016 10:14:40(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
marsellan

Good feedback so far and some of the comments are what I want to hear. I fully agree that it is a poor perception of risk by those carrying out the assessment and for me it is cutting corners to sneak a second task onto a risk assessment when the first task has completely different hazards to the second task. Under our standards, one is carried out on a hot work permit as it has spark potential and the second task is most definitely cold work yet they have the same risk assessment in each permit pack. I'm kinda glad I didn't put my name to this assessment!
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