guidance notes on risk assessment · 5 4 risk assessment in highland council 4.1 to ensure that all...

GUIDANCE NOTES ON

RISK ASSESSMENT

The Highland Council, Corporate Services,Health & Safety Team

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CONTENTS

Page

1 Introduction 3

2 Legislation 3

3 The Risk Assessment Process 4

4 Risk Assessment in Highland Council 5

5 Monitoring 6

6 Training 6

7 Five Steps to Risk Assessment 7

8 Serious & Imminent Danger 11

9 New & Expectant Mothers 11

10 Monitoring & Review 11

11 Management Checklist 12

Appendix 1 - Risk Assessment Sheet

Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment - Summary ofProcess

Appendix 3 - Risks to new and expectant mothers

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1.1

Introduction

The process of risk assessment underpins all current Health & Safety legislation. It no longerapplies only to specific risks such as noise or hazardous substances but to all work activities.It is a process of determining what hazards exist in the work place, the likelihood of harmoccurring and the need for appropriate control measures. The following guidance hastherefore been produced to give practical advice on the implementation of the risk assessmentprocess throughout the range of Highland Council Services.

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2.1

Legislation

The need for an employer to carry out risk assessment has been a requirement of health &safety legislation for many years. A summary of the risk assessment requirements is asfollows:

a) The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Sec 2 - Requires an employer to ensure thehealth, safety and welfare of his employees so far as is reasonably practicable. The processof risk assessment has therefore to be applied to determine what is “reasonably practicable”action in controlling any particular hazard.

b) Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 Reg 5 - Requires an employer to carry outan adequate assessment of the exposure of employees to working with asbestos.

c) The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 & 1994 Reg 6 -Requires an employer not to carry out any work liable to expose any employee to anyhazardous substance unless a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks created by thatwork has been undertaken and appropriate control measures are identified andimplemented.

d) The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 Reg 4 - Requires an employer to ensure that acompetent person carries out a noise assessment when employees are exposed to noiselevels above the action levels prescribed. Suitable control measures should be identifiedand implemented to reduce the risk of hearing damage.

e) The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 - Require an employer toensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is suitable for its purpose (regulation 4),which implies that a risk assessment should be carried out to match the level of protectionprovided with the hazard present.

f) The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 - Call on theemployer to perform a suitable and sufficient analysis of the workstation for the purpose ofassessing the risks to health and safety from its use.

g) The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 - Require an employer to carry out asuitable and sufficient assessment of the risk of injury from manual handling, where it isnot reasonably practicable to introduce mechanical handling.

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h) The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 while not explicitly requiringa risk assessment, call on the employer to ensure that work equipment is “suitable for thepurpose for which is intended”. Selection of work equipment therefore involves identifyingthe task and any associated hazard, and selecting any equipment that will either overcomeor control that hazard. In addition, the equipment must not introduce further hazard.

i) The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 identify a number ofhazards in the workplace which must be controlled, such as vehicles, the workingenvironment, maintenance of the fabric of a building, etc. The Regulations expect anemployer to look at a particular situation, carry out a risk assessment and choose theappropriate control measures to reduce the risk of injury to an acceptable level.

j) The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 require the employer tomake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which employees are exposedwhilst at work and the risks to the health and safety of non-employees arising from thatundertaking. The purpose of this risk assessment is to ensure that those hazards not yetidentified, eliminated or controlled under prior regulations should be addressed in an allembracing assessment. It is therefore not necessary to repeat assessments made under theaforementioned regulations, unless there is reason to believe the assessment is no longervalid. Amendments to the Management Regs in 1994 introduced a specific requirement totake particular account of risks to new and expectant mothers.

3 The Risk Assessment Process

3.1 There is no precise process defined in the regulations or guidance for carrying out riskassessments. It is left to individual employees to determine the method which best suitstheir work activities. In its advisory leaflet “5 steps to risk assessment”, the HSEpromotes the use of the following 5 step approach:

Step 1: Look for the hazards.

Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how.

Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done.

Step 4: Record your findings.

Step 5: Review the assessment and revise it as necessary.

3.2 A detailed description of how to carry out this process is contained in Section 7 of thisguidance. It is recommended however that only persons who have received theappropriate training, be required to carry out assessments.

