Q: What is a level 2 qualification?

A: According to QCA (Qualifications Curriculum Authority) indicators, level 2 is aimed at those in the workplace who participate in activities related to the subject area. In the case of health and safety & risk assessment, that means everyone in the organisation

Q: Why do I need to train my staff?

A: Training helps raise awareness, increases knowledge and develops skills which empowers people to take responsibilities. In addition, if, in the unfortunate event that something went wrong and your business is put under the legal spotlight, you will be able to demonstrate that you took steps to protect health and safety at work

Q: What happens after attending a course?

A: All those who achieve a qualification are awarded a nationally accredited certificate to prove they have participated in a training course/programme and successfully completed the assessment criteria. Individuals and Employers can use the certificate to demonstrate a level of knowledge and understanding they have achieved. In addition materials provided on the course can be used to implement systems and procedures in the workplace.

Q: Why do I need to carry out a risk assessment?

A: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to make suitable and sufficient assessments of risks to the health and safety of all those who may be affected. Other Regulations contain similar duties for example The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Frequently Asked Questions - July 2007

Accident reports

Q. How long do accidents reports have to be retained for by the Organisation?

A. Accident reports must be retained by the Organisation for at least 3 years from when the report is made, this applies to both internal accident reports and those made under RIDDOR

Source: Health and Safety Executive Info line National Office

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspections

Q. What is the notice period given to employers for a routine visit?

A. Not specified, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act Sec 20 states:

a). At any reasonable time

b). Or in his opinion there is reason to believe unsafe conditions exist in the workplace

Source: Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Section 20

Occupiers Liability

Q. What responsibilities do 'Occupiers of Premises' have towards all invited visitors, including contractors?

A. In order to ensure compliance with legislation, occupiers of premises should develop a safe system of work to ensure the health and safety of all visitors to the premises. The occupier is not usually liable to an employee of a contractor who is injured whilst at work, unless the injury arose from the occupier's negligence. It is not reasonable to expect the occupier to be in a position to supervise every contractor. The term 'occupier' is not defined under health and safety legislation, however, the courts have generally taken the view than an occupier is someone having control over premises, including control exercised through a third party eg a manager.

Source: Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984

Display Screen Equipment Workstation Height

Q. Is there a specified height for DSE workstations?

A. The height is not specified. The Regulations 2 & 3, Schedule and Guidance provide information on Analysis of Workstations and Requirements for Workstations.

Source: Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 Updated Health and Safety Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations L26

Minimum work temperature in workplaces in particular waiting room

Q. Does the minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius apply to waiting rooms where the door is constantly opening and closing?

A. Regulation 7 Approved Code of Practice states:

Para 43 - 'The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may not, however, ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity'.

Para 44 - 'Para 43 does not apply to rooms or parts of rooms where it would be impractical to maintain these temperatures, for example in rooms which have to be open to the outside, or where food or other products have to be kept cold. In such cases the temperature should be as close to those mentioned in para 43 as is practical'.

Source - Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Approved Code of Practice pages 12-13

Please note: DenMed Training accepts no responsibility for the interpretation of the above information

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