hazards and risks

what is a hazard ?

a potential source of harm that could cause injury

what is a risk ?

how likely it is a hazard will cause harm

example of a hazard and risk

• hazard → a wet floor (slip hazard)

• risk → falling

7 types of hazards

• biological

• chemical

• environmental

• working conditions

• physical

• poor working practices

• lack of security systems

two main categories of biological hazards

• bodily fluids - can cause the spread of infections

• disease/ infection

where do biological hazards come from

either a living organism or their byproducts

• humans are living organisms that can produce byproducts

examples of bodily fluids

• blood

• urine

• faeces

• vomit

how can you prevent diseases being transmitted through bodily fluids

• washing your hands well

• clearing up bodily fluids promptly

• following procedures

examples of contact with bodily fluids

• dentist - contact with saliva

• hospitals - blood in surgery

examples of service users that are more vulnerable to disease and why

• young people - don’t have a fully developed immune system

• elderly people - more at risk of the spread of infection

list the 3 different transmission types of infections

• airborne (inhalation)

• direct/indirect contact (touch)

• ingestion

how are airborne infections transmitted