powered by LPG, or the safe way of undertaking hot
work processes.
Safe systems of work appear in a variety of forms
including:
➤ Standard operating procedures
➤ Safe operating procedures
➤ Method statements.
Such a system of work would on the majority of occasions
be formally recorded and documented, taking into
account all foreseeable risks associated with the operation
and detail the procedure for minimisation of the risk,
or where reasonably practicable the complete elimination
of the risk.
As can be seen from the above defi nition the safe
system of work should provide a step-by-step approach
which integrates all the facets that will secure the safety
of not only those undertaking the task or job, but also
those who may be affected by it.
As previously discussed, it is the risk assessment
that determines the need for a safe system of work to
be introduced, as part of the mechanisms by which the
hazard and associated risks are controlled. The safe
system of work relies heavily upon human behaviour
and discipline and therefore selecting a safe system of
work above other control strategies, such as elimination,
should not be considered.