CITB Managers Risk Assessment and Method Statements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A RAMS document includes a risk assessment and a method statement. What does RAMS stand for?
- Risk Assessment Management System
- Risk Assessment and Method Statement (Correct answer)
- Regulatory Assessment and Mitigation Schedule
- Risk and Method Safety Statement
Correct answer: Risk Assessment and Method Statement
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. The two documents are often produced together as a RAMS package, covering both the identified risks and the specific method by which the work will be controlled and carried out safely.
Question 2: Before a complex task begins on site, operatives should be briefed on the RAMS. This briefing is most effective when:
- It is emailed to all workers the evening before
- It is conducted in person, workers can ask questions and demonstrate understanding, and attendance is signed (Correct answer)
- It is posted on the site noticeboard
- Workers sign the RAMS without attending a briefing
Correct answer: It is conducted in person, workers can ask questions and demonstrate understanding, and attendance is signed
RAMS briefings must ensure workers understand the risks and controls before they start. An in-person briefing allows for questions, demonstration of understanding, and a signed attendance record. A signature on an unread document provides no protection.
Question 3: A risk assessment identifies that a specific task requires two persons to carry it out safely. The site manager decides to proceed with one person to save time. This is:
- Acceptable if the worker is experienced
- A breach of the safe system of work — the risk assessment determines how many persons are required for safe working (Correct answer)
- Acceptable if the task takes less than 30 minutes
- Permitted if the worker signs a waiver
Correct answer: A breach of the safe system of work — the risk assessment determines how many persons are required for safe working
The risk assessment and method statement specify the resources (including number of workers) required for the task to be carried out safely. Proceeding with fewer resources than specified breaches the safe system of work and creates unacceptable risk.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'near miss' report in the risk assessment process?
- To punish the worker who was involved
- To provide data for improving risk assessments and preventing future incidents — near misses indicate that existing controls may be insufficient (Correct answer)
- Only to satisfy RIDDOR reporting requirements
- To document incidents for insurance purposes only
Correct answer: To provide data for improving risk assessments and preventing future incidents — near misses indicate that existing controls may be insufficient
Near-miss reports are a vital source of information showing that risk assessments and controls may not be working effectively. Analysing near-miss data allows preventive improvements to be made before a serious injury occurs.
Question 5: When should a method statement for a high-risk activity be submitted to the principal contractor?
- After the activity has been completed
- Before the activity commences, giving the principal contractor sufficient time to review and approve it (Correct answer)
- At the same time as beginning the work
- Only when specifically requested by the HSE
Correct answer: Before the activity commences, giving the principal contractor sufficient time to review and approve it
Method statements for high-risk activities must be submitted and approved by the principal contractor (or their representative) before the work begins. This allows for review, modification if needed, and confirmation that the proposed approach is consistent with the CPP.
Question 6: Which of the following factors would increase the risk rating in a risk assessment matrix?
- Reducing the frequency of exposure to the hazard
- Increasing the number of control measures in place
- Increasing the severity of potential harm or the likelihood of an incident occurring (Correct answer)
- Installing additional engineering controls
Correct answer: Increasing the severity of potential harm or the likelihood of an incident occurring
A risk rating increases when either the severity of potential harm increases or the likelihood of an incident occurring increases. Reducing frequency, increasing controls, or installing engineering controls all reduce the risk rating.
CITB Managers Risk Assessment and Method Statements 3
A RAMS document includes a risk assessment and a method statement.
What does RAMS stand for?