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4 Risk Assessment in Highland Council

4.1 To ensure that all work activities and premises are covered, Service Directors, AreaManagers and Area Service Managers must arrange for sufficient numbers of theirstaff to be trained to carry out the process of risk assessment

4.2 Persons selected for training as assessors should be familiar with the premises and workactivities to be assessed and be aware of the types of hazard likely to be present.

4.3 Although Management may delegate responsibility for carrying out assessments toother members of staff they must retain over-all ownership of the process.

4.4 It is important therefore that all Service Directors, Area Managers and Area ServiceManagers:

a) Are familiar with the process of risk assessment.

b) Support those staff delegated with the responsibility of carrying out riskassessments (see paragraph 4.5).

c) Discuss the significant findings with assessors.

d) Determine and where appropriate implement the necessary control measuresto reduce or eliminate a particular risk. This is particularly important wherecost implications have been identified.

4.5 To ensure that the risk assessment process is carried out effectively it is essential thatappropriate support is provided to assessors by their line managers. It is recommendedthat a debriefing meeting be arranged on the persons return from assessor training. Thepurpose of the meeting being to determine the extent of the task and organisation of theassessors normal workload to ensure sufficient time is allocated to enable assessmentsto be carried out.

4.6 Assessors should be encouraged to report any significant findings to their line managersas soon as they come to light during the assessment process. This should help ensurethat high risk areas and activities are dealt with without delay.

4.7 Further discussion between line manager and assessor should take place on completionof the assessment process. At this meeting, proposed actions and priorities should bedetermined in relation to areas or activities where additional control measures arerequired to reduce or eliminate a particular risk.

4.8 Assistance and advice on the range of options for control measures and/or prioritisationcan be obtained by contacting the Health & Safety Team.

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4.9 Service Directors should identify a suitable member of their staff to act as a Health &Safety Co-ordinator. This persons role would be to assist in the development of Servicespecific health & safety policies and monitoring the implementation of Corporatepolicy and guidance on issues such as risk assessment. In relation to risk assessmentsthe Co-ordinator should:

a) Ensure that assessments are carried out in each of the 8 Council Areas and inrespect of Headquarters staff.

b) Ensure that results of the assessments are recorded and collated.

c) Ensure that the follow-up action identified as a result of the assessments isundertaken.

d) Ensure that assessments are reviewed as necessary.

5 Monitoring

5.1 To be effective, this policy and guidance must be:a) Implemented andb) Monitored to determine its effectiveness.

5.2 The Service Health and Safety Co-ordinators will have a monitoring role as outlined inpara. 4.9.

5.3 Service Directors should also monitor the extent to which risk assessments have beencarried out at Service Management team meetings.

5.4 Area managers should monitor the implementation of this policy and guidance byrequiring progress reports to be submitted to Area management team meetings

5.5 Members of the Health & Safety Team will monitor the extent to which riskassessments have been carried out and recorded during inspection and audits ofpremises.

6 Training

6.1 Training will be provided for all persons given the responsibility of carrying out riskassessments (paragraph 4.1).

6.2 Line managers of those staff who are carrying out risk assessments should also receiverisk assessment training. This will ensure that they understand the need for the processand have sufficient knowledge to determine appropriate control measures.

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6.3 Attendance at training courses can be arranged by contacting the Training andDevelopment Team, Corporate Services, Dochfour Drive, Inverness. Tel: 01463703057.

6.4 The course will take the form of a half day workshop, led by an Adviser from theHealth and Safety Team.

6.5 The workshop training concentrates on practical issues and case scenarios designed toenable participants to carry out risk assessments on their return to the workplace.

6.6 In addition, attendance at the course will enable participants to:

a) Understand the legislative requirements for risk assessment.

b) Understand the terms “Hazard” and “Risk”.

c) Undertake a process of risk estimation as outlined in HSE’s booklet HS(G)65“Successful Health and Safety Management”.

d) Understand the hierarchy of control measures.

e) Keep appropriate records.

7 Five Steps to Risk Assessment

7.1 In its advisory literature, the HSE promotes the use of a 5 step approach to the processof risk assessment.

7.2 Before commencing the process it is important to understand the meaning of the terms“Hazard” and “Risk” as follows:

HAZARD - is anything that can cause harm (eg electricity, fire, chemicals).

RISK - is the likelihood of harm occurring.

