SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 3

Question 1

What is the hierarchy of control measures, in order from most to least effective?

Accepted Answer

Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE

Answer

The hierarchy of controls: Elimination (remove the hazard entirely), Substitution (replace with something less hazardous), Engineering controls (physical safeguards), Administrative controls (safe systems, training), and PPE (last resort personal protection). Most effective first.

Question 2

What does 'residual risk' mean after control measures have been applied?

Accepted Answer

The remaining level of risk after all practicable control measures have been implemented

Answer

Residual risk is the risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been put in place. Some residual risk is unavoidable. The risk assessment must demonstrate that residual risk has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.

Question 3

Which tool is commonly used to evaluate risk by combining likelihood and severity scores?

Accepted Answer

A risk matrix (risk rating table)

Answer

A risk matrix combines numerical scores for likelihood (probability of harm occurring) and severity (consequence if harm occurs) to produce an overall risk rating. This helps prioritise which risks require the most urgent attention.

Question 4

What does 'dynamic risk assessment' mean?

Accepted Answer

A continuous mental assessment of changing conditions carried out by workers during a task to identify new hazards that were not anticipated in the formal risk assessment

Answer

Dynamic risk assessment is the continuous, real-time process of recognising new or changed hazards during a task and responding appropriately. Workers and supervisors must constantly assess conditions as they change throughout the working day.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the 'record' step in the five-step risk assessment process?

Accepted Answer

To document the significant findings so they can be communicated to workers and referred to if the assessment is challenged

Answer

Recording the significant findings of a risk assessment is required for employers with five or more employees. The record communicates the hazards and controls to workers and provides evidence that a proper assessment was carried out if challenged.

SSSTS Practice Test

SSSTS Practice Test

SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 3