risk assessment checklist
Accidents and first aid
Is first aid equipment provided?
Are persons with first aid training available?
Are procedures for dealing with accidents known and implemented?
Fire safety
Are there any combustible materials, flammable liquids or accumulations of waste?
Are there any heaters, people smoking or other sources of heat?
Are fire exits and escape routes well signed and accessible?
Has fire detection and fire fighting equipment been installed?
Have evacuation plans been devised and communicated?
Electrical safety
Are fixed electrical items (such as pumps, motors and other machinery) in good condition?
Are portable electrical appliances (including leads and plugs) in good condition?
Can you see evidence of unauthorised electrical appliances being used or temporary wiring?
Can you see evidence of mechanical damage to wiring?
Gas safety
Have arrangements been made regarding the maintenance of fixed gas boilers and heaters?
Have arrangements been made for the use, storing and changing of cylinders for portable liquid gas petroleum heaters?
Are cylinders for portable liquid gas petroleum heaters in good condition?
Control of hazardous substances - internal
Are cleaning materials stored correctly, and in the right amounts?
Are all paints, solvents, adhesives and other chemicals stored correctly, and in the right amounts?
Are fumes and dusts controlled?
Is personal protective equipment provided?
Control of hazardous substances – external
Are all pesticides, herbicides and petroleum stored correctly, and in the right amounts?
Is personal protective equipment provided?
Plant and machinery - internal
Are there any risks presented by:
• woodworking machinery?
• metalworking machinery?
• lifts, hoists and other lifting equipment?
• ladders and scaffolds including storage and accessibility?
• display screens and computer equipment?
• any other machinery and equipment?
Plant and machinery – external
Are there any risks