7.3 STEP 1 - Look for the Hazards

7.4 In the initial stage of the process the assessor would be expected to walk around theworkplace and take a fresh look at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm.Effort should be concentrated on hazards which could result in significant harm or mayaffect several people. All hazards should be listed at this stage however.

7.5 When listing hazards it is useful to consult with other employees in the workplace whomay have noticed things which are not immediately obvious.

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7.6 Reference should also be made to manufacturers’ operating instructions, hazard datasheets etc, which should clearly indicate the hazard a particular machine or chemicalmay present.

7.7 Accident and/or ill health records may also help to identify particular hazards associatedwith a workplace or work activity.

7.8 In general terms however the following examples may prove useful:

• Slipping/tripping hazards (eg poorly maintained floors or stairs)• Fire (eg from flammable materials) • Electricity (eg poor wiring)• Chemicals (eg Battery Acid) • Dust (eg from grinding)• Moving parts of machinery (eg blades) • Fumes (eg welding)• Work at height (eg from mezzanine floors) • Manual handling• Ejection of material (eg from plastic moulding) • Noise• Pressure systems(eg steam boilers) • Poor lighting• Vehicles (eg fork-lift trucks) • Low temperature

7.9 An example of the form for recording this and other information in the risk assessmentprocess is given in Appendix 1.

7.10 Step 2 - Decide who might be harmed and how

7.11 When considering who might be harmed there is no need to list individuals by name. Itis more appropriate to list groups of people doing similar work or who may be similarlyaffected by a particular work activity.

7.12 It is important to consider people who may not be in the workplace all the time egvisitors and contractors etc.

7.13 Particular attention should be given to those who may be more vulnerable eg staff withdisabilities and lone workers etc.

7.14 The following list may therefore prove useful at this stage:

• Office Staff• Maintenance Personnel• Contractors• Operators• Cleaners• Members of the public (including clients and pupils)• People sharing the workplace• Staff with disabilities• Visitors• Young or inexperienced staff• Lone workers

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7.15 Step 3 - List existing controls

7.16 At this stage information should be provided on the steps that have already been takento control a particular risk.

7.17 It may be necessary to provide details of information, instruction or training provided inrelation to a “safe system of work”. In this respect reference may need to be made towritten procedures and operating manuals etc.

7.18 When considering the adequacy of existing control measures it is important todetermine whether:

a) They meet the standards set by a legal requirement (ie prevent access to dangerousparts of machinery).

b) They comply with a recognised industry standard.c) They represent good practice.d) They reduce the risk as far as is reasonably practicable.

7.19 The effectiveness or even lack of existing control measures will have a bearing on thecalculation of residual risk in Step 4.

7.20 Step 4 - Calculate the Residual Risk

7.21 In guidance booklet HSG (65), the Health and Safety Executive outline the followingsimple method of qualifying risk or Risk Rating.

7.22 The method involves making two judgements, one on the potential SEVERITY of anypossible injury and the other on the LIKELIHOOD of harm occurring. Bothjudgements are on a scale of 1 to 3 as follows:

SEVERITY SCALE

1 SLIGHT all injuries not defined asMajor or Serious

2 SERIOUS injuries that are not Major butare likely to prevent someoneworking normally for morethan 3 days.

3 MAJOR death or major injury egfracture of a bone, amputation,serious damage to an eye etc.

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LIKELIHOOD SCALE

1 LOW unlikely to happen

2 MEDIUM could well happen

3 HIGH certain or near certain tohappen

7.23 The risk rating is then calculated by multiplying the severity and likelihood figures.

7.24 The figure at which a “tolerable” level of risk is set is to some extent arbitrary.Obviously the higher the risk rating the more significant the risk and the greater will bethe need to control that risk. For Highland Council assessment purposes however riskratings of 4 or more are considered significant and will demand action.

7.25 Risk ratings of 3 or below can normally be discounted, however consideration shouldbe given to reducing the risk to the lowest possible level, particularly if this can beachieved at little or no cost.

7.26 Step 5 - Determine Control Measures

7.27 The final stage of the process is the determination of appropriate control measuresnecessary to eliminate or reduce a risk to an acceptable level.

7.28 Risk ratings of 4 or more will require some action to be taken in respect of additionalcontrol. The higher the risk factor the greater is the priority for action.

