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1. Understand Risk Assessment
Learn the purpose and process of conducting a risk assessment.

2. Clarify Responsibilities
Identify who is responsible for conducting and implementing risk assessments.

3. Know Legal Requirements
Familiarize yourself with relevant health and safety legislation and compliance standards.

4. Promote Safe Working Practices
Explore best practices for maintaining safety in the workplace.

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Hello, apprentices! Today we'll be diving into the crucial world of risk assessments for air source heat pump installations. This knowledge is essential for your safety and success at Octopus Energy Services.

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A risk assessment is a systematic process of evaluating potential hazards in the workplace. For air source heat pump installations, it's crucial to identify risks before they become problems.

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Who is responsible for creating a risk assessment 

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Who is responsible for creating a risk assessment 

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Employer Responsibility

Legally required to conduct risk assessments.

Designated Personnel

May involve health and safety officers.

Identify Hazards

Recognize potential workplace risks.

Evaluate and Control

Assess risks and implement safety measures.

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In the UK, risk assessments are required by law under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. As Octopus Energy Services employees, it's our duty to comply.

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Redirect to Managing risks and risk assessment at work - HSE

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1. Identify hazards
2. Decide who might be harmed and how
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
4. Record your findings and implement them
5. Review your assessment and update if necessary

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Air source heat pumps require electrical connections. Be aware of risks such as electric shock, short circuits, and fire. Always use proper insulation and follow electrical safety protocols.

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Somone trained and qualified.

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Installing outdoor units often involves working at heights. Use appropriate ladders, scaffolding, and fall protection equipment. Never take shortcuts when it comes to height safety!

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Heat pump units can be heavy and awkward to manoeuvre. Use proper lifting techniques and equipment to avoid strains, sprains, and back injuries.

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2 Minute Toolbox Talk: Proper Lifting Technique

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Many heat pumps use refrigerants which can be harmful if released. Always check for leaks and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling refrigerants.

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Essential PPE for heat pump installation includes:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Steel-toed boots
- Hard hat
- High-visibility vest
Always ensure your PPE is in good condition before use.

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Regularly inspect your tools for damage. Use tools only for their intended purpose. Keep them clean and properly stored when not in use. Remember, a tidy workspace is a safe workspace!

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UK weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, wind, and cold. Ensure good footing in wet conditions and take regular breaks in extreme temperatures.

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Clear communication is vital for safety. Use agreed-upon hand signals when working in noisy environments. Always inform your team of potential hazards you've identified.

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Know the location of first aid kits on site. At least one team member should be first aid trained. In case of injury, assess the situation, provide first aid if safe to do so, and call emergency services if needed.

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Familiarise yourself with fire extinguisher locations and types. In case of fire: 1. Raise the alarm 2. Evacuate the area 3. Call the fire brigade 4. Only attempt to fight the fire if it's safe to do so.

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Can you give some examples of when we might require a risk assessment?

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Site Hazards: Uneven ground, obstacles.

Electrical Risks: Connections and compliance.

Height Safety: Risks from elevated installations.

Refrigerant Handling: Safe management and disposal.

Heavy Lifting: Moving heavy components safely.

Noise Impact: Effects on nearby residents.

Weather Risks: Adverse conditions during installation.

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All incidents, no matter how small, should be reported. This helps prevent future accidents. Use Octopus Energy Services' incident reporting system to log any safety concerns or near-misses.

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Reporting accidents and incidents at work

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This leaflet identifies what is required from employers and provides updated information about RIDDOR.

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Safety regulations and best practices evolve. Attend all scheduled training sessions and stay updated with the latest safety information from Octopus Energy Services.

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A near-miss is a learning opportunity. Discuss these events with your team to identify how to prevent them from becoming accidents in the future.

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Keep up with industry news and technological advancements. This knowledge can help you identify new potential risks and solutions in air source heat pump installation.

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LONGi and German solar distributor Solar Express have signed a 1GW Framework Agreement on the supply of solar modules 19 October 2023

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In groups, discuss the following scenario:

You arrive at a site to install an air source heat pump, but notice the outdoor unit location requires working near power lines. What steps would you take to ensure safety?

Share your thoughts and create a brief risk assessment plan.

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Each group member should share one safety tip or best practice they've learned from experience. Discuss how these practices align with Octopus Energy Services' safety guidelines.

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Test your knowledge! In your groups, create a 10-question quiz on risk assessment and air source heat pump safety. Swap quizzes with another group and see how well you score!

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1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment in the workplace?

2. What are the key steps involved in the risk assessment process?

3. How do you identify potential hazards in a specific work environment?

4. What factors should be considered when evaluating the likelihood and severity of risks?

5. What types of control measures can be implemented to mitigate identified risks?

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3. How do you identify potential hazards in a specific work environment?

Potential hazards can be identified through site inspections, employee feedback, reviewing incident reports, and consulting safety data sheets (SDS) for materials used.

4. What factors should be considered when evaluating the likelihood and severity of risks?

Consider the frequency of exposure, the number of people potentially affected, the severity of potential harm, and existing control measures.

5. What types of control measures can be implemented to mitigate identified risks?

Control measures include eliminating the hazard, substituting with less hazardous materials, engineering controls, administrative controls (like training), and personal protective equipment (PPE).

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6. How often should risk assessments be reviewed and updated?

7. Who is responsible for conducting risk assessments within an organisation?

8. How can employees contribute to the risk assessment process?

9. What documentation is required to record the findings of a risk assessment?

10. In what situations would a dynamic risk assessment be more appropriate than a static risk assessment?

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Answers Risk assessment

1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment in the workplace?

The primary purpose is to identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks associated with them, and implement control measures to protect the health and safety of employees and others.

2. What are the key steps involved in the risk assessment process?

The key steps are:

1. Identify hazards

2. Evaluate risks

3. Implement control measures

4. Document findings

5. Review and update regularly

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6. How often should risk assessments be reviewed and updated?

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, at least annually, or whenever there are significant changes in the workplace, processes, or after an incident.

7. Who is responsible for conducting risk assessments within an organization?

Employers are ultimately responsible, but managers, health and safety officers, and trained staff often conduct the assessments.

8. How can employees contribute to the risk assessment process?

Employees can report hazards, provide insights based on their experiences, participate in safety discussions, and follow safety protocols.

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9. What documentation is required to record the findings of a risk assessment?

Documentation should include the identified hazards, risk evaluations, control measures implemented, responsible persons, and the date of the assessment.

10. In what situations would a dynamic risk assessment be more appropriate than a static risk assessment?

A dynamic risk assessment is more appropriate in rapidly changing environments, such as construction sites, emergency situations, or when unexpected hazards arise during ongoing tasks.