Module 7:

Responsible use of equipment and materials

7.3 Carrying out a risk assessment

7.3.2 Steps 1 & 2

1 Step 1: Identify the hazards:

Identify what is involved in the work activity, making a note of any hazards, especially physical and chemical, and what might cause harm to people.

2 Step 2: Assess the risks - decide who might be harmed and how:

Identify who might realistically come into contact with the work activity (for example, employees / workers, visitors, general public, a contractor) and how they might be exposed to the harm identified in step 1.

Here are some examples using the first part of the template we showed earlier.

Item & Hazard	Who & how might they be harmed
1. Unsafe operating tractor / ride-on	User. Incorrect use resulting in increased vibration, noise, speed, cutting too close to obstacles, edges. User being thrown from machine: incorrectly seated; seat belt not used; standing; bumpy ground; speed too fast; uneven ground; sloping ground.
2. Incorrect maintenance	User & Bystander. Machine to be in good working order otherwise increase in breakdown, loose parts which may then become detached and make contact with a bystander, worn parts and dangerous operating condition.
3. Overturning	User. Crushing and impact injuries, death. Especially dangerous on slopes, drops near grass perimeters, drowning if overturns into a watercourse. Incorrect use of roll over protection bar / system.
4. Moving parts	User & Bystander. User: Entanglement, crushing, cuts. • Rotary blades: fingers, hands, arms - severed if in contact whilst rotating. • PTO: entanglement, death; loose clothing or jewellery whilst PTO rotating. • Raising or lowering mower: trapping, crush injuries. Bystander: Entanglement. • Wheels: if operating too close to bystander.
5. Items thrown from mower	Bystanders & User. Impact and cut injuries. Dust and debris thrown up into individuals faces. Potential of rebound of debris if near to obstacles.

Item & Hazard	Who & how might they be harmed
6. Hot parts	User. Burn injuries from exhausts, engine, radiator - coolant, hydraulics.
7. Electric shock	User. Maintaining battery, contact with battery terminals; incorrect use of spanners; wearing of metal watch, jewellery, shock from electrical components, especially if wires exposed.
8. Lone working	User. If individual injured or harmed, potentially unable to call for immediate help.
9. Excessive vibration	User. Motion and action of tractor / ride-on and mower. Headaches, numbness, joint pain, loss of balance, increased fatigue, back disorders, hand pain.
10. Contact with fuel, oil, grease and other liquids, inhaling fumes	User. When maintaining tractor / ride-on and mower. Skin or eye irritation, dermatitis, breathing difficulties (from vapours), stomach contamination if swallowed.
11. Harsh & severe weather	User. Hot, cold, dry, wet, sun (UV) exposure due to outdoor working. Hypothermia, heat exhaustion, sun burn.
12. Manual handling	User. Refuelling; hand tools; adjustments, e.g. 3-point linkage, mower settings; connecting or disconnecting of features. Back problems, limb injuries, hand and wrist injuries, muscle strains, musculoskeletal disorders, foot injuries.
13. Sharp objects, biohazards	User. Presence in field when mowing. Cuts and contaminations.
14. Explosion	User. Refuelling, contact with hot exhausts, engine..
15. Collision	Bystander & User Crushing and impact injuries, death. Slipping / sliding due to poor traction, especially in wet conditions and on slopes. Damage to other vehicles and objects.
16. Unauthorised use	User (unauthorised). Serious injury to user or others, as well as damage to machine and other property.
17. Excessive noise	User. Hearing damaged, tinnitus, loss of hearing.

Module progress: 55%

7 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5