Risk assessments, method statements, safe systems of work and permits to work

Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. The EAWR is the tempting answer, but it sets electrical safety duties rather than the general risk assessment duty. BS 7671 and Approved Document P cover installations, not risk assessment. MHSWR 1999, regulation 3.

Source: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulation 3, risk assessment)

A method statement describes the safe sequence of work and how the controls from the risk assessment will be put in place, such as isolation points, equipment and who does what. A list of hazards and risk ratings is the risk assessment, which the method statement builds on. HSE guidance on managing risk.

Source: HSE guidance on managing risk (Risk assessments and method statements)

The hierarchy starts with removing the hazard altogether; for electrical work that usually means isolating and working dead. Next come substitution, engineering controls and administrative controls such as signs and training. PPE is the last line of defence because it only protects the wearer and can fail. HSE guidance on controlling risks.

Source: HSE: Risk assessment, steps needed to manage risk (Control the risks)

Section 2 places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees. This includes safe plant and systems of work and the information, instruction, training and supervision people need. Transport, medical checks and pay rises are not part of this duty. HSWA 1974, section 2.

Source: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Section 2, general duties of employers to their employees)

HSG85 lists what a permit should state, including who it is addressed to, the exact equipment made dead and where it is, the points of isolation, where earths, locks and notices are, the work to be done and any further precautions. Costs and the age of the installation do not make the work safer. HSE HSG85, electrical permits-to-work.

Source: HSE HSG85 Electricity at work: Safe working practices (Electrical permits-to-work, paragraph 74)