7.29 When considering the effectiveness of control measures, the following principlesshould be applied.

1. Remove the risk completely MOST EFFECTIVE2. Try a less risky option3. Prevent access to the hazard (eg by guarding)4. Organise work to reduce exposure to the hazard5. Issue personal protective equipment LEAST EFFECTVE

7.30 Reference should be made to recognised good practice, HSE guidance and legalrequirements when determining whether a particular method of control is adequate.

7.31 Further information and advice on control measures and access to codes of practice etccan be obtained by contacting the Health and Safety Team.

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8 Serious and Imminent Danger

8.1 As part of the risk assessment process, written procedures must be prepared to deal withsituations of serious and imminent danger.

8.2 In most instances this will relate to emergency procedures to be followed in the event ofa fire or bomb threat. The aim should be to provide clear guidance on when employeesand others at work should stop work and how they should move to a place of safety.

8.3 People who work with machinery and other work equipment must be informed of theprocedure to be adopted should a fault develop which may place them in a situation ofserious or imminent danger. In such circumstances the most appropriate course ofaction would be to stop work and if possible switch off or immobilise the machine andreport the fault immediately to the line manager.

9 New and Expectant Mothers

9.1 During the risk assessment process there is a specific requirement to take account ofrisks to new and expectant mothers.

9.2 If risks cannot be avoided by other means then it may be necessary to make changes toworking conditions or hours, offer suitable alternative work, or if that is not possiblegive the worker paid leave for as long as necessary to protect her health and safety orthat of her child.

9.3 The regulations define the phrase “new or expectant mother” as a worker who ispregnant, who has given birth in the previous six months, or who is breastfeeding.

9.4 Details of some of the Hazards, Risks and ways of avoiding them are contained inAppendix 3. Further information relating to other specific chemical risks can beobtained by contacting the Health and Safety Team

10 Monitoring and Review

10.1 It is essential that the effectiveness of control measures identified by the risk assessmentprocess is monitored. This is particularly important where a “safe system of work” hasbeen established to ensure that everyone carries out the task in accordance with therecognised “safe” procedures. It is also important in relation to mechanical controls (ieguards) to ensure that they are correctly fitted and in place when equipment is operating.

10.2 Service Directors, Area Managers and Area Service Managers should therefore ensurethat the results of risk assessments and the appropriate control measures are reported tothe staff affected and their line managers.

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10.3 Line managers and supervisors should monitor the effectiveness of control measuresand in particular ensure that “safe systems of work” are adhered to at all times.

10.4 Progress on the risk assessment process itself should also be monitored, see paragraph5.

10.5 Risk assessments should be reviewed every 5 years if there are/have been no significantchanges to the job task and location etc.

10.6 The introduction of new machinery, substances or working procedures could well leadto new hazards. The risk assessment must therefore be reviewed whenever thesecircumstances arise.

11 Management Checklist

11.1 Service Directors may wish to refer to the following checklist when determiningcompliance with the Risk Assessment Policy and Guidance:

1. Has a Health and Safety Co-ordinator been appointed for your Service? (see 4.9)2. Have sufficient numbers of staff been identified to carry out assessments? (see 4.1)3. Have assessors received appropriate training? (see sec 6)4. Have assessment sheets been completed? (see sec 7)5. Have significant risks been identified?6. Have arrangements been made for suitable control measures to be introduced?7. Has the Service Health and Safety policy been revised as a result of the exercise?

11.2 Further information and advice on risk assessment and other health and safety matterscan be obtained by contacting the Health & Safety Team, Corporate Services, DochfourDrive, Inverness. Tel: 01463 703095.

SHEET No:____________THE HIGHLAND COUNCILRISK ASSESSMENT SHEET

SERVICE DESCRIPTION OF WORK ACTIVITY OR AREA OFTHE WORKPLACE ASSESSED

NAME OF ASSESSOR

AREA DATE COMPLETEDLOCATION DATE OF REVIEW

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5List potential hazardshere:

List groups of people who areat risk from the hazards youhave identified:

List existing controls ornote where the informationmay be found:

Calculate the residual risk taking thepresence and effectiveness of controlmeasures into account:

Severity X Likelihood = Risk Rating *(1 to 3) (1 to 3)

List further control measuresnecessary to reduce risk to anacceptable level AND date ofintroduction of thesemeasures:

