Design finalisation Check that the evaluation of design risk control Designer led. measures is complete and accurate. Client and designer Prepare information about risks to health and agree with final result. safety for the structure that remain after the design process. Potential changes in Ensure that changes which affect design do Construction team in construction stage not increase risks, for example substitution of consultation with flooring materials which could increase slip/fall designer and client. potential and may introduce risks in cleaning work. The hierarchy of control The ways of controlling risks are ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest, known as the hierarchy of control. The most effective control measure involves eliminating the hazard and Elimination – associated risk. By designing-in or designing-out certain features, hazards may be eliminated. For example, designing components that facilitate pre-fabrication on the ground can the need for working at height and therefore eliminate the risk of falls. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a hazard the following control measures should be considered: Substitution replace a hazardous process or material with one that is less hazardous to – reduce the risk. For example: Using pre-cast panels rather than constructing a masonry wall Using pre-finished materials in preference to on-site finishing Isolation separate the hazard or hazardous work practice from people, for example – designing the layout of a building so that noisy machinery is isolated from workstations Engineering controls use engineering control measures to minimise the risk, for example, – including adequate ventilation and lighting in the design, designing and positioning permanent anchorage and hoisting points into buildings where maintenance needs to be undertaken at height Administrative controls If engineering controls cannot reduce the risk sufficiently, then – administrative controls should be used, for example warning signs or exclusion zones where a hazardous activity is carried out. example hard hats, respiratory protection, gloves, ear Personal protective equipment (for – muffs) should be used to protect the worker from any residual risk. It is the least effective control measure as it relies on the worker’s behaviour and therefore requires thorough training and a high level of supervision to be effective. In many cases a combination of control measures will be required to minimise the risks to health and safety. For example traffic flow at a workplace may be controlled by incorporating traffic islands (engineering) and erecting warning signs (administrative).
Design finalisation Check that the evaluation of design risk control measures is complete and accurate. Prepare information about risks to health and safety for the structure that remain after the design process. Designer led. Client and designer agree with final result. Potential changes in construction stage Ensure that changes which affect design do not increase risks, for example substitution of flooring materials which could increase slip/fall potential and may introduce risks in cleaning work. Construction team in consultation with designer and client. The hierarchy of control The ways of controlling risks are ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest, known as the hierarchy of control. Elimination – The most effective control measure involves eliminating the hazard and associated risk. By designing-in or designing-out certain features, hazards may be eliminated. For example, designing components that facilitate pre-fabrication on the ground can the need for working at height and therefore eliminate the risk of falls. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a hazard the following control measures should be considered: Substitution – replace a hazardous process or material with one that is less hazardous to reduce the risk. For example: Using pre-cast panels rather than constructing a masonry wall Using pre-finished materials in preference to on-site finishing Isolation – separate the hazard or hazardous work practice from people, for example designing the layout of a building so that noisy machinery is isolated from workstations Engineering controls – use engineering control measures to minimise the risk, for example, including adequate ventilation and lighting in the design, designing and positioning permanent anchorage and hoisting points into buildings where maintenance needs to be undertaken at height Administrative controls – If engineering controls cannot reduce the risk sufficiently, then administrative controls should be used, for example warning signs or exclusion zones where a hazardous activity is carried out. Personal protective equipment – (for example hard hats, respiratory protection, gloves, ear muffs) should be used to protect the worker from any residual risk. It is the least effective control measure as it relies on the worker’s behaviour and therefore requires thorough training and a high level of supervision to be effective. In many cases a combination of control measures will be required to minimise the risks to health and safety. For example traffic flow at a workplace may be controlled by incorporating traffic islands (engineering) and erecting warning signs (administrative).
Safe-Design-of-Structures.docx