GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

for

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Risk Assessment Template prepared for EVH by ACS Environmental Services Limited
 CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 HOW TO CARRY OUT A GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

3 FURTHER GUIDANCE ON RISK ASSESSMENT

4 RISK ASSESSMENT SHEETS

 1 INTRODUCTION

Risk Management: The systematic identification, evaluation, cost-effective control and monitoring of
those risks which threaten the personnel, assets and reputation of the organisation and consequently
its ability to survive.

Why do we need Health & Safety Risk Assessment?

The principal health and safety legislation in the UK is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 . This
Act places a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and
to protect others who may be affected by their undertakings.

To allow employers to discharge these broad duties, a range of topic specific Regulations have been
produced, most of which are based upon the principal of “risk assessment”.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 , for example, require employers to
carry out a “general risk assessment” and certain topic-specific regulations require the undertaking of
‘specific’ risk assessments, where appropriate.

What is a General Risk Assessment?

This document is concerned mainly with “general risk assessment”, as specific assessments normally
require the undertaking of technical measuring by properly trained “competent persons”.

Essentially, risk assessment is the process of identifying all areas of harm which may affect personnel,
determining whether this harm is likely, and implementing measures to reduce the likelihood of the
harm occurring where necessary.

Where 5 or more persons are employed, all “significant findings” must be recorded.

In ‘plain English’, the following questions require to be answered during a Risk Assessment:

 What could go wrong?

 How likely is this?
 What if it happened?
 Would this be acceptable?
 If not, how can we reduce the chance of it happening?

Common terms used in risk assessment

Hazard anything that can cause harm e.g. fire, chemicals, dusts, work at height, heat,
electricity, lifting, noise, moving machinery parts, stress, violence etc.

Risk the chance, great or small, that someone may be harmed by a hazard. Naturally, a
person must be exposed to a hazard for any risk to exist.

Risk Control measures taken to eliminate the hazard / risk or, where this is not reasonably
practicable, to reduce the likelihood of harm to an acceptable level. Risk control
measures may take the form of revised working practices, engineering equipment,
training, or, as a last resort, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
 2 HOW TO CARRY OUT A GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Overview

There is no universally accepted method for undertaking risk assessment, only a common objective of
identifying hazards and risks, determining whether existing control is adequate, and implementing
further control measures where necessary.

The method outlined below is based on analysis of “operations”, although some methods are based on
analysis of individual “employees”, or on workplace “areas”.

Who should be involved

Ideally, risk assessing should involve a group of people with collective knowledge of the workplace, the
employees (including any specific injuries, health issues etc.), the tasks carried out by employees and
basic Health & Safety issues.

How to assess

In order to adequately complete the risk assessment, it may be necessary to carry out a range of
“information gathering” activities, including:

 visual inspections of the workplace

 discussions with individual employees
 interrogation of Health & Safety Control Manual
 brainstorming sessions
 appraisals of published guidance literature (e.g. from the Health and Safety Executive)
 3 FURTHER GUIDANCE ON RISK ASSESSMENT

Reviewing the assessment

The assessment should be reviewed where there is a significant change in operations, personnel,
equipment etc. which may result in new or different hazards and risks. It is also good practice to review
assessments on a regular basis, e.g. annually.

Groups of people at increased risk

When assessing the likelihood and severity of risk, it is important to be aware of any personnel who
may be at increased risk due to personal conditions. Typical “higher risk” groups of people include:

 personnel with disabilities

 young persons
 new and expectant mothers
 inexperienced personnel
 immuno-compromised personnel, e.g. HIV sufferers
 personnel with certain medical conditions, e.g. asthma sufferers may be at increased risk
from certain airborne substances
 personnel taking certain medications

Specific Risk Assessment

Where exposure to certain workplace hazards occurs, topic-specific regulations require ‘specific’ Risk
Assessments to be undertaken. In particular, exposure to hazardous substances, noise, moving and
handling of loads, prolonged display screen use and asbestos requires assessments under the
following regulations.

 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

 Noise at Work Regulations 1989
 Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
 Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002

It is likely, however, that only the COSHH, Manual Handling and Display Screen regulations will have
relevance to the operations carried on by your organisation.
Health surveillance

Exposure to certain physical and chemical agents requires ‘health surveillance’ to be conducted as a
risk control measure. However, these issues should be investigated as part of ‘specific’ Risk
Assessments, by specialist contractors.

Sources of information

Reference has been made to “published guidance literature” as a source of additional information. The
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish a wide range of Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice
(which have special legal status) and Guidance Notes on specific areas of health and safety.

These publications may be obtained from good booksellers and mail ordered from:

 HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6FS, tel 01787-881-165, fax 01787-
313-995

Other useful sources of information include:

 HSE Infoline tel 0541-545-500

 HSE’s Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQ
 Local HSE office and Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS)
 EVH, 4th Floor, Regent House, 76 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 1NQ tel 0141 352 7435,
fax 0141 352 7449, email Enquiries@evh.org.uk
 ACS Environmental Services Limited, Unit 4, The Claremont Centre, Glasgow, G41 1BS,
tel 0141-427-5171, fax 0141-427-2722, email acs@acs-environmental.com
 4 RISK ASSESSMENT SHEETS

Recording Sheets

The following blank sheets should be completed and used to record the findings of the General Risk
Assessment carried out. Alternatively, this document may be used in electronic format, being updated
as required to take account of changing risks, newly implemented controls etc.

Advice on their completion

1. The Risk Assessment Sheets should be completed by the H&S Administrator in conjunction with
relevant Heads of Departments and the Director. The Assessments should be reviewed where
operations, premises or personnel are changed and, in any case, on an annual basis.

2. In the first instance a first draft of the sheets should be completed as follows: -

 Familiarise themselves with the current Health & Safety Policies and Procedures
 For each issue set out in columns 1 and 2, identify those staff at risk and record in column
3 (write ‘everyone’, if required)
 Review whether existing practice meets standard to be reached in column 4 and record
‘yes’ or ‘no’ in column 5
 Record what documents / practices / discussions were involved in determining whether
standards are being met in column 6
 If standards are not being met, record further action to be taken in column 7

3. At a team meeting all staff should consider this draft and agree or revise the findings.

4. The team should agree by whom and when the action should be done. (This could be anyone in
the team but more likely to be the H&S Administrator).

5. Once action has been taken, complete column 8 with a signature and the date of the action.
 GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Ref no: _________________________________________________

Activity: _________________________________________________

Risk Assessor: (or team) _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Tasks Identified: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
accidents / inadequate arrangements Policy and procedures to ensure appropriate
emergencies / for dealing with accidents measures are implemented for dealing with
first-aid / or emergencies accidents and emergencies both in and out of the
sharps office.

inadequate first-aid Adequate provision of first-aiders, first-aid boxes and

arrangements facilities and information to staff.
exposure to sharps Policy and procedures to ensure measures are
implemented to protect staff and visitors from risks
associated with exposure to sharps.
alcohol and inadequate arrangements Policy and procedures to ensure appropriate
drugs for dealing with alcohol and measures are taken for dealing with staff who have
drug related problems alcohol and / or drug related problems.
asbestos exposure to asbestos Management plan / system to ensure risks from
fibres from damaged exposure to asbestos are adequately controlled.
asbestos containing
materials
confined unsafe entry and working Policy and procedures for safe working in confined
spaces in confined spaces spaces and appropriate training for relevant staff.
contractors / various hazards / risks may Policy and procedures to control the entry and
visitors arise from the uncontrolled working of contractors and visitors within the
entry and working of premises.
contractors, and visitors
display screen eye strain, musculoskeletal DSE risk assessment, including assessment of each
equipment disorders, stress / DSE “user’s” workstation, and implement controls,
(DSE) irritation / mental fatigue where required; encourage regular breaks from
DSE’s; provide DSE eye tests and corrective lens,
where required.
electricity unsafe electrical 1. Safe and adequately inspected electrical
equipment equipment and installation.
2. Provision of adequate information to staff.
electromagnetic overexposure to radiation Policy and procedures to minimise risk from
radiation from mobile phones, overexposure to electromagnetic radiation.
microwave ovens, VDU’s,
the sun, etc.
fears, phobias, staff unable to work safely Policy and procedures to take account of staff’s
allergies due to fears, phobias, fears, phobias and allergies while planning work and
allergies to allow confidential reporting.
fire no fire certificate, where Apply to local Fire Authority for fire certificate where
required size / nature of operations and premises require so.
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topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
uncontrolled ignition 1. Design and layout premises, install equipment and
sources operate management system to control ignition
- electrical equipment sources and combustible materials.
- smoking 2. Develop measures to detect and control fires.
- gas installations 3. Inspect, test and maintain fire fighting equipment.
4. Train staff in drills etc., ensuring aware of
practices for escorting visitors and contractors in fire
situations, taking account of issues such as physical
disabilities.
uncontrolled combustibles as above
- paper / files
- furnishings
- flammable substances
e.g. chemicals
inadequate detection / as above
control systems
inadequate management as above
procedures
- fire drills
- equipment inspection /
test / maintenance
- communications
inadequate means of as above
escape
gas inadequate gas safety System to ensure all gas appliances and fittings are
arrangements maintained in a safe state, are in good repair and
inspected annually by a CORGI registered
contractor.
gas leak System to ensure all gas leaks are reported and
adequately dealt with without delay.
general unsafe doors Suitably constructed doors with viewing panels
workplace where required.
exposure to falling objects Avoid, so far as is reasonably practicable, falling
objects – maintain tidy and safe storage.
inadequate hygiene / Adequate number of sanitary conveniences with
welfare facilities adequate hot and cold (or warm) running water,
soap, hand drying facilities, ventilation, lighting,
cleanliness, toilet paper in dispenser/holder, coat
hooks and provision for disposal of sanitary
dressings (female and unisex). Adequate rest areas
and supply of drinking water.
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topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
inadequate level of Regularly cleaned offices, work areas etc. with no
cleanliness accumulation of waste products.
inadequate lighting Adequate level of illumination (preferably natural
light).
slips, trips and falls - Safe walkways of appropriate construction, free from
obstacles, flooring, stairs / obstacles, obstructions and other hazards.
steps, spillages
inadequate space Minimum of 11m3 of space for each employee.
poor temperature control “Comfortable” working temperature range in
workplace – 16-24oC.
insufficient ventilation Minimum of 8 litres / second of fresh air per person
in non smoking areas.
unsafe windows Windows such that negligible risk from opening /
closing and from opened windows.
exposure to environmental Protection of non-smokers from discomfort of
tobacco smoke environmental tobacco smoke.
hazardous cleaning materials (e.g. 1. Eliminate use of hazardous materials where
substances bleach) reasonably practicable, otherwise substitute for less
hazardous alternatives.
2. Assess risks to health by means of COSHH
Assessment and implement control measures where
required.
3. Information and instruction to staff with regard to
effects of exposure to hazardous substances and
measures to control exposure.
4. Suitable PPE where required and instruction to
staff and visitors on correct use and maintenance
thereof.
general office-based as above
equipment - inks, toners
etc. (photocopier, printers
and fax machines), ozone
from photocopier, solvent
vapours from pens,
correction fluid etc.
exposure to contaminants, Policy and procedures to ensure measures are
unhygienic conditions, implemented to protect staff, contractors and visitors
dusts, blood and body from such risks.
fluids
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topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
information / inadequate information, Provision of adequate information / instruction /
training instruction and training training to staff and adequate information on hazards
and risks, safe working procedures, control
measures and PPE as stipulated in legislation; also
display Health & Safety Law poster.
lifts inadequate arrangements Policy and procedures to ensure maintenance and
relating to lifts inspection of all lifts.
lone working intruders Policy and procedures to protect lone workers in
premises to ensure safety and security.
inadequate cover for as above
accidents, fire etc.
inadequate arrangements Policy and procedures to ensure the safety and
to ensure safety and security of lone workers outwith premises.
security during out of office
work
machinery and unsafe use of machinery or 1. Maintain machinery and equipment in a safe
equipment equipment / unsafe condition.
machinery or equipment 2. Adequate staff training in safe use of machinery
and equipment.
manual musculoskeletal disorders 1. Manual handling risk assessment identifying
handling / - general filing, lifting boxes where manual handling operations are required.
ergonomics etc. 2. Where lifting tasks cannot be eliminated, automate
- moving heavy loads e.g. where possible or use adequate numbers of trained
furniture, PC’s, machinery personnel.
etc. 3. Train all staff in hazards / risks and in good
handling techniques, providing suitable PPE (e.g.
gloves) where required.
4. Arrange actions to minimise prolonged periods of
repetitive movement.
5. Procedure for reporting symptoms, e.g. tingling,
numbness etc., following periods of repetitive
movement.
cuts / abrasions to hands as above
exposure to highly as above
repetitive actions
mobile electromagnetic radiation Policy and procedures to ensure measures are taken
telephones to minimise exposure.
low battery / no signal Policy and procedures to ensure adequate
causing communication communication between out of office staff members
problems and the office.
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topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
new / expectant new / expectant mothers Assess and adequately control any hazards that may
mothers may be more susceptible pose a particular risk to a staff member due to the
to the following hazards fact that she is pregnant or a new mother.
- trips, falls, confined
spaces, physical blows and
shocks, manual handling,
extremes of temperature,
ionising and non-ionising
radiation, biological agents,
chemicals and lead
inadequate rest areas Make available adequate rest area where new /
expectant mothers are at work, near to sanitary
conveniences, including the facility to lie down where
necessary.
noise nuisance nuisance effect / stress Layout office and equipment to minimise nuisance
effects of noise.
out of office various safety / security Policy and procedures to ensure adequate
work (e.g. hazards and risks (e.g. communication, travel, safety and security of
house visits, inadequate personnel working away from the office.
building sites, communication, lone
working, unsafe travel,
etc. ) building site risks,
nuisance pets, inadequate
security while carrying
money)
[specific out of
office tasks]

stress occurrence of stress and Prevent the occurrence of stress related problems,
related problems so far as is reasonably practicable, and provide
adequate support where staff suffer from stress.
suspicious / harm caused by Policy and procedures for dealing with suspicious
threatening threatening or hazardous packages and for providing appropriate support upon
mail mail packages receipt of such packages.
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topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
vehicles vehicle accident / 1. Policy whereby staff must submit copy of driving
breakdown / unsafe or license prior to being permitted to drive on company
unlicensed drivers business and submit copy of insurance certificate
(indicating cover for business use) and show proof of
road worthiness of own vehicle if being used for
business.
2. Instruct staff in procedures for reporting vehicle
accident / breakdown.
3. Instruct staff on safe driving practices (e.g. no use
of mobile phones while driving).
4. Ensure staff are fit to drive.
5. Policy and procedures to manage company
vehicles (including insurance, servicing,
maintenance, safety equipment).
violence / conflict between staff Policy and procedures to reduce the risk of incidents
aggression including verbal abuse / occurring; record incidents which occur; protect staff
threats (including in the event of an incident, as appropriate;
telephone) investigate incidents, providing post-incident support
where required.
conflict between staff and as above
public
- reception
- interviews / meetings
- verbal abuse / threats
(including telephone)
conflict between members as above
of the public on
organisation premises
- verbal abuse / threats
water systems inadequate arrangements Policy and procedures for the maintenance of all
for maintaining water water systems.
systems - Legionella
work at height falls from height Policy and procedures for the maintenance of all
access equipment and for the training of relevant
staff in safe working at height procedures.
young persons children and young 1. Assess and adequately control any hazards that
persons may be more may pose a particular risk to a member of staff due
susceptible to a variety of to the fact that they are a young person.
hazards and risks due to 2. Assess and adequately control any hazards that
their inexperience, lack of may pose a particular risk to children / young
awareness of risk and persons as a result of work carried out by the
immaturity organisation
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topic hazard / risk persons at standard to be met standards evidence (docs further action required to meet actioned (sign / date)
risk met? / observations) standard
(Y/N)
[other hazards
and risks
specific to the
organisation]
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