Wall Damage Assessment and Repair

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all activities related to the inspection, assessment, and repair of wall damage within the facility. This includes identifying the type and extent of damage, assessing structural integrity, and performing necessary repairs or reinforcements. Excluded from this assessment are activities related to demolition of walls or new wall construction.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls will be followed to identify and implement control measures, starting with elimination and substitution, then engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	High	Extreme
Major	Low	Low	Medium	High	High
Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
Minor	Low	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Negligible	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Falls from height during inspection or repair of elevated walls.

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries, fractures, or death from falls.

Affected Persons: Workers, visitors

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use scaffolding or elevated work platforms with guardrails.
• Ensure proper ladder safety training and use.
• Implement a fall protection plan.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, lead paint) during wall repair.

Potential Consequences: Respiratory illnesses, skin irritation, or long-term health effects.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks.
• Implement dust control measures, such as water suppression or HEPA vacuums.
• Provide adequate ventilation.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

3. Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of heavy materials (e.g., bricks, concrete blocks).

Potential Consequences: Back injuries, sprains, strains, or other musculoskeletal disorders.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Ensure proper training in manual handling techniques.
• Use mechanical aids (e.g., dollies, hand trucks) to move heavy materials.
• Break down heavy loads into smaller, more manageable sizes.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

4. Electrical shock during repair work involving electrical wiring within walls.

Potential Consequences: Electrical burns, shock, or electrocution.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement a lockout/tagout procedure for electrical circuits.
• Use insulated tools and equipment.
• Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

5. Hydraulic Safety: Hot hydraulic oil can cause severe burns. Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin and can cause serious personal injury.

Potential Consequences: Severe burns, serious infection or reaction can result without proper medical treatment. [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Provide training on the hazards of hydraulic systems.
• Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of hydraulic equipment.
• Before ANYONE works on the hydraulic system: 1. Lower boom to horizontal. 2. Support boom to avoid unintentional lowering. 3. Shutdown engine. 4. Remove key from ignition. 5. Clean area around reservoir cap (A).

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

6. Welding Precautions: DO NOT weld on any structural member. Any unauthorized welding can cause structural failure or possible personal injury.

Potential Consequences: Structural failure or possible personal injury. [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Before performing any authorized welding, be sure to disconnect positive lead from battery. Properly attach ground cable of welder to frame member that is being welded. Failure to do so can cause electrical system damage.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

5. General Control Measures

• All workers involved in wall inspection and repair must complete a site-specific safety induction.
• Ensure good housekeeping practices are maintained in work areas to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Provide adequate lighting in all work areas, especially during inspection and repair activities.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In the event of a wall collapse or significant structural compromise, immediately evacuate the area and contact emergency services.
• Ensure first aid kits are readily available and personnel are trained in basic first aid.

7. Training Requirements

• Fall Protection Training: Workers must be trained on how to safely erect, inspect, and use scaffolding and elevated work platforms.
• Hazardous Materials Awareness Training: Training should cover the identification of hazardous materials, proper handling techniques, and the use of appropriate PPE.
• Manual Handling Training: Training should include proper lifting techniques, the use of mechanical aids, and the importance of taking breaks.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, and after any significant wall damage incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Weekly	Site Supervisor	Regular inspections of scaffolding and elevated work platforms to ensure they are in good condition and properly erected.
Performance Indicator	Daily	Environmental Health and Safety Officer	Monitoring of dust levels during repair activities involving materials that may contain hazardous substances.
Audit	After each incident	Safety Manager	Review of incident reports related to wall damage or repair activities to identify trends and areas for improvement.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., high winds, heavy rain) may increase the risk of falls from height or structural instability.
• Night work may reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work during inspection or repair activities requires a buddy system or regular check-ins.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, and after any significant wall damage incident or when significant changes occur.

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