RISK ASSESSMENT

Activity: Abrasive Wheels

Location: Department: Date of Assessment:

RA Reference: Revision: 00 PTW Reference:

Assessment Team: Supporting Documents: Reference Documents:

(Method Statement/Drawings) (Standards/Procedures/Manuals)

Approval granted for work to proceed

Approval NOT granted for work to proceed. Please revise the Risk Assessment to include additional safeguards
Name: Designation: Signatures:

Distribution:

General Guidelines: Hierarchy of Hazard Controls:

1. Risk Assessment (also called Job Safety Analysis) is a qualitative hazard identification technique used for (In order from most effective to least effective)
identifying, assessing and controlling major hazard(s) associated with a specific task or operation where Elimination (by design or process changes)
Permit to Work (PTW) precautions are deemed insufficient to execute the job safely. Substitution (with less hazardous material or equipment)
2. No such work should be allowed to proceed until the Risk Assessment has been completed and approved by Isolation (with barriers, machine guards)
a competent authority (normally Site Manager/Superintendent). Engineering Controls (interlocks, ESD system)
3. Risk Assessment should be carried out by a competent person and conducted in a team environment, Administrative Controls (procedures, job rotations,
involving all relevant parties. training)
4. Only trained and experienced staff should be deployed to execute high-risk jobs. Warning Systems (signs, labels)
5. Conduct RA well in advance as part of the work planning process. Personal Protective Equipment
6. Address all direct and indirect hazards associated with the task.
7. This RA shall be conducted in conjunction with the above referenced PTW. A copy of the approved Risk Abbreviations:
Assessment must be attached to the permit throughout the work duration. ALARP : As Low as Reasonably Practicable
8. Use the 5x5 Risk Assessment Matrix (provided separately) to assess the potential risks.
PTW : Permit to Work
9. When determining safeguards, consider the ‘Hierarchy of Hazard Controls’ provided on this page.
10. Communicate RA to all relevant personnel through meetings/toolbox talks before starting work. ESD : Emergency Shutdown
11. Record Risk Assessment and revise if necessary. TRA : Task Risk Assessment
P : Probability (Likelihood)
C : Consequences
R : Risk (H = High, M = Medium, L = Low)

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 RISK ASSESSMENT

S/ Initial Risk Residual Risk

Hazards Consequences Safeguards Action by
N P C R (Low/ALARP)
1 1. Particles from workpiece entering the eyes.  Ensure that the machine has been thoroughly examined Project ALARP Level
2. Body contact with wheel. o Severe lacerations E 4 V within the last 12 months (or as specified by the Engineer/supervi
3. Bursting wheels. H manufacturer). The examination certificate must be sor/HSE in charge
or amputation
4. Fire. available in the workplace where the machine is being
o Multiple injuries
5. Fumes used.
o Petrol fumes from
6. Electric shock from electrical machines  No person may mount an abrasive wheel onto a spindle
fuel and carbon
(and HT system on petrol machines) unless properly trained and certificated.
monoxide from
7. Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica  All guards must be in place. The guard should cover the
exhaust
(RCS) when cutting kerbs, paving or blocks. whole wheel or disc except for that part necessarily
o Silicosis, Lung
8. Vibration exposed to do the work.
Cancer and Chronic
9. Hearing damage  For cutting off, use only straight-sided wheels.
Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease  Depressed centre wheels may only be used for grinding.
(COPD)  Portable equipment must only be used when standing on
o Fatality or death a firm, level base.
o Electrocution &  Discs and wheels must be stored flat in a dry location. Do
not hang on nails or hooks.
injury to personnel.
Damage to  Do not use wheels or discs which are chipped or damaged.
equipment. Fumes.  The correct washer, bolt and spanner must be used. If any
o Ergonomically of these are not available, the machine must not be used.
disorders.  On electric machines, ensure the power source is isolated
o Hearing Damage before carrying out inspections or changing the wheel.
 Select the correct wheel for the job.
 The maximum permissible RPM of the wheel must exceed
that of the machine on which it is to be used.
 Do not refuel petrol machines at the workplace – take the
machine to a remote, safe fueling point.
 Always clean out inside the guard before fitting a new
wheel.
 Check that the wheel moves freely before starting.
 Ensure sparks do not ignite any combustible material or
flammable substance in the work area.
 Loose clothing and ties must not be worn by operators.
The following personal protective equipment must be worn
on every occasion:
o Eye protection (goggles)
o Hearing protection
o Gloves
o Dust mask (when cutting stone)
o Safety footwear
 To reduce the risk of dust inhalation water suppression is
the first line of defence. The minimum flow rate must be
0.5 litres per minute to damp down dust effectively.
 To reduce the risk of dust inhalation water suppression is
the first line of defence. The minimum flow rate must be
0.5 litres per minute to damp down dust effectively.

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 RISK ASSESSMENT
ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES: (Review at workplace
and add any additional specific controls required)
Wear suitable dust mask (respirator) even with water
suppression to EN149 FFP3 with a protection factor of at
least 20. Use either FFP3 filtering face pieces or ori-nasal
respirators with P3 filters.
Operatives wearing respiratory masks must be clean shaven
and have undertaken a face fit test. Use either FFP3 filtering
face pieces or ori-nasal respirators with P3 filters.
Wear eye protection which conforms to EN166 1B 349.

The Risk Matrix Likelihood

Consequences People Assets Environmen Reputation A B C D E
t
5-Catastrophic Multiple Fatalities Extensive damage Extensive Effect International impact VERY
HIGH
4-Severe Single fatality or Permanent total Severe damage Severe Effect National impact
disability
3-Critical Major injury or health effects (long Major damage Major Effect Major impact
term or permanent partial disability) MEDIUM HIGH

2-Marginal Minor injury or health effects leading to Minor effect Minor Effect Minor impact
LTI/RWC/MTC
1-Negligible Single injury or health effects, requiring Slight effect Slight Effect Slight impact
first aid LOW

Likelihood Descriptor to assist in Qualitative Assessment of Likelihood/Frequency of Occurrence.

A Has occurred in a similar industry worldwide, or judged likely to have occurred.
B Has occurred regionally within a similar industry, or judged likely to have occurred.
C Has occurred at [worksite], or judged likely to have occurred.
D Has occurred several times at [worksite], or judged likely to have occurred.
E It May occurred several times at the same [worksite], Location or judged likely to have occurred.

Assessed by: Date: Signature:

Reviewed by: Date: Signature:

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RISK ASSESSMENT

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