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adewale08  
#1 Posted : 08 November 2011 23:23:35(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
adewale08

i have just recently passed my NEBOSH level 3, even though am not in a managerial position my boss has asked me to carry out a risk assessment on T5 scrubber Machine .please what are the key and important factors to consider so as to make it a complete process. please your contributions will be worthwhile.
SNS  
#2 Posted : 08 November 2011 23:41:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SNS

Do you consider yourself to be competent on the machine and / or the RA process?
If its to be your first one I would be wary, but use the guidance from HSE as a basis and consult extensively with the operators and machine instructions.
Its not rocket science but must be done with care, if not done properly you could be at the wrong end of the liability chain in the (hopefully unlikely) event of an accident.
Has the company got any RA in use at the moment to get a feel for the task, or someone else experienced who can guide you?

Regards,
S
Bob Shillabeer  
#3 Posted : 08 November 2011 23:42:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Bob Shillabeer

Firstly you need to stop and think about what it is you are asked to assess. What are the operations and how are they carried out. Then think what can go wrong. Write all the things down as they can quickly be forgotten. Be very careful in the way you go about this task, dont let pre concieved thoughts cloud you mind. look at every issue you can think of and keep in mind that you are thinking hypothetically. Dont be afraid to ask the opinion of others as they may see things in a different way. Take your time and cover as many asopects as you can, they may be filtered down upon reflection, but note everything you can think of, better to over assume than miss something important. Best of luck and be positive.
safetyklips  
#4 Posted : 09 November 2011 04:39:31(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
safetyklips

I am assuming you know how to develope a RA. I believe that before we dive into generation of Risk Assessment,

1)we need to know what is consider a safe operation or Safe Work Procedure. This information is normally gather from experienced users, user manuals and even advisory from the local government body or safety organisation. Even Youtube can give you ideas.

2) Once this data is available, get your team, be it co-workers, engineers, visitors to give your views on the activity you wish to work on. From this feedback, you can work out a procedure which is practical.

3) Identify the hazards during preparation, maintenance, actual operation and post operation. Any incident happen before like slips and fall from wet floor for example is useful information. Pinch point that can occur during changing of components.

4) What the worst can happen if the hazards are not address.

5) Evaluate it to determine how bad is the situation by the likelyhood or severity of the incident can occur.

6) Mitigate or provide solutions, use tools like "hierachy of control" to help you. Beware certain process can be expensive to implement, thus ask for feedback from colleague or management.

7) Share the data written in simplified conversation to those who need to do the job safely. Gather those feedback provided. Update the document you have prepared regularly.(depend on the frequency your team determine.)
firesafety101  
#5 Posted : 09 November 2011 09:43:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

See HSE 5 steps to risk assessment.

Involve the machine users as they will know the ins and outs - the hazards and risks.

Read the machine handbook from the supplier/manufacturer.

What did your NEBOSH say about risk assessment, do you have course notes?

Follow a set path and make notes.

If in doubt - ask like you have here.

If you get stuck come back on here and let us know - we will try to help.
chris42  
#6 Posted : 09 November 2011 09:52:58(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

As above, but additionally don't forget to talk to maintenance and any others that have interaction with the equipment outside normal operation.
smitch  
#7 Posted : 09 November 2011 10:02:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
smitch

Always a good idea to look at operating manual as well for safe operating/maintenance instructions as well. if you dont have the manual then you can get one from:

http://www.clemas.co.uk/...t_T5_Operator_Manual.pdf

HTH
smitch
MB1  
#8 Posted : 09 November 2011 10:03:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

Why don't you contact the (tennant) distributor/manufacturer?
Having dealings with them many moons ago they were very helpful to assist.
JohnW  
#9 Posted : 09 November 2011 10:19:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

adewale, firstly congratulations on gaining your NEBOSH level 3. Sounds like you are now the safety guy(competent person!).

It can be a bit scary doing your first risk assessments; all the advice above is very good. Talk with the operators and maintenance guys (hope they don't give you a hard time!).

If you are required to assess equipment/machines that you are not familiar with then, as well as the proper risk assessment, I suggest also doing a PUWER assessment FIRST, your NEBOSH course should have spent half a day on PUWER.

A PUWER assessment will help familiarise you with the controls for the machine, start/stop, emergency shutdown, guards, interlocks, isolation, which moving parts are a hazard, any risk of ejection of substances or broken bits, does it need warning signs and/or mandatory PPE.

Doing a PUWER assessment with operators and maintenance can help determine if they actually use the equipment properly e.g. do they use the isolator when required or do they rely on the 'off' button; or do they hit the emergency stop etc etc.

It's worth preparing your own PUWER checklist and do this by referring to a free pdf copy of Approved Code of Practice HSE L22, go through each regulation 4,5,6,....to 24 and write out checklist questions for your assessment.


JohnW
RayRapp  
#10 Posted : 09 November 2011 11:06:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

It would be useful to review a similar RA for a piece of machinery or plant and to take notes and/or compare yours when completed. This will hopefully give you an idea what is expected. I hope someone more senior will review your RA and provide you with some feedback.

RAs are not rocket science, but they still require a modicum of time, knowledge, experience and effort, if it is to be done properly. I have seen more poor RAs than I have good ones.
bob youel  
#11 Posted : 09 November 2011 16:14:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

You should facilitate competent people e.g. chemical engineer, mechanical engineer and operators as its they who know how such kit works and the problms there in as against U undertaking the exercise alone - this approach would give a much more suitable and suffficient RA noting that FEMA etc. may also be needed
redken  
#12 Posted : 09 November 2011 16:26:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
redken

It is just a floor scrubbing machine and smitch has provided a link to the Operator Manual , so are we not going over the top ( FEMA,chemical engineer etc) on our advice to this new guy?
JohnW  
#13 Posted : 09 November 2011 17:20:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

redken wrote:
It is just a floor scrubbing machine and smitch has provided a link to the Operator Manual , so are we not going over the top ( FEMA,chemical engineer etc) on our advice to this new guy?


Well redken, as far I can see it's OP's first risk assessment since getting his cert so it's not over the top.

It's good to start as you mean to continue in my books. 'just a floor scrubbing machine' - it's a push-along pedestrian scrubber yes, but it needs careful use, the tanks need emptying, it needs adjusting and maintenance, and the operator presumably should cordon of his work area so staff don't slip on slippy floor etc etc. An excellent example of risk assessment to get started with!
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