What is a Safe System of Work
A Safe System of Work is a methodology used to produce a documented procedure for carrying out a task in a safe manner. The methodology involves the systematic examination of the task with a view to identifying all the associated hazards.
The following steps are an example what should be looked at when creating a Safe System of Work:
- The task
- What is the work being carried out
- What specialist tools are used
- Who will do the task
- Hazards associated with the task
- From tooling
- From plant and other equipment
- From substances
- Risk Assessment
- Assess risks arising from the task
- Define a safe method of work
- Break task down into individual parts
- Specify safe method
- Produce documented work instructions
- Implementation & operation
- Ensure members of staff carrying out the task are adequately trained
- Record training
- Carryout regular checks and re-assess as appropriate
The purpose of developing a Safe System of Work is to ensure that where possible any risks associated with a specific task are minimised. Having a Safe System of Work in place and made available to the people carrying out the tasks will act as an aid memoir. Having a Safe System of Work in place MUST not take the place of the appropriate training for the correct use of any equipment.