* NOTE - RISK RATINGS OF 4 OR MORE ARE SIGNIFICANT AND REQUIRE ACTION

APPENDIX 1

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APPENDIX 3 NEW AND EXPECTANT MOTHERS

HAZARDS, RISKS AND WAYS OF AVOIDING THEM

List of agents/workingconditions

What is the risk? How to avoid the risk Other legislation

PHYSICAL AGENTS - Where these are regarded as agents causing foetal lesions and/or likely to disrupt placental attachment, and in particular:

Shocks, vibration or movement Regular exposure to shocks, lowfrequency vibration for example driving orriding in off-road vehicles, or excessivemovement, may increase the risk of amiscarriage. Long-term exposure tovibration does not cause foetalabnormalities but often occurs with heavyphysical work, so there may be anincreased risk of prematurity or low birthweight.

Pregnant workers and those whohave recently given birth areadvised to avoid work likely toinvolve uncomfortable whole bodyvibration, especially at lowfrequencies, or where the abdomenis exposed to shocks or jolts.Breastfeeding workers are at nogreater risk than other workers.

None specific

Manual handling of loads wherethere is a risk of injury

Pregnant workers are especially at riskfrom manual handling injury - for examplehormonal changes can affect theligaments, increasing susceptibility toinjury; and postural problems mayincrease as the pregnancy progresses.

There can also be risks for those who haverecently given birth, for example after acaesarean section there is likely to be atemporary limitation on lifting andhandling capability.

There is no evidence to suggest thatbreastfeeding mothers are at greater riskfrom manual handling injury than anyother workers.

The changes an employer shouldmake will depend on the risksidentified in the assessment and thecircumstances of the business. Forexample, it may be possible to alterthe nature of the task so that risksfrom manual handling are reducedfor all workers including new orexpectant mothers. Or it may benecessary to address the specificneeds of the worker and reduce theamount of physical work, orprovide aids for her in future roreduce the risks she faces.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992require employers to:

• avoid the need for hazardous manual handling,so far as is reasonably practicable.

• assess the risks from those operations that

cannot be avoided; and • take steps to reduce these risks to the lowest

level reasonably practicable.

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List of agents.workingconditions

What is the risk? How to avoid the risk Other Legislation

Noise There appears to be no specific risk to newor expectant mothers or to the foetus, butprolonged exposure to loud noise may leadto increased blood pressure and tiredness.

No particular problems for women whohave recently given birth or who arebreastfeeding.

The requirements of the Noise atWork Regulations 1989 should besufficient to meet the needs of newor expectant mothers.

Noise at Work Regulations 1989 apply to allworkers exposed to loud noise where there is arisk to hearing.

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Ionising Radiation Significant exposure to ionisingradiation can be harmful to the foetusand this is recognised by placing limitson the external radiation dose to theabdomen of the expectant mother forthe declared term of her pregnancy.

If a nursing mother works withradioactive liquids or dusts, these cancause exposure of the child,particularly through contamination ofthe mother’s skin.

Also, there may be a risk to the foetusfrom significant amounts of radioactivecontamination breathed in or ingestedby the mother and transferred acrossthe placenta.

Work procedures should bedesigned to keep exposure of thepregnant woman as low asreasonably practicable andcertainly below the statutorydose limit for pregnant women.

Special attention should be paidto the possibility of nursingmothers receiving radioactivecontamination and they shouldnot be employed in work wherethe risk of such contamination ishigh.

The working conditions shouldbe such as to make it unlikelythat a pregnant women mightreceive high accidentalexposures to radioactivecontamination.

Ionising Radiations Regulations 1995 andsupporting Approved Codes of Practice.


What is the risk How to avoid the risk Other Legislation

Non-ionising electgromagneticradiation (NIEMR)

Optical radiation: Pregnant women orbreastfeeding mothers are at no greaterrisk than other workers

None specific

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Electromagnetic fields and waves (egradio-frequency radiation): Exposure toelectric and magnetic fields withincurrent recommendations is not knownto cause harm to the foetus or themother. However, extreme over-exposure to radio-frequency radiationcould cause harm by raising bodytemperature

Exposure to electric andmagnetic fields should notexceed the restrictions on humanexposure published by theNational Radiological ProtectionBoard

Extremes of cold or heat When pregnant, women tolerate heatless well and may more readily faint orbe more liable to heat stress. The riskis likely to be reduced after birth, but isis not certain how quickly animprovement comes about.

