EXAMPLE OF GENERIC OFFICE RISK ASSESSMENT (Form RA1)

1 EXAMPLE OF GENERIC OFFICE RISK ASSESSMENT (Form RA1). ASSESSMENT Reference No. HSS/ OFFICE /O4 Area or Health & Safety Services - Offices activity ASSESSMENT date 11 March 2004 Physics Building, 1st Floor assessed: Persons who may be affected by Staff, visitors, contractors the activity ( are at risk). SECTION 1: Identify Hazards - Consider the activity or work area and identify if any of the hazards listed below are significant (tick the boxes that apply). Fall of person (from Use of portable 16. Vehicles / driving Hazardous fumes, Occupational 1. work at height) 9 6. Lighting levels 9 11. tools / equipment at work 9 21. chemicals, dust 26.

2 Stress 9. Heating & Fixed machinery or Outdoor work / Hazardous Violence to staff /. 2. Fall of objects 9 7. ventilation 9 12. lifting equipment 9 17. extreme weather 22. biological agent 27. verbal assault 9. Slips, Trips & Layout , storage, Fieldtrips / field Confined space / Work with 3. Housekeeping 9 8. space, obstructions 9 13. Pressure vessels 18. work 23. asphyxiation risk 28. animals Manual handling Condition of Lone working /. 4. operations 9 9. Welfare facilities 9 14. noise or Vibration 19. Radiation sources 9 24. Buildings & glazing 9 29. work out of hours 9. 5. Display screen Electrical Fire hazards & Other(s) specify equipment 9 10.

3 Equipment 9 15. flammable material 9 20. Work with lasers 25. Food preparation 30. Site visits 9. APPENDIX 6. SECTION 2: Risk Controls - For each hazard identified in Section 1, complete Section 2. For more complex activities or projects you are advised to use Form RA2. Hazard Hazard Description Existing controls to reduce risk Risk Level (tick one) Further action needed to reduce risks No. High Med Low (provide timescales and initials of person responsible). Work with Display Staff who are DSE users' are identified Ensure all Users have been provided with Screen Equipment DSE assessor appointed and trained guidelines and training on correct posture 5 (DSE) Workstation assessments carried out for DSE 9 and DSE workstation adjustment (DSE.)

4 Users, using University checklist in Safety Users training course, University DSE. Prolonged poor Guide 13 reviewed annually leaflet). seated posture at Free eyesight tests offered to all DSE Users Encourage staff to take regular DSE workstation . Ergonomic OFFICE chairs and desks, foot rests, breaks/change activities /take a lunch break musculoskeletal wrist rests etc. provided Encourage staff to report any DSE related problems. Good OFFICE organisation and layout to allow health symptoms (and seek advice from Repetitive movements sufficient working space around each desk Occupational Health where appropriate). ( use of keyboard Adequate storage space provided Discourage prolonged use of laptop PCs and mouse).

5 Provision of adequate lighting and window Conduct regular workplace health and safety Eye strain, fatigue blinds inspections 23. 23. Health and Safety Risk Assessments continuation sheet ASSESSMENT Reference No HSS/ OFFICE /O4. Continuation sheet number: 1. SECTION 2 continued: Risk Controls Hazard Hazard Description Existing controls to reduce risk Risk Level (tick one) Further action needed to reduce risks No. High Med Low (provide timescales and initials of person responsible for action). Falling materials Adequate amount of storage space /shelving is Encourage staff to use Kick stool, not stand from insecure provided on chairs or boxes stacking or storage Safe storage arrangements ensure that 9 Conduct regular workplace health and safety 1, 2 Fall of persons objects are stable and easily accessible inspections check storage arrangements Kick stool provided to reach high shelves in Minimise unstable storage at high level (store during storage or stationary room light objects only).

6 Retrieval of Filing cabinets either have safety feature Remove archive storage from Plant Room equipment and (only one draw can be opened at a time) or materials warning notice affixed Slips, trips & All floor surfaces are in good condition Ensure the safe routing of cables -use cable APPENDIX 6. housekeeping Good housekeeping standards ties / covers to eliminate tripping hazards 3, 8 Gangways are free of obstructions/protrusions 9 All damaged flooring to be reported and hazards Storage along fire escape routes /near fire repaired promptly Spillages, slippery or exits is prohibited Carry out regular workplace health and safety sloping surfaces Provision of hangers for bags and coats inspections Liquid spillages are cleared up promptly See also Further Action recorded under Fire'.

7 Uneven surfaces /. Cabinet doors & drawers are kept shut when Encourage staff to keep the area around and changes in floor level not in use under their desks clear ( clear desk' policy). Damaged or loose Good OFFICE organisation and layout to allow Encourage regular clearouts of waste, and floor surfaces sufficient working space around each desk and archiving of paperwork Trailing cables, provide gangways that are wide enough for Arrange regular Housekeeping days'. First obstructions such as ease of movement ( at least 1 metre wide) one organised for 2nd April 2004. boxes, bags, files etc. Provision of adequate lighting Guidelines provided to staff to raise awareness Striking against (Area H&S Policy).

8 Objects 24. 24. Health and Safety Risk Assessments continuation sheet ASSESSMENT Reference No HSS/ OFFICE /O4. Continuation sheet number: 2. SECTION 2 continued: Risk Controls Hazard Hazard Description Existing controls to reduce risk Risk Level (tick one) Further action needed to reduce risks No. High Med Low (provide timescales and initials of person responsible for action). Manual Handling Manual handling leaflet provided to staff re. 4 safe lifting techniques Encourage staff to seek help when lifting Musculoskeletal Two people / team lifting encouraged for 9 heavy or awkward loads. problems from lifting heavy/awkward objects Minimise carrying distances where possible & carrying - Portering Service available for moving large ( arrange delivery of supplies to OFFICE ).

9 APPENDIX 6. collecting deliveries items or for OFFICE moves Prior to lifting, ensure route is free of of HSE leaflets & Trolleys and sack trucks available (located in obstructions, floor surfaces are in good stationary; carrying Physics Loading Bay Area). Staff use the lift condition etc. training handouts & whenever possible when moving heavy loads. Ensure easy access and manoeuvrability IT equipment, tea urn Staff drive to training venue if possible, when during manual handling & display boards etc. they need to carry lots of equipment & Ensure sufficient rest and recovery time is handouts taken during repeated lifting Possible back Safe storage arrangements ( heavier items Identify vulnerable staff ( pregnant, injuries, other muscle stored at waist height to facilitate safe those with health problems) assess strains & sprains, lifting, weight of objects stored at low or high capability to lift, prohibit from certain tasks hernias, cuts, level minimised.)

10 If necessary; seek advice from Occupational scalding from hot Purchase of insulated hot water urn with Health Service when appropriate. water. handle 25. Lighting, heating Reasonable fluorescent strip lighting provided. 9 Secretary to put on portable heater in room 6, 7 & ventilation Additional angle-poise lamps available also. 111a on cold Monday mornings, when she first Blinds provided at windows. arrives. Can be cold in winter/ too hot in summer, Window in Room 112 is difficult to open, particularly Room 111A. Additional portable monitor condition. heaters provided in all rooms. Windows can be opened to provide ventilation.