This document provides an introduction to conducting risk assessments in the workplace. It defines hazards and risks, and explains the five step process for risk assessment: identifying hazards, deciding who may be harmed and how, evaluating risks, recording findings, and reviewing assessments. Examples of hazards in an automotive workshop are identified and risks are evaluated using a likelihood vs severity graph to determine risk levels. The purpose of risk assessments is to identify unsafe conditions and activities to prevent accidents and injuries.

1. Module Two.
Introduction to VRQ.
The VRQ is a Vocationally Related Qualification.
Consisting of knowledge and practical components, your VRQ is a
portfolio of evidence that will, once complete;
prove your competence in the workplace.
A VRQ consists of,
− Performance evidence at the workplace.
− Observed evidence.
− Essential knowledge.
− Online tests.

2. Introduction to VRQ.
Objectives.
By the end of this session you should be able to;
− Understand the structure of the VRQ.
− Assemble your portfolio correctly.
− Identify the documents and processes used.
− Describe what is required from you whilst at work.
− State the appeals process.

3. Introduction to VRQ.
Process.
The VRQ process involves the following people
working closely together:
− You - the Candidate.
− Your college based Assessor.
− Your instructors , Assessors and Internal Verifier. −
An External Verifier from the Awarding Body (IMI).

4. Introduction to VRQ.
Requirements.
The VRQ requires you to:
− Be observed by an assessor at college.
− Produce evidence of your knowledge
(Essential Knowledge).
− Pass multi -choice assessments set by the
Awarding Body (IMI).
http://www.imiawards.org.uk/

5. Introduction to VRQ.
Portfolio.
You will produce a portfolio that:
− Is a file of evidence for the VRQ.
− Contains your personal details.
− Contains the unit descriptions and requirements.
− Contains documents to track your progress and show
completion of units
− Contains sample signatures of assessors.
− Contains records (evidence) of observations,
assessments and jobs completed
The portfolio is….. Your responsibility!

6. Introduction to VRQ.
Evidence.
By definition, pieces of evidence are facts or signs that show clearly that something
exists or is true.
The same applies for your portfolio. The evidence can be in any form that show clearly
that you have done a particular task or activity.
The most obvious and easiest piece of evidence to collect is a Repair Order (job card).
Other examples of evidence include:
− Photographs.
− Videos.
− Customer letters.
− Witness testimonies.
Each piece of evidence you collect should clearly show the work areas which you are
using it to claim competence.
They should be stored and referenced in your portfolio so they can be easily found.

7. Introduction to VRQ.
Notes.
Please make notes about information you would
find helpful…………

8. Introduction to VRQ.
Observations.
When you are observed by observations;
− The assessor and you should agree you are ready to be assessed , in terms of your skills, knowledge
and any other relevant factors.
− Your assessor should ensure you know what is expected and you should ask for clarification if anything
is unclear to you.
− You must do the work yourself without being corrected by anyone else.
− Your assessor will tell you how you performed - what you did well and what you did less well.
Observation Results
− The result of the observation will be either competent or not yet competent.
− If you are not yet competent, you will need to agree what action is required to correct the problem
before you are re-assessed.
− If you are competent, you should agree with your Mentor what you will be doing next.
− The result must be recorded using the appropriate documents and put in your portfolio (including the
action plan if you need to be re-assessed).

9. Introduction to VRQ.
Appeals Process.
If you disagree with the outcome of your assessment,
− You should ask the Assessor to explain the decision and attempt to resolve the disagreement.
− If you are unable to reach agreement contact the College IV Co-ordinator (Paul Brimecome) .
− The IVC will talk to you and the assessor and will tell you his decision, which is usually final.
− The assessor and IVC will keep a record of your appeal and will give you copies.
− In extreme circumstances, the IVC may refer the matter to the Awarding Body.
− http://www.imiawards.org.uk/
Key Messages.
− The portfolio is essential to the achievement of your VRQ.
− You will need to demonstrate competence across a range of work and activities, both at work and in
training.
− You must demonstrate essential knowledge and understanding.
− Contribute to planning your progress and take responsibility for producing the evidence required.
− Work closely with your Mentor and the Career Programme team to meet targets.

10. Introduction to VRQ.
Units.
• Qualification: VRQ Light Vehicle maintenance
and repair.
• In order to complete this VRQ, a candidate must
complete 12 units in total (2 mandatory and 10
optional units)
• KEY
• M = Mandatory Unit
• O = Optional Unit

11. Introduction to VRQ.
Notes.
• Please make notes about any information you
would like to remember.

12. Introduction to VRQ.
Summary.
Now we have completed this introduction you
should be able to:
− Understand the structure of the VRQ.
− Assemble your portfolio correctly.
− Identify the documents and processes used.
− Describe what is required from you whilst at
work.