Breastfeeding may be impaired by heatdehydration.

No specific problems arise fromworking in extreme cold, althoughclearly for other health and safetyreasons, warm clothing should beprovided.

Pregnant workers should takegreat care when exposed toprolonged heat at work, forexample when working nearfurnaces.

Rest facilities and access torefreshments would help.

None specific.


What is the risk? How to avoid the risk Other Legislation

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Movements and postures,travelling either inside or outsidethe establishment - mental andphysical fatigue and otherphysical burdens connected withthe activity of new or expectantmothers.

Fatigue from standing and otherphysical work has long been associatedwith miscarriage, premature birth andlow birth weight.

Excessive physical or mental pressuremay cause stress and can give rise toanxiety and raised blood pressure.

Pregnant workers may experienceproblems in working at heights, forexample ladders, platforms, and inworking in tightly fitting workspaces orwith workstations which do not adjustsufficiently to take account ofincreased abdominal size, particularlyduring the later stages of pregnancy.This may lead to strain or spraininjuries. Dexterity, agility, co-ordination, speed of movement, reachand balance may also be impaired, andan increased risk of accidents may needto be considered.

Ensure that hours of work andthe volume and pacing of workare not excessive and that, wherepossible, the employeesthemselves have some controlover how their work isorganised.

Ensure that seating is availablewhere appropriate.

Longer or more frequent restbreaks will help to avoid orreduce fatigue.

Adjusting workstations or workprocedures may help removepostural problems and risk ofaccidents.

List of agents/workingcondtions


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WORKING CONDITIONS

Work with Display ScreenEquipment(VDUs)`

Although not specifically listed in the Pregnant Workers Directive, HSE is aware that anxiety about radiation emissions fromdisplay screen equipment and possible effects on pregnant women has been widespread. However, there is substantial evidencethat these concerns are unfounded. The HSE has consulted the National Radiological Protection Board, which has the statutoryfunction of providing information and advice on all radiation matters to Government Departments, and the advice belowsummarises scientific understanding:-

The levels of ionising and non-ionisingelectromagnetic radiation which are likelyto be generated by display screenequipment are well below those set out ininternational recommendations forlimiting risk to human health created bysuch emissions and the NationalRadiological Protection Board does notconsider such levels to pose a significantrisk to health. No special protectivemeasures are therefore needed to protectthe health or people from this radiation.

In the light of the scientificevidence pregnant women do notneed to stop work with VDUs.However, to avoid problems causedby stress and anxiety, women whoare pregnant or planning childrenand worried about working withVDUs should be given theopportunity to discuss theirconcerns with someone adequatelyinformed of current authoritativescientific information and advice.

Display Screen Equipment Regulations1992.

There has been considerable publicconcern about reports of higher levels ofmiscarriage and birth defects among somegroups of visual display unit (VDU)workers, in particular due toelectromagnetic radiation. Manyscientific studies have been carried out,but taken as a whole their results do notshow any link between miscarriages orbirth defects and working with VDUs.Research and reviews of the scientificevidence will continue to be undertaken.

List of agents/working conditions What is the risk? How to avoid the risk Other Legislation

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BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

Any biological agent of hazardgroups 2, 3 and 4 (Categorisationof biological agents according tohazard and categories ofcontainment - AdvisoryCommittee on DangerousPathogens)

Many biological agents within the threerisk groups can affect the unborn childif the mother is infected duringpregnancy. These may be transmittedthrough the placenta while the child isin the womb, or during or after birth, forexample through breastfeeding orthrough close physical contact betweenmother and child. Examples of agentswhere the child might be infected in oneof these ways are hepatitis B, (the AIDSvirus), herpes, TB, syphilis, chickenpoxand typhoid. For most workers, the riskof infection is not higher at work thanfrom living in the community, but incertain occupations, exposure toinfections is more likely, for examplelaboratory workers, health care, peoplelooking after animals and dealing withanimal products.

Depends on the risk assessment, whichwill take account first of the nature ofthe biological agent, how infection isspread, how likely contact is, and whatcontrol measures there are. These mayinclude physical containment, hygienemeasures, use of available vaccines ifexposure justifies this. If there is aknown high risk of exposure to a highlyinfectious agent, then it will beappropriate for the pregnant worker toavoid exposure altogether.

