Page 241 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 4 Planning and supervision

p Figure 4.14 COSHH hazard pictograms
p Figure 4.15 A typical safety
Step 3: Evaluating the risks and deciding on helmet – check label to ensure
precautions it is in date; it is always a good
idea to inspect the helmet for
Once hazards have been identified, then decisions must be made about what to damage before use
do about them. The law states that you must do everything that is reasonably
practicable to protect people from harm. A risk assessment of what type of
work you will be doing will have to be carried out, as well as information on
what controls you have in place and how the work will be organised. Work out
if the problem can be removed completely and, if not, consider how the risks
will be effectively controlled. There are several ways to reduce a risk, such as
using barriers around a particular work area to prevent unauthorised access to
a potentially hazardous area. The provision of an up-to-date first-aid kit in the
work area is important, as is appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Step 4: Recording your findings and implementing them
It is important to write down the results of your risk assessment and share
them with your team. Doing this will help to encourage all involved to put
what is written into practice. The results need to be written simply and clearly.
However, if there are fewer than five employees in a company, then nothing
needs to be written down.

For example, a boiler room has many potential hazards, so carefully compiling
a list of hazardous results is essential. You could begin implementing your
findings by emphasising that work areas around the boiler are to be kept clear
of any tripping hazards and that the area should be checked throughout the day.
Perhaps in this same boiler room, it could be that natural gas will be released
when installing new pipework. This risk can then be contained by writing step-
by-step procedures, which should be stated in a method statement, especially
if there is a risk to others. Finally, it is a possibility that some of the existing
pipework insulation contains asbestos, so care and attention should be taken p Figure 4.16 Plumber’s trousers
when working on pipework. Therefore, as you complete each action on the job, – make sure kneepads are
it should be recorded and then implemented into the plan. fitted before starting work
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