SCHOOL OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
1.
Location:
Responsible person/Supervisor:
Project number:
2.
Brief description of work activity:
3.
List the MAIN HAZARDS associated with the above activity:
4.
HAZARD RATING:
(on the scale 1 (slight) – 3 (major))
5.
List any control measures currently in place:
6.
RISK FACTOR:
(on the scale 1(low) - 3(high))
7.
EXTENT
(number of people affected 1 (1 – 10 person/s) - 3 (whole department))
8.
HAZARD x RISK FACTOR
x EXTENT = :
If HAZARD x RISK FACTOR x EXTENT <= 3
No further action required
If HAZARD x RISK FACTOR x EXTENT > 3
Detail any preventative/protective measures to be taken to reduce
the risk to an acceptable level, the workers undertaking the activity
must be made aware of these measures (continue on a separate sheet if
necessary).
If HAZARD x RISK FACTOR x EXTENT > 6
The Safety Officer must be consulted
9.
Signed (assessor):
Date of assessment:
10.
Countersignature (responsible person/ supervisor):
Review Date: July 2013
Notes on completion of RISK Assessment forms
1.
Enter the name of the research group, teaching laboratory or workshop as appropriate
and the room number.
Enter the name of the person responsible for the work i.e. academic supervisor
or line manager and Project number (for UG lab).
2.
Give a brief description of the work activity. The main problem will be how finely to
sub-divide particular activities. The following suggestions should act as a guide: In
teaching laboratories assess individual experiments or projects. It would be reasonable
to describe a laboratory technician’s job of setting out experiments, maintaining
equipment, clearing up etc. as a single work activity. In a research lab, activities may
include: (i) sample preparation, (ii) operating the experimental apparatus and (iii)
building and maintaining the equipment.
3.
Hazard is the potential that lies in any thing or situation to cause harm to people,
property or the environment. Obvious hazards include: Electrical, high voltages, lasers,
very high or low temperatures, rotating machinery and so on. (Chemical hazards are
already covered under COSHH there is no need to reconsider these).
Refer to these by adding a note “see COSHH assessment” and attach the COSHH
assessment to the risk assessment form.
Note: physical hazards such as flammable, asphyxiant, explosive or
radioactive are NOT covered by COSHH and must be included on this form.
4.
Grade the hazard on a scale 1-3 where:
1 = slight (injuries require no more than first aid treatment)
2 = serious (injuries requiring medical treatment or more than 3 days off work)
3 = major (very severe injury or death)
5.
If any preventative or protective measures are currently being taken then summarize
these.
List engineering controls, administrative controls e.g. you may refer to any existing
documentation such as standard operating procedures or local area rules and attach
these to the form, and finally the use of personal protective equipment
6.
Risk factor is a measure of the chance that the hazard will actually cause harm to
people or property. It is best to make a qualitative assessment based on common
sense and experience and then grade it on a scale 1-3, where:
1 = low risk (event will seldom occur)
2 = medium risk (event will occasionally occur)
3 = high risk (event will frequently occur)
It is clear that the risk will depend on such factors as the training and experience of the
worker.
7.
Extent (number of people affected)
1 = 1 - 10 person/s carrying out the procedure
2 = larger group of people within the vicinity
3 = whole area or whole school affected
8.
If the product of the hazard x risk factor x extent is ≤3, then no further action is
required except to sign the form to certify that the assessment has been carried out.
If the product is of the hazard x risk factor x extent is > 3, then some other
measures will have to be taken to reduce the risk as far as is reasonably
practicable. It is better practice to use preventative rather than protective measures.
If the product of the hazard x risk x extent is >6, then the safety officer
MUST be consulted
9.
Do not forget to sign and date the form. The assessment is not valid if this is not done.
Remember to review your assessments regularly.
10.
A counter signature by the responsible person / Supervisor for the work is
also required for all Forms.