Control of Substances Hazardous toHealth Regulations 1994; ApprovedCode of Practice on the control ofbiological agents; approved list ofbiological agents.

Biological agents known to causeabortion of the foetus, or physicaland neurological damage. Theseagents are included in hazardgroups 2, 3 and 4.

Rubella (German measles) andtoxoplasma can harm the foetus, as cansome other biological agents, forexample cytomegalovirus (an infectioncommon in the community) andchlamydia in sheep. The risks ofinfection are generally no higher forworkers than others, except in thoseexposed occupations (see above).

See above. See above.

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CHEMICAL AGENTS – The following chemical agents in so far as it is known that they endanger the health of pregnant women and theunborn child:

There are about 200 substances labelledwith these risk phrases:

Substances labelled R40, R45,R46 and R47 under Directive67/548/EEC [since amended oradapted on a number ofoccasions]

R40:

R45:

R46:

R47:

Possible risk of irreversibleeffects

May cause cancer

May cause heritable geneticdamage

May cause birth defects – this isdue to be replaced in 1994/95 bythe risk phrases:

With the exception of lead (see below)and asbestos these substances all fallwithin the scope of COSHH. Forwork with hazardous substances,which include chemicals which maycause heritable genetic damage,employers are required to assess thehealth risks to workers arising fromsuch work, and where appropriateprevent or control the risks. Incarrying out assessments employersshould have regard for women who arepregnant, or who have recently givenbirth.

Control of Substances Hazardous toHealth Regulations (COSHH).

Chemicals (Hazard Information andPackaging) Regulations 1993 (CHIP).

R61:

R63:

R64:

May cause harm to theunborn childPossible risk of harm tounborn childMay cause harm to breastfedbabies

The actual risk to health of these substances canonly be determined following a risk assessmentof a particular substance at the place of work –ie although the substances listed may have thepotential to endanger health or safety, there maybe no risk in practice, eg if exposure is below alevel which might cause harm.

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Chemical agents and industrialprocesses in Annex 1 toDirective 90/394/EEC

The substances, preparations and processes listed in Annexe 1 of the ECDirective on the Control of Carcinogenic Substances are also covered by COSHH(see above).

COSHH (see above)

Mercury and mercuryderivatives

Organic mercury compounds could haveadverse effects on the foetus. Animalstudies and human observations havedemonstrated that exposure to theseforms of mercury during pregnancy canslow the growth of the unborn baby,disrupt the nervous system, and causethe mother to be poisoned.No clear evidence of adverse effects ondeveloping foetus from studies ofhumans exposed to mercury andinorganic mercury compounds.No indication that mothers are morelikely to suffer greater adverse effectsfrom mercury and its compounds afterthe birth of the baby.Potential for health effects in childrenfrom exposure of mother to mercury andmercury compounds is uncertain.

Guidance Notes

EH17: Mercury – health and safety PrecautionsMS12: Mercury – medical surveillance

give practical guidance on the risks ofworking with mercury and how tocontrol them.

Mercury and mercury derivatives arecovered by the requirements of COSHH.

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Antimitotic (cytotoxic) drugs In the long term these drugs causedamage to genetic information in spermand eggs. Some can cause cancer.Absorption is by inhalation or throughthe skin.

There is no known threshold limit andexposure must be reduced to as low alevel as is reasonably practicable.Assessment of the risk should lookparticularly at preparation of the drugfor use (pharmacists, nurses),administration of the drug, anddisposal of waste (chemical andhuman).

Those who are trying to conceive achild or are pregnant or breastfeedingshould be fully informed of thereproductive hazard.

HSE’s Guidance Note MS21Precaustions for the safe handling ofcytotixic drugs gives informationabout the health hazards and advice onavoidance/reduction of risk.

COSHH

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Chemical agents of known anddangerous percutaneousabsorption (ie that may beabsorbed through the skin).This includes some pesticides.

The HSE guidance booklet EH40Occupational exposure limits, updatedannually, contains tables of inhalationexposure limits for certain hazardoussubstances. Some of these substancescan also penetrate intact skin andbecome absorbed into the body, causingill-health effects. These substances aremarked “Sk” in the tables. As with allsubstances, the risks will depend on theway that the substance is being used aswell as on its hazardous properties.Absorption through the skin can resultfrom localised contamination, forexample from a splash on the skin orclothing, or in certain cases, fromexposure to high atmosphericconcentrations of vapour.

