Non-Hazardous Waste

Waste material which does not cause harm; it is not hazardous. Examples include, paper, cardboard, string, grass clippings (not contaminated with pesticides though), top-dressings, old grass seed (unless treated / coated with fungicide / fertiliser).

  Occupational Exposure Standard

A term that was previously used to for the upper limit of a substance hazardous to health and which must not have been exceeded. The standard was approved, along with a specified time, by the Health and Safety Commission. This term was removed from use by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and replaced (by Section 2(a)(iv)) with workplace exposure limit (WEL).

  Pictogram

A picture or graphical symbol which helps to convey relevant information quickly and succinctly. It is defined in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 as “a figure which describes a situation or prescribes behaviour and which is used on a signboard or illuminated surface;”.

  Protective Clothing

There are three main types: whole body clothing, which are coveralls or overalls; aprons, which cover all or part of the front of the body; and separates, such as trousers, leggings, jackets, coats, etc. Protection may be needed from various hazards, including spillages, dirt, splashes, handling pesticides, oils, fuel or fertilisers, digging drainage trenches, working in cold weather, working in wet conditions, as well as protection from heat sources. Where clothing does not provide a specific protection then it will just be classed as workwear, rather than (PPE) protective clothing.

  Risk [1]

The likelihood that someone could be harmed by a hazard.

  Risk [2]

ISO 31000:2018 Risk management Guidelines defines Risk as the effect of uncertainty on objectives. In this context it clarifies An effect as deviation from the expected. It can be positive, negative or both, and can address, create or result in opportunities and threats. Risk is usually expressed in terms of risk sources, potential events, their consequences and their likelihood.

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  Risk Analysis

A process which assesses risks by estimating their impact and likelihood of occurrence: the process consists of three components - risk assessment, risk management and risk communication.

  Risk Assessment

A method of controlling risk in the workplace. It involves identifying hazards, the risks involved and taking reasonable steps to reduce potential harm being caused. A risk assessment must be ‘suitable and sufficient' if it is to comply with the law.

  Risk Aversion

A behaviour which aims to reduce the risk of an action when elements of uncertainty are involved within a decision-making process. Outcomes are often chosen which avoid risk, or at least attempt to avoid risk within the context of what is known and unknown.

  Risk Management

The identification, analysis, evaluation, prioritisation of, and then control an organisation applies to, risks. ISO 31000:2018 ‘Risk management ¯ Guidelines' defines Risk Management as the “coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to risk”.