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
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)
Fatal
The risk rating (high, medium or low) indicates the level of
response required to be taken when designing the action plan.
Serious
1
Likelihood of Occurrence
(single or multiple)
Moderate
Remote
(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
Minor
Trivial
1 – Trivial
2 – Minor
3 – Moderate
4 – Serious
weeks)
5 – Fatal
(a)
2
3
4
5
4
6
8
10
Rating Bands (a x b)
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:
Name
Overview of activity / location / equipment /
conditions being assessed:
Assessor(s):
Date:
Graham Mott (Technical Manager and Dept Safety Coordinator)
Preparation of lime mortar samples using a paddle mixer and prism moulds. Testing of compressive &
flexural strength, vapour permeability & thermal conductivity.
Generic or specific assessment?
Specific
Context of assessment planning stage / in consultation with employees / in consultation with managers /
#
Hazard(s) identified
Persons affected
Existing controls & measures

1
Risk of electrocution from electrical
equipment used near water.
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
Trip/slip hazard
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
Crush injury from heavy objects
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors



2


3
UOB Risk Assessment
A
B
AxB
Additional controls required
Cables and sockets are
positioned tidily away from
wet areas.
RCD's on critical equipment,.
water resistant cases/covers
for electrical control boxes.
Laboratory is kept tidy with
any trailing leads covered.
Spillages are cleared up
immediately
Anyone working in labs to
wear safety footwear,
including adequate toe
protection.
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit
#
Hazard(s) identified
Persons affected
Existing controls & measures

4
Damage to respiratory tract and lungs
from lime inhalation
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors

5
Skin damage, in form of
burns/dermatitis, from contact with
lime
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
6
Eye damage or irritation from contact
of lime with eyes.
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
7
Damage to respiratory tract and lungs
from inhalation of nano particles
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
8
Absorption of nano particles through
the skin
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
9
Eye damage or irritation from contact
with nano particles
Technicians, Postgrad,
Undergrad, visitors
UOB Risk Assessment
Carry out dust-generating
activities under extractor in
room 1.19 whenever possible.
Wear a dust mask

Cover all exposed skin when
handling lime, using PPE i.e.
gloves, boiler suit.

Wear eye protection (goggles)
when handling/mixing
anything containing lime.

Carry out dust-generating
activities under extractor in
room 1.19 whenever possible.
Wear a dust mask
Whenever possible, carry out
work in a chemical fume
hood.
Lab coat must be worn
Gloves must be worn to cover
the wrist and any skin not
covered by the lab coat
Safety glasses/goggles must
be worn





A
B
AxB
Additional controls required
Ensure access to lab area is
restricted where mixing/ dust
inducing activities are taking
place. If lime inhalation
occurs, remove affected
person to fresh air and if
continues occurs seek
medical attention.
If lime comes in contact with
skin, irrigate skin with plenty
of water.
If eyes come into contact
with lime, move immediately
to nearest eyewash station
and irrigate eye thoroughly.
University Health, Safety & Environment Unit
#
Persons affected
Hazard(s) identified
10
Injury from moving parts when working Technicians, Postgrad,
with machinery
Undergrad, visitors
Assessor signature:
Existing controls & measures
A
B
AxB
Additional controls required


No trailing clothing to be worn
Keep distance from working
machinery
Print name:
Review date:
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