Take special precautions to preventskin contact. Where possible, useengineering methods to controlexposure in preference to personalprotective clothing, such as gloves,overalls or face shields. For exampleperhaps you could enclose the processor redesign it so that less spray isproduced. Where you must usepersonal protective equipment (eitheralone or in combination withengineering methods), ensure that it issuitable.

The Control of Pesticides Regulations1986 (COPR), sets out generalrestrictions on the way that pesticidescan be used. In addition all pesticidesmust be approved before they can beadvertised, sold, supplied, used orstored. Conditions can be put onto theapproval, which may for example limitthe way the product can be used (forexample restrict the way that it can beapplied), require that certain safetyprecautions are followed, and restrictwho may use it (for exampleprofessionals or amateurs). Theseconditions are reflected on the productlabel. Failure to comply is an offence.

COSHH (see above)

Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986(COPR).

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Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide readily crosses theplacenta and can result in the foetusbeing starved of oxygen. Data on theeffects of exposure to carbon monoxideon pregnant women are limited butthere is evidence of adverse effects onthe foetus. Both the level and durationof maternal exposure are importantfactors in the effect on the foetus.

There is no indication that breastfedbabies suffer adverse effects from theirmother’s exposure to carbon monoxide,nor that the mother is significantly moresensitive to carbon monoxide aftergiving birth.

HSE’s guidance note EH43: Carbonmonoxide – gives practical advice onthe risks of working with carbonmonoxide and how to control them. Itwarns that pregnant women may haveheightened susceptibility to the effectsof exposure to carbon monoxide.

None specific – except for the generalrequirements of COSHH in relation tohazardous substances.

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Lead and lead derivatives – in sofar as these agents are capable ofbeing absorbed by the humanorganism.

Occupational exposure to lead in theearly 1900s, when exposure was poorlycontrolled, was associated with highfrequencies of spontaneous abortion,stillbirth and infertility. More recentstudies draw attention to an associationbetween low-level lead exposure beforethe baby is born from environmentalsources and mild decreases inintellectual performances in childhood.

The effects on breastfed babies of theirmothers’ lead exposure have not beenstudied. However, lead can enter breastmilk. Since it is thought that thenervous system of young children isparticularly sensitive to the toxic effectsof lead, the exposure of breastfeedingmothers to lead should be viewed withconcern.

The Approved Code of Practiceassociated with the lead regulationsControl of lead at work sets out thecurrent exposure limits for lead andthe maximum permissible blood leadlevels for workers who are exposed tolead to such a degree that they aresubject to medical surveillance. Itgives a blood lead level for men and alower level for women of reproductivecapacity. This lower level is set tohelp ensure that women who maybecome pregnant have low blood leadlevels. This is to help protect thefoetus from injury in the weeks beforea pregnancy is confirmed.

Once their pregnancy is confirmed,women who are subject to medicalsurveillance under the lead regulationswill normally be suspended from workwhich exposes them significantly tolead, by the Employment MedicalAdviser or Appointed Doctor carryingout the medical surveillance.

Control of Lead at Work Regulations1980 (CLAW)(Currently under review).

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ASPECTS OF PREGNANCY THAT MAY AFFECT WORK

Apart from the hazards listed in the table, there are other aspects of pregnancy that may affect work. The impact will vary during the course of the pregnancyand their effects should be kept under review, for example the posture of expectant mothers changes to cope with increasing size.

ASPECTS OF PREGNANCY FACTORS IN WORK

Morning Sickness Early shift workExposure to nauseating smells

Backache Standing/manual handling/posture

Varicose Veins Standing/Sitting

Haemorrhoids Working in hot conditions

Frequent visits to the toilet Difficulty in leaving job/site of work

Increasing size Use of protective clothingWorking in confined spacesManual Handling

Tiredness Overtime, Evening Work

Balance Problems of working on slippery, wet surfaces

Comfort Problems of working in tightly fitting workspaces

Dexterity, agility, co-ordination, speed of movement,reach may be impaired because of increasing size.

guidance notes on risk assessment · 5 4 risk assessment in highland council 4.1 to ensure that all...

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