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:
6E1.12 Soils Lab
Assessor(s):
David Williams
Overview of activity / location / equipment /
conditions being assessed:
The soils lab is used for small scale material preparation and testing. It houses a number of triaxial testing
frames and other soils testing equipment as well as the main chemical store.
Generic or specific assessment?
Generic risk assessment
Context of assessment Update of existing risk assessment.
#
1
Hazard(s) identified
Trip/slip
hazards
Persons affected
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates, visitors
Existing controls & measures

3
4
Use of
chemicals
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates
Injury from test
equipment
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates
Manual
handling
Technicians, staff,
postgraduates,
undergraduates
Assessor signature:
A
x
B
2
4
2
6
2
2
2
3
2
6




Equipment only to be used after adequate training
PPE to be worn as appropriate
Additional
controls
required

Large and heavy objects should be moved using the appropriate lifting
equipment and/or following the correct manual handling procedures
 Correct PPE to be worn as appropriate
 See manual handling risk assessment for further guidance
Print name:
David Williams
UOB Risk Assessment
B
A
Floors to be kept clean and clear from liquid contamination, in particular
2
areas marked out with yellow lines should be kept clear at all times to
reduce trip hazards.
Before commencing any work with chemicals, users must familiarise
themselves with the individual hazards associated with these by looking
at the relevant COSHH assessment and MSDS.
3
Wear appropriate PPE
Fume cupboard available for use if necessary

2
Date:
17/07/2015
Review date:
July 2016
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