Risk Assessment

What is the 5-step risk assessment process?

• AIdentify hazards, identify who is at risk, evaluate risk, implement controls, monitor and review✓
• BWrite a policy, train staff, inspect equipment, report incidents
• CAudit, document, review, approve, implement
• DPlan, do, check, act

Answer: The 5-step process is: 1) Identify hazards, 2) Identify who is at risk, 3) Evaluate risk, 4) Implement control measures, 5) Monitor and review.

What is a 'hazard'?

• AAnything with the potential to cause harm✓
• BAn incident that has occurred
• CA control measure
• DTraining material

Answer: A hazard is any source or situation with the potential to cause harm (e.g., electricity, asbestos, aggressive behaviour).

What is 'risk' in H&S terms?

• AThe combination of likelihood and severity of harm from a hazard✓
• BA potential hazard only
• CThe total number of hazards
• DThe cost of an incident

Answer: Risk is the likelihood of harm occurring combined with the severity of that harm.

In risk assessment, what is 'acceptability of risk'?

• AA risk is acceptable if the benefit of the activity outweighs the residual risk✓
• BAll risks must be eliminated completely
• COnly high risks matter
• DAcceptability depends on the cost

Answer: A risk is acceptable when it is reduced to a level where the benefit of the activity justifies the residual risk.

What is the 'hierarchy of control'?

• AA prioritised list: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, PPE✓
• BAn order for incident investigation
• CA structure for organizational responsibilities
• DA schedule for inspections

Answer: The hierarchy prioritises control methods from most to least effective: elimination first, PPE as a last resort.

What does 'elimination' mean in the hierarchy of control?

• ARemoving the hazard completely✓
• BMoving workers away from the hazard
• CUsing PPE
• DInstalling guards

Answer: Elimination means removing the hazard entirely (e.g., not using a hazardous chemical at all).

What does 'substitution' mean in the hierarchy of control?

• AReplacing a hazardous substance or process with a less hazardous alternative✓
• BMoving the hazard away
• CUsing PPE instead
• DReducing exposure time

Answer: Substitution replaces a hazard with something less dangerous (e.g., using a water-based cleaner instead of a toxic solvent).

What are 'engineering controls'?

• APhysical measures to prevent exposure or reduce the level of hazard (guards, ventilation, isolation)✓
• BProcedures and policies
• CPersonal protective equipment
• DTraining programs

Answer: Engineering controls use equipment or design to control hazards (e.g., local exhaust ventilation, machine guards, emergency stops).

What are 'administrative controls'?

• AProcedures, systems, rules and practices to reduce exposure (rotation, supervision, permits)✓
• BEquipment and machines
• CPersonal protective equipment
• DWritten policies only

Answer: Administrative controls include procedures, work practices, supervision and systems (e.g., lock-out/tag-out, permits to work, job rotation).

What is 'residual risk'?

• AThe risk remaining after control measures have been applied✓
• BThe original risk before assessment
• CRisks that cannot be identified
• DRisks created by control measures

Answer: Residual risk is the level of risk remaining after all feasible control measures have been implemented.

What is a 'dynamic assessment' or 'dynamic risk assessment'?

• AContinuous assessment of risk during an activity, adapted to changing circumstances✓
• BA risk assessment done every year
• CAn assessment using computers
• DAn external assessment only

Answer: Dynamic assessment means continuously monitoring and adjusting to risks as circumstances change (e.g., emergency response, rescue operations).

What is a 'safe system of work'?

• AAn integrated set of procedures and arrangements to control hazards and manage risks during an activity✓
• BA written policy document
• CWearing safety equipment
• DFollowing instructions only

Answer: A safe system of work integrates all necessary control measures (procedures, materials, training, equipment) to manage risks.