Specific hazards & control measures

The following table identifies specific hazards and suggests appropriate control measures the University can adopt to reduce the risk of harm to children and young people (and all others who may be affected).

Physical

Hazards Control Measures
Adverse weather Shelter, personal protective equipment (PPE; cold, wind/rain-proof)
Bad housekeeping Improved safety attitude, good management, safety inspection, good work layout
Contact with hot/cold surfaces Insulation, guarding, PPE (gloves, face shields, insulated clothing)
Drowning Life guarding, life saving equipment, presence of First Aiders
Excavation work Physical barriers; fencing, shoring, safe system of work, signs
Fall from height Edge protection, safety lines/harnesses, safe means of access, egress (e.g. scaffolding), safe system of work (e.g. permit to work)
Fall of material from height Alternative storage, physical means of securing
Lighting Good work area design and lighting equipment, measuring of illumination, use of lighting fit for purpose
Ionising radiation Minimum amount of radioactivity, local rules for storage, work and disposal, statutory controls (e.g. licensing), shielding, PPE
Non-ionising radiation Local rules, shielding, PPE (e.g. eye protection)
Noise Reduction at source, insulation, PPE
Slips/Trips/Falls on same level Good maintenance of work areas, good housekeeping, good cleaning regime, good footwear
Stacking Good work area layout, height limits, weight limits, strong packing, mechanical assistance
Vibration Elimination or reduction at source, damping, insulation, PPE

Mechanical

Hazards Control Measures
Hand tools Periodic inspection, electrical testing and maintenance
Machines Periodic inspection, testing and maintenance, physical barriers (guarding), safety interlocks, supervision and training
Mechanical lifting operations Periodic (statutory) inspections, maintenance, supervision and training
Manual handling Assessment under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (elimination and reduction of risk), training in good lifting techniques
Moving vehicles Segregation of traffic, good road layout, signs, vehicle maintenance

Electrical

Hazards Control Measures
Live working Avoid (i.e. No Live Working), use competent people when essential
Hand tools Regular inspection, testing of electrical integrity and replacement (where appropriate)
Heaters (elements) Isolate from combustible material, guarding, special construction required in hazardous areas
Machines Periodical inspection, electrical testing and maintenance, good electrical safety design (e.g. RCD protection)
Stored energy Good construction, insulation and earthing protection

Fire

Hazards Control Measures
Combustible materials Avoid, reduce storage of combustible materials, isolate from sources of heat and ignition
Flammable gases Storage of gas cylinders (e.g. hydrogen, acetylene) outside in an isolated, well-ventilated area, signs, no smoking
Flammable solvents Controlled storage, use and disposal (e.g. limit quantities held), fire proof storage, signs, no smoking, no naked flames, emergency plans
Heaters Segregation from sources of combustion, guarding special construction if used in hazardous areas
Oxidising agents Chemicals that are a source of oxygen, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, segregate from sources of combustion (e.g. flammable solvents)
Oxygen (gas and liquid) Segregate from sources of combustion, controlled storage and use
Smoking materials Avoid; "No Smoking Policy", or reduce; restrict smoking to desgnated 'low risk' areas
Static electricity Limit use of static generators in hazardous areas. Use of anti-static devices, earthing

Other

Hazards Control Measures
Chemical: Chemical substances, Corrosives (acids, alkalis), Carcinogens, Irritants COSHH Assessments: Avoid use, substitute less harmful substances, use, maintain and test engineering controls, monitor for hazardous substances, inform and train employees, use personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency plans for uncontrolled releases.
Biological: Biological agents (micro-organisms; pathogens, mutagens, carcinogens) COSHH Assessments: Avoid use, substitute less harmful substances, use, maintain and test engineering controls, monitor for hazardous substances, inform and train employees, use personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency plans for uncontrolled releases.
Food safety Statutory compliance (Food Safety Regulations, EHO, MAFF inspections), good food hygiene standards, good cleaning / disinfection regimes, staff information and training, good personal hygiene, protective clothing. biological testing, quality control.