NEBOSH Risk Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'specific risk assessment' and how does it differ from a general risk assessment?
- Specific assessments address particular high-risk activities (manual handling, COSHH, noise, DSE, fire) with specific legal requirements; general assessments cover overall workplace risks (Correct answer)
- They are the same document
- Specific assessments are less detailed than general ones
- Specific assessments only apply to construction
Correct answer: Specific assessments address particular high-risk activities (manual handling, COSHH, noise, DSE, fire) with specific legal requirements; general assessments cover overall workplace risks
Specific risk assessments are required by particular regulations for defined hazards: Manual Handling Operations Regulations, COSHH, Control of Noise at Work, Control of Vibration at Work, DSE Regulations, and fire risk assessment under fire safety regulations. They supplement the general risk assessment with hazard-specific evaluation and controls.
Question 2: What does 'ERIC PD' stand for as a hierarchy of controls?
- Eliminate, Reduce, Isolate, Control, PPE, Discipline — a hierarchy of control measures (Correct answer)
- Emergency Response Incident Control Protocol Directive
- Equipment Risk Inspection Checklist Process Document
- Environmental Risk Incident Classification Process Diagram
Correct answer: Eliminate, Reduce, Isolate, Control, PPE, Discipline — a hierarchy of control measures
ERIC PD (sometimes used in NEBOSH curricula) is a hierarchy: Eliminate (remove hazard entirely), Reduce (decrease hazard level), Isolate (separate hazard from people), Control (engineering or administrative measures), PPE (personal protection as last resort), Discipline (ensure compliance). It reinforces the principle of applying higher-order controls first.
Question 3: What is the significance of the 'residual risk' after controls have been applied?
- Residual risk is the risk remaining after all control measures are in place — it must be acceptable before work proceeds, and further controls applied if not (Correct answer)
- Residual risk is acceptable to ignore if controls have been applied
- Residual risk means the job cannot be done safely
- Residual risk is only relevant for construction work
Correct answer: Residual risk is the risk remaining after all control measures are in place — it must be acceptable before work proceeds, and further controls applied if not
Even after applying all practicable controls, some residual risk typically remains. Residual risk must be evaluated to determine if it is acceptable (tolerable) or if additional measures are needed. If residual risk remains unacceptable, the work should not proceed until further controls are implemented.
Question 4: What is a 'task-based risk assessment'?
- An assessment focusing on a specific work task, identifying all hazards associated with that task, who performs it, and required controls (Correct answer)
- An assessment of the entire workplace at once
- An administrative review of work schedules
- A form filled out by the worker without supervisor involvement
Correct answer: An assessment focusing on a specific work task, identifying all hazards associated with that task, who performs it, and required controls
Task-based (or job hazard analysis) risk assessments break a task into its sequential steps, identify hazards at each step, assess the risk, and specify controls for each step. They are particularly useful for non-routine, maintenance, or high-risk tasks and form the basis of safe work method statements (SWMS) in construction.
Question 5: How does a 'permit to work' system complement risk assessment?
- The permit to work authorizes specific high-risk non-routine tasks after confirming all risk assessment controls are in place — it is the operational tool that implements the risk assessment findings (Correct answer)
- The permit replaces the risk assessment
- The permit to work is used instead of PPE
- The permit is only needed if the risk assessment identifies a very low risk
Correct answer: The permit to work authorizes specific high-risk non-routine tasks after confirming all risk assessment controls are in place — it is the operational tool that implements the risk assessment findings
A risk assessment identifies the hazards and required controls for high-risk work. The permit to work system formally authorizes the work to proceed only when all identified controls are confirmed to be in place (isolation complete, gas testing done, emergency arrangements ready). Together they form an integrated safety management system for high-risk tasks.
Question 6: What is a 'method statement' (safe work method statement) and when is it required?
- A written document describing how a task will be performed safely, incorporating risk assessment findings — required for construction work and high-risk activities in the Gulf under local regulations (Correct answer)
- Only required for electrical work
- A method statement is voluntary documentation
- Required only when a client requests it
Correct answer: A written document describing how a task will be performed safely, incorporating risk assessment findings — required for construction work and high-risk activities in the Gulf under local regulations
A SWMS (or method statement) translates risk assessment findings into practical step-by-step instructions for performing a task safely. In the Gulf construction sector, SWMS are typically required by clients, main contractors, and local regulations (e.g., UAE OSHAD-SF requires them for high-risk activities). They form part of the site safety documentation.
NEBOSH Risk Assessment 2
What is a 'specific risk assessment' and how does it differ from a general risk assessment?