A risk assessment is a critical evaluation of a workplace for identifying certain situations, things or processes which can cause harm to people working in a workplace. This process of equipment risk assessment is detailed and requires precision and critical analysis. Hence, hiring a professional risk assessor is a must.
Every industry or plant makes use of various machinery and equipment. Over a period of time with regular use, equipment and machinery wear out. Hence, regular maintenance is a must. An ideal equipment risk assessment includes analyzing the status and working condition of equipment.
Equipment risk assessment
The primary objective of conducting regular equipment risk assessment is to create a safe work environment by maintaining the quality and safety standards. It involves the following:
Assessing the risk - Under this, the assessor performs risk analysis and aids in identifying the cause of hazards and risks in the workplace.
Hazard identification - It is the process of finding, listing and identifying the potential cause of threat with precision.
Risk analysis - Understand the nature of the hazard and the level of risks associated with it.
Unsafe equipment can result in severe hazards such as:
Workplace equipment risk assessment is susceptible to various bottlenecks existing in companies using heavy equipment and machinery. Any construction site is prone to certain dangers which involve the use of equipment which is not working properly or any other poor hygiene conditions etc. Here are some of the common problems that result because of poorly functioning machinery in workplaces:
Heating equipment like welding machines, grills oven can lead to scalding and result in serious burns if they are not maintained.
Light emitting equipment can cause damage to the eyes and skin of the workers.
Vibration transmitting instruments like tractors can lead to long-term illness.
Equipment emitting fumes can lead to breathing and other respiratory problems.
Cutting equipment can case amputations or other accidents which can turn out to be severe if they are not used carefully.
People who are working in confined spaces can face breathing issues, skin, and other long-term ailments.
Steps were taken in equipment risk assessment:
As mentioned above the equipment risk assessment is a detailed process involving various steps. Hiring a competent assessor is hence important. An experienced assessor will have an eye for detail and are well-versed with the current safety standards.
1) Hazard Identification - The first step is to analyze the problem areas or factors which can trigger a potential hazard or risk. It also includes thoroughly analyzing the working of equipment at the work site and detecting the potential hazards.
2) Reviewing the cause of hazard - After identifying the potential cause of a hazard, the assessor documents all the factors identified. These can be poorly functioning machines, old machinery, worn out parts and the necessary repair, and replacements.
3) Implementing the change - After identifying, the equipment risk assessment professional will eliminate them one by one by implementing changes. They can either suggest removing the defective equipment or repair them. The assessor documents all the changes suggested.
4) Reviewing the change - The final step involves reviewing the implemented changes. For example, reviewing the repair and replaced new parts is made regularly to check whether the machinery and equipment are working efficiently.
Equipment risk assessment is an integral step for creating a safe working environment for the workers in any firm dealing with heavy equipment. Creating safe and hygienic conditions at the site is the main aim of hiring equipment risk assessment personnel. Having a trained staff well versed about risks and distribution of safety manual to every worker is important to limit accidental cases to a large extent.