Objectives
Selwyn College
May 2012
Risk Management Procedure
RMP/9
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Issue: 1
 To identify the hazards to Staff, Students, Fellows, Guests and Visitors.
 To make an assessment of the degree of risk associated with each hazard.
 To determine and implement measures to control the risks.
 To implement the controls prior to new work starting.
 To meet legal requirements.
Risk
Assessments
 Relevant Heads of Department shall complete risk assessments using the
system given in document RMP/9a using form RMP/9f
 The documents ‘5 Steps to Risk Assessment’ (RMP/9b) and ‘Hazards to
consider when completing risk assessments’ (RMP/9c) should be followed
to consider and determine department hazards and risk.
 Assessments shall be based on the likelihood of the hazard taking place
and the severity of the risk (see RMP/9d).
 A list of departmental risk assessments shall be kept using document
RMP/9g.
 Risk assessments shall be brought to the attention of employees and be
readily available.
 Current risk assessments shall be retained by relevant Heads of
Departments.
 The HR & Health & Safety Officer will also retain copies of all risk
assessments.
Hazard
Identification
 Heads of Departments must ensure that hazards have been identified:
 In the physical area(s) they control.
 In all places where their staff work.
 Where others (not under their control) may be at risk from the activities
they control.
 The identification process shall include hazards giving rise to risks to
health, safety environment, property and processes whether through
accidents, ill health, fire, damage or theft.
 Identification shall take account of materials/substances,
workplaces/situations, equipment/machinery, processes, maintenance, fire,
environmental pollution, accidents and near misses, personal attributes
and emergencies.
New building,
Refurbishment
and New
Equipment

Hazard identification and risk assessment shall be undertaken as part of
the planning process for new building and refurbishment of College
properties.

Control measures identified in risk assessments shall be in place before
the area, equipment or process etc. is taken into use.

The College’s Competent Person may be consulted if expert advice is
required.
Selwyn College
May 2012
Risk Management Procedure
RMP/9
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Issue: 1
Standards and
Control
Measures
 Where hazards (other than trivial) cannot be eliminated, appropriate
control measures will be required.
 Control measures shall be determined following the Risk Assessment
Hierarchy of Control (RMP/9e).
 For trivial risks, verbal directions may be sufficient.
 For risks greater than low, a documented safe system shall be
implemented and incorporated into the standard working practices.
 Some situations may require short-term action until a more permanent
solution can be implemented.
 Standards may result from legal requirements, approved codes of practice
(ACoPs), manufacturers’ instructions, HSE guidance, or British, European
and international standards.
Employees
 Employees shall be trained in and follow the necessary control measures to
enable them to undertake their work and tasks with safety.
Contractors
 Contractors shall provide details of their general risk assessments when
appointed.
 Any alteration(s) from the agreed working methods may only take place
following a risk assessment review of the proposed changes.
Review
 Relevant Heads of Departments shall carry out reviews of risk
assessments:
 Annually
 Before making any changes to existing work arrangements.
 Following any accidents or near misses.
 Assessments carried out as a result of other legislation do not have to be
repeated, but must be reviewed annually, e.g. COSHH, Noise, and Manual
Handling assessments.
 The H&S Working Group will review and monitor (annually) the
effectiveness of this procedure.
Information and
Training
 Information on hazards, assessments and control measures must be
brought to the attention of employees.
 Heads of Departments and/or others designated to complete risk
assessments shall attend appropriate training.
Records
 Records of all training must be kept by the HR & H&S Officer.
Sources of
Reference
 HSE INDG163 (Rev 3)