Health, safety and risk assessment in the workshop
Health, safety and risk assessment in the workshop is examined through hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures and safe practice with machines, dust, chemicals and electricity.
Core rules
- A hazard is something with potential to harm; risk is the chance and severity of that harm.
- Risk assessment: identify hazards, decide who is at risk, evaluate likelihood and severity, apply controls, record and review.
- Use the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer (guards, extraction), administrate (training, supervision), then PPE as the last line.
- Machine safety: guards, emergency stops, correct speeds and feeds, no loose clothing or gloves near rotating parts.
- Dust and fumes: extraction, ventilation, face masks; COSHH covers hazardous substances.
- Electrical safety: PAT testing, RCDs, damaged leads reported, no water near power.
Worked example
Risk assessment for a disc sander. Hazards: dust, noise, entanglement, flying fragments, contact with the disc. At-risk: the operator and nearby students. Likelihood x severity is high for entanglement. Controls: fixed guard, local exhaust ventilation, eye protection, hearing protection if noise exceeds limits, no gloves, hair tied back, trained operator, teacher supervision, emergency stop checked. PPE alone is not the control; the guard and extraction come first. Review after use or after an incident.
Traps
Writing "be careful" instead of a control; putting PPE first; ignoring dust; not naming who is at risk; leaving the assessment unreviewed.