Many companies have risk assessments covering the handling, storage and use of gases within their organisation. It is a legal requirement to do so and it’s the first port of call when an incident occurs, but is it enough?
Even if your operators and staff have read the risk assessments and have signed to say they have understood, will you be deemed to have done enough if further action is taken as a result of an incident or accident?
The answer is not clear cut and that is because risk assessments are complex documents and can sometimes be overwhelming. It is believed that a large percentage of accidents occur due to lack of, or failure in, systems of work.
So, what is a safe system of work?
A safe system of work (sometimes called a method statement or standard operating procedure) is a set of procedures according to which work must be carried out. Operators and staff should be involved in the process of creating the safe system of work and they should set out in detail, the correct method for carrying out an activity.
This can then be documented and used as part of the training procedure for operators undertaking this activity. Without a set method for carrying out a task safely and a recognised procedure in place to deal with non-routine processes, the threat of mistakes being made is high.
Why is it important to develop safe systems of work?
Safe systems of work ensure that all the steps necessary for safe working have been anticipated and implemented and are designed to reduce human error. They prevent situations where operators attempt to cut corners, rush through a task or take unnecessary risks, reducing the likelihood of accidents occurring.
For employers, devising safe systems of work could help to defend prosecutions should accidents occur by providing evidence of the steps taken to ensure safe practices.
Are safe systems of work required by law?
Whilst there is no specific requirement for documented safe systems of work to be implemented there are areas in all health and safety legislation that would be difficult to adhere to without them.
Under Section 2(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA) 1974, employers must, ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’, provide and maintain systems of work that are practical, safe and without risks to health. Many regulations made under the HSWA require that workers are given appropriate information and instruction on how to work safely.
In prosecutions by the HSE, there is a phrase that is used time and time again:
Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working.
Our practical workshops include generic operating procedures that organisations can use to assist them in producing safe systems of work that cover the plant, equipment and operations in their specific workplaces.
Are yours in place?
If you would like some further advice, please contact our team of safety professionals who will be able to discuss your gas operations and offer advice as to how our extensive range of gas safety training packages can assist you.
