Safe Systems of Work are the complete systems which create frameworks by which procedures, methods, maintenance schedules, etc. are operated. It is an agreement between line management and staff defining how to perform a task safely. This is normally a written procedure but can be oral depending on the level of risk involved. In fire prevention and other disciplines of health and safety we can follow a sequence or process to fulfil the requirements of a described safe system of work: • Complete a risk assessment • Determine what can be done to remove the identified hazards and carry it out • Should hazards remain, develop a safe system of work
• In cases of extreme hazard, formalise these systems of work into procedures • Include in the procedures, where necessary, the use of permits to work • Monitor the observance of all parts of the procedure • Feed-back any information on weaknesses or failures in the system • Rectify these by modifying the system • Keep monitoring
A well-documented and functional safe system of work or its component parts is not only a fundamental aspect of fire prevention, but also demonstrates best practice at times of audit or inspection. When designing a safe system of work, you need to consider various factors so that fire hazards are not created or the risk of fire happening increased. • People: The behavioural traits, knowledge, skill, fire risk awareness, level of fire safety training and level of supervision needed and given will all change the effects that people will have on the system that is chosen. • Equipment: Any equipment that is used must be safe to use in the environment concerned and it should be maintained so that new hazards are not introduced, e.g., intrinsically safe equipment in a flammable atmosphere. • Materials: The type of material, or more importantly the manner in which the material is presented in the premises is paramount to fire safety and fire prevention. It is only by understanding the fuel for a fire and its potential ignition, that a safe system of work can be designed. • Environment: Environmental considerations under health and safety requirements would include things such as heating, lighting, and ventilation. All these things have the potential to either cause a fire or explosion or to cause unsafe conditions to build up. Again, these points must be considered when designing the safe systems. Safe Operating Procedures Procedures should be established to ensure that unnecessary fire hazards or risks are not introduced into the workplace without due consideration or control. These safe operating procedures detail: • How a piece of equipment should be correctly (safely) used • How methods of work should be undertaken • How a process should be operated
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