Risk Assessment Guidance
The assessor can assign values for the hazard severity (a) and likelihood of occurrence (b)
(taking into account the frequency and duration of exposure) on a scale of 1 to 5,
then multiply them together to give the rating band:
Hazard Severity
Remote
1
(eg discomfort, slight bruising, self-help recovery)
(eg small cut, abrasion, basic first aid need)
(eg strain, sprain, incapacitation > 3 days)
(eg fracture, hospitalisation >24 hrs, incapacitation >4
Likelihood of Occurrence
1 – Remote
2 – Unlikely
3 – Possible
4 – Likely
5 – Very likely
(b)
(almost never)
(occurs rarely)
(could occur, but uncommon)
(recurrent but not frequent)
(occurs frequently)
(single or multiple)
The risk rating (high, medium or low) indicates the level of
response required to be taken when designing the action plan.
Fatal
Serious
Moderate
Minor
Trivial
1 – Trivial
2 – Minor
3 – Moderate
4 – Serious
weeks)
5 – Fatal
(a)
Rating Bands (a x b)
2
3
4
5
4
6
8
10
LOW RISK
(1 – 8)
MEDIUM RISK
(9 - 12)
HIGH RISK
(15 - 25)
Continue, but
implement
additional
reasonably
practicable
controls where
possible and
monitor regularly
-STOP THE
ACTIVITY-
Unlikely
2
Possible
3
6
9
12
15
4
8
12
16
20
5
10
15
20
25
Likely
Very
likely
UOB Risk Assessment
Continue, but
review
periodically to
ensure controls
remain effective
Identify new
controls. Activity
must not
proceed until
risks are
reduced to a low
or medium level
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit
Risk Assessment Record
Risk Assessment of:
6E1.2 Materials lab
Assessor(s):
David Williams
Overview of activity / location / equipment /
conditions being assessed:
6 East 1.2 is a small clean laboratory housing a selection of analytical equipment. Its use involves the use
of a number of hazardous chemicals, compressed gases and liquid nitrogen.
Generic or specific assessment?
Generic risk assessment
Context of assessment (delete as appropriate): planning stage / ‘desk-top’ exercise / site visit / in consultation with
#
Hazard(s)
identified
Persons affected
employees / in consultation with managers / other (please describe)
Existing controls & measures


1
Injury from
being in the
labs
Al users/visitors


Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates, visitors

2
Trip/slip
hazards
UOB Risk Assessment
Date:
12-08-2015

No unauthorised personnel are allowed in the room
Visitors must be supervised at all times and follow instructions given by
host and lab staff.
Anyone working in the labs must wear relevant PPE as appropriate.
All lab users/visitors should be mindful of activities taking place in the labs
and be prepared to adapt their work if necessary.
Floors to be kept clean and clear from liquid contamination and
obstructions at all times to reduce trip hazards.
Spillages should be cleared up immediately.
A
B
A
x
B
3
2
6
2
2
4
Additional
controls
required
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit
#
3
Hazard(s)
identified
Asphyxiation
from oxygen
depletion
Persons affected
Existing controls & measures




All personnel


4
Cold burns
from contact
with liquid
nitrogen
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates






5
Poisoning
from use of
mercury
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates





UOB Risk Assessment
There is a risk of low oxygen levels due to the gases stored in the room
Stored compressed gases should be checked for leaks on installation
Gases only to be installed by trained & competent personnel
Regulators on gas cylinders should be checked annually for signs of
wear/damage and replaced regardless after 5 years
The room is fitted with an oxygen depletion monitor to warn of low levels
(see instructions on door) – if the alarm triggers, no-one is to enter the
room, and it must be vacated.
An extraction fan to assist ventilation can be operated by the switch
outside the room.
Liquid nitrogen should only be handled by those trained and competent.
Correct PPE to be worn when working with liquid nitrogen (full face visor,
lab coat and gloves).
Dewars are to be kept out of the way when not in use to prevent contact
with cold parts of the equipment.
Liquid nitrogen is only to be stored in suitable containers.
Any user must have carried out a COSHH assessment prior to the
commencement of work
Any use of exposed mercury must be carried out inside the fume cupboard
(switched on).
The front of the fume cupboard must be fully down when in use.
Fume cupboard will be serviced annually by competent professionals
The lids of all containers for mercury must be checked for tightness
Mercury not in use will be kept in a locked chemicals cupboard to prevent
unauthorised access.
A mercury spill kit is kept readily available next to the area of use.
A
B
A
x
B
4
1
4
5
1
5
3
1
3
Additional
controls
required
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit
#
Hazard(s)
identified
Persons affected
A
B
A
x
B
3
2
6

Before commencing any work with hazardous substances, users must
familiarise themselves with the individual hazards associated with these by
reading the MSDS.
Any user must have carried out a COSHH assessment prior to the
commencement of work
Appropriate PPE must be worn

All users of equipment must have received training prior to equipment use
3
2
6
Existing controls & measures

6
7
Use of
hazardous
substances
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates
Assessor signature:
Use of
equipment
UOB Risk Assessment

Additional
controls
required
Print name:
Review date:
David Williams
July 2015
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit
Risk Assessment Action Plan
Action Plan in respect of:
Ref
no.
Prepared by:
Action to be taken, incl. Cost
Responsible manager’s signature:
Print name:
UOB Risk Assessment
By whom
Target
date
Review
date
Outcome at review date
Responsible manager’s signature:
Date:
Print name:
Date
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit