2.1 A Guide To Identification Of Hazards

A hazard is anything ( e.g. chemical, electricity, working on a ladder etc.) that could cause harm.

A key aspect of the BSU Health and Safety Policy is that there is an adequate control of risks that arise from hazards from the work activities involving staff and students of the University. The first step to ensure appropriate control is in place is the identification of the work place hazards. The subsequent process of risk assessment is considered in subsequent codes of practice.      

Hazard Register

There are many hazards to which persons working at and the University are exposed. The Bath Spa University Hazard Register provides a listing of the hazards that could arise. The Hazard Register also indicates what legislation applies and the relevant BSU Safety Codes of Practice for the control of the risks that are associated with the hazards. The listing of hazards should not be taken to be comprehensive. The Safety Office endeavours to keep the Hazard Register up to date. Any necessary amendment is made as soon as any hazard type or category not listed in the Hazard Register is brought to the attention of the Safety Office.

Hazard Identification

The Hazard Register provides a checklist that should enable the hazards in a particular area or relating to specific work to be readily identified.

The hazards to be looked for are those that would be reasonably expected to result in significant injury or harm under the conditions of the work place. The most common category of injury accidents that are required to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive are slips, trips and falls and, secondly, manual handling. Hazard identification includes consideration of personnel issues such as lone working, hours of working, stress and violence at work.

As a further aid to hazard identification, the following are worth considering. If any hazard is identified that is not included in the Hazard Register, the Safety Office needs to be so informed.

Good Housekeeping

• Unsafe surfaces - are floor surfaces slippery/uneven, have worn/unsuitable covering or obstructed by obstacles?;
• Cables - are all cables fastened safely out of the way, so as not to be a trip hazard;
• Storage of waste - are accumulated waste materials, particularly those that are likely to be a fire or obstruction hazard, stored in such a way as not to cause an accident?
• Layout - are work areas laid out to the most efficient ergonomic plan and sufficient space provided for safe and efficient working?
• Lighting - is the lighting suitable and sufficient for the work?
• Emergency lighting - are there sufficient fittings?
• Windows - are all windows clean, in good condition and open easily where necessary?
• Heating and ventilation - is this adequate?
• Paintwork - is this in a presentable condition?
• Walls - is the plaster and wall fittings in a safe condition?
• Sanitary facilities - are they adequate and clean, including hot water for hand washing and a supply of drinking water?

Machinery

• Electrical safety - are all portable electrical appliances checked annually and a record present on each appliance?
• Good working order - is all machinery in proper working order, with all necessary safety controls and signs in place?
• Operating instructions - are these available and staff competent to use the relevant machinery?
• Nominated personnel - is a system in place whereby only suitably trained personnel can use the machinery?
• Lock-off systems - are these in place on machinery to restrict use to nominated operators?
• PPE - Is personal protective equipment available and issued when required?
• Are staff and students aware of its availability and trained in its use?
• Risk assessments - are risk assessments up to date and prominently displayed?

Work Stations

• Ergonomics - are the ergonomic requirement of users/operators met?
• Rest periods - do users/operators understand the necessity for proper rest periods?
• Eye tests - is the availability of eye tests recognised?

Fire Safety

• Fire instructions - are sufficient notices displayed and are they understood?
• Fire alarm - does the alarm work and could it be heard in an emergency?
• are all alarms tested regularly?
• Escape routes - are all escape routes clearly marked and free of obstructions?
• Fire extinguishers - are the numbers and type suitable and sufficient for the
• local hazards;
• are they checked annually?
• Fire doors - are they fitted with efficient closers and not wedged open?
• Fire Wardens - are fully trained Fire Wardens and assistants in post?

January 2004