Work Activities Guidance - Safe Systems of Work
A safe system of work is the systematic examination of a task in order to identify all hazards. The aim is to produce a safe work method that will eliminate or reduce the risks associated with the identified hazards.
It is important to involve employees that carry out the work or with detailed knowledge of the activity, so that the system of work produced is effective and practical as well as safe. Involving employees with the process helps them to understand why this level of control has to be established and maintained.
The following steps should be taken when creating a safe system of work.
What is used, who does what, where the task is to be carried out, how the task is to be carried out, interactions with, and effect on, other employees.
- Identification of hazards associated with the task
Consider each of the hazards to which people may be exposed as a result of the use of tools, substances, plant and other equipment.
- Assessment of the risk involved
Assess the risks, which could arise from the task or activity.
- Identification of existing methods of control and additional controls necessary
Consider whether existing control methods are adequate and being used as well as identifying additional controls required.
- Definition of the safe methods of work
Having broken the task or activity down into its component parts, (preparation, authorisation, planning or job sequences), at each stage specify safe methods and document the work instructions.
- Implementation of the working system / procedure
Implement the safe system of work, providing training for all affected employees and supervisory staff. Ensure training details are recorded on individual training records.
- Regularly check and re-assess the activity if necessary to ensure that the system is operating effectively and the work instructions are being followed.
Make any necessary amendments to checklists.
Below is a simple example of a written safe system of work.
TITLE (CHANGING LIGHT BULB)
Task or Activity to be Covered
Changing light bulb in the main hall
Hazards
Electrical
Falls From Height
Burns
Falling Objects
Risks
Main risks are injury to worker through being exposed to electricity, handling hot light bulb and a risk of falling from the 10-foot high stepladders, which could also affect other workers.
Control Measures in Place
- New stepladders used of good construction, with handhold, protected top platform and locking wheels.
- Workers have received training on use of ladders/stepladders. Records kept.
Further Controls Needed
No procedures in place for isolation of electricity supply before removing light bulb. Need to implement isolation policy and procedure.
Training needs to be given on electrical hazard awareness.
Warning signs need to be erected to help prevent accidental impact with the stepladders
The Safe System of Work
- Check stepladders are in good condition.
- Clear a pathway in main hall through the tables and chairs to allow easy access of stepladders.
- Push stepladders into position and ensure wheels are locked.
- Place warning signs at entrance to main hall prohibiting other persons from entering whilst light bulb is being changed.
- Isolate light fitting by turning off supply. Secure electric control panel to avoid unauthorised access.
- Ascend stepladders with replacement light bulb holding onto the handrail.
- Carefully test how hot old bulb is before grabbing hold. If cool gently push and twist bulb until it is released from light fitting. Replace with new bulb.
- Descend stepladders holding onto handrail.
- Reinstate electricity supply and check light is working.
- Return stepladders to secure storage area.
- Safely dispose of the old light bulb.
See also:
Work Activities Policy.
Work Activities Procedure.