13. Module Three.
Unsafe Working environment.
Introduction:
In the Motor Industry over 2000 accidents are reported each year
in the motor vehicle repair operations. Therefore
accidents can and do happen at work, but most are preventable.
In this module we aim to help you identify when potential
accidents may occur, and give you examples on how to
prevent them.
Including:
− Definition of Hazard and Risk.
− Control measures.
− Risk Assessments.

14. Unsafe Working environment.
Objectives.
By the end of this session you should be able to:
− Identify and record hazards in the workplace.
− Determine the level of risk posed by a hazard using the risk graph.
− Make recommendations to remove hazards or reduce risks.
In the Motor Industry over 2000 accidents are reported each year in the motor vehicle repair
operations. Therefore
accidents can and do happen at work, but most are preventable.
The dictionary defines the word “accident” as an “unexpected event” especially one causing damage. In
truth the
definition of an accident is a debatable one, but one thing we can be sure of, accidents are the direct
result of both
unsafe activities and conditions.
One key way of preventing accidents in the workplace is the identification and management of risks.
This process is
called a RISK ASSESSMENT.
Over the next few pages you will be required to carry out a risk assessment, to help you identify unsafe
working
practises that may endanger you and those around you.

15. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.
What is risk assessment?
Risk assessment is nothing more than a careful examination of what could cause harm to people, to weigh up
whether sufficient precautions have been taken or more should be done to prevent harm.
The purpose is to make sure that no one gets hurt or becomes ill. Accidents and ill-health can ruin individual’s lives
and affect business too, if output is lost, machinery or equipment is damaged or you have to go to court and you
could end up having to pay a fi ne or go to prison.
Risk assessment of the workplace is a legal requirement.
Materials you will need
− Risk assessment form.
− Risk graph.
There are five principles of risk assessment.
(See Five Steps to Risk Assessment, available at www.hse.gov.uk/risk/):
− Identify hazards.
− Decide who might be harmed, and how.
− Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate, or more should be done.
− Record the findings of the assessment.
− Review the assessment and revise it, if necessary.
Definitions.
Hazard: Something that can cause harm, illness or damage to health or property.
Risk: The likelihood or chance that harm, illness or damage from a hazard will occur, and the degree of harm (how
many people might be affected and how badly).
Control measure: Something that reduces or eliminates exposure to a hazard.
Table on the next few pages shows an extract of a risk assessment for a motor vehicle repair workshop. Note that it
explains the standard of safety that is expected to be reached.

16. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.

17. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.
To decide on what level of risk arises from a hazard, you have to think about:
The likelihood of an incident and The potential effect or severity of an incident.
The likelihood can be decided on a scale of 1 to 5.
1. Highly unlikely: not known to occur.
2. Remote possibility: known to occur.
3. Occasional: has happened before.
4. Fairly frequent, some occurrences.
5. Frequent occurrences.
The potential effect or severity can also be decided on a scale of 1 to 5.
1. Minor injury.
2. Over three day injury.
3. Temporary incapacity/disease.
4. Permanent incapacity.
5. Fatality.

18. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.
• You use the numbers from these two
factors to draw horizontal and vertical lines
on the risk graph shown on the next page.
• You will find the level of risk where the two
lines cross.

19. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.
Stage 1 Working in small groups, use the risk assessment form to identify and
record:
− Any hazards in the workplace.
− Who may be exposed to the hazard.
− What control measures are in place – your teacher or trainer can give guidance
on.
− How to identify these.
Stage 2
− Assess the level of risk of identified hazards by plotting a graph.
Stage 3 Evaluate the risk.
Decide:
− If the existing controls are adequate.
− What future actions are recommended.
− The ti me frame to eliminate or minimise the risk.
− Record your findings in the ‘future actions’ column of the risk assessment form.
Stage 4
− Provide feedback. Be prepared to discuss your findings and explain your
reasoning to the whole class if
your teacher or trainer asks you.

20. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.

21. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.

22. Unsafe Working environment.
Risk Assessment.

23. Unsafe Working environment.
Summary.
By now you should be able to:
− Identify and record hazards in the
workplace.
− Determine the level of risk posed by
a hazard using the risk graph.
− Make recommendations to remove
hazards or reduce risks.