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Edexcel A-level Design & Technology: Product Design (9DT0) · Potential Hazards and Risk Assessment
Mini-Lesson

Potential Hazards and Risk Assessment

This mini-lesson covers Potential Hazards and Risk Assessment: the difference between hazard and risk, the five steps of risk assessment, the hierarchy of control, COSHH and PPE.

You will score a risk rating, meet COSHH and PPE, and sort hazards from controls. Press Start to begin.

Hazard vs risk

Hazard, risk and risk assessment

Two terms that are easily confused:

  • A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm (a rotating blade, a solvent).
  • A risk is the chance that the hazard actually causes harm, and how serious it would be.

The HSE sets out five steps of risk assessment:

  • 1 Identify the hazards.
  • 2 Decide who might be harmed and how.
  • 3 Evaluate the risks and decide on control measures.
  • 4 Record the findings and implement them.
  • 5 Review and update the assessment.
Quick check

Hazard or risk?

?In a workshop, a bench grinder is running. Which statement correctly separates the hazard from the risk?
Controls

Risk rating and controls

Risks are often scored so the worst are tackled first:

risk rating = likelihood x severityeach rated, for example, 1 (low) to 5 (high)

Controls follow the hierarchy of control, most effective first:

  • Eliminate the hazard, or substitute a safer alternative.
  • Engineering controls — guards, extraction, interlocks.
  • Administrative controls — training, safe procedures, signage.
  • PPE — the last resort, protecting the person if all else fails.
Calculate

Your turn — risk rating

1A risk is rated for likelihood = 3 and severity = 4 (each on a 1-5 scale). Risk rating = likelihood x severity. Calculate the risk rating.
Hint: 3 x 4.
COSHH & PPE

COSHH and PPE

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) requires employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances:

  • Dusts (e.g. MDF and wood dust), solvents, adhesives, fumes and finishes.
  • Controls include local exhaust ventilation (LEV/extraction), safe storage and correct disposal.

PPE (personal protective equipment) is the final barrier: safety goggles, ear defenders, dust masks/respirators, gloves, aprons and safety footwear.

Quick check

What does COSHH cover?

?Which risk does COSHH most directly address in a workshop?
Sort it

Sort the safety items

Tap an item, then the group it belongs to.

⚠️ Hazard

🛡️ Control measure

🥽 PPE

Quick check

Where does PPE sit?

?Where does PPE sit in the hierarchy of control, and why?
Match it

Match each safety term to its meaning

Tap an item on the left, then its match on the right.

Term
Meaning
Recap

The big ideas to know

Hazard = potential to harm; risk = chance and severity of harm

Risk assessment: HSE five steps (identify, who, evaluate, record, review)

Risk rating = likelihood x severity

Hierarchy of control: eliminate/substitute > engineering > admin > PPE (last resort)

COSHH controls hazardous substances (MDF dust, solvents); PPE = goggles, ear defenders, masks

You have covered how to identify hazards, assess and score risk, and control it safely.

🏆

Mini-lesson complete!

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You have worked through Potential Hazards and Risk Assessment for Edexcel A-level Product Design. 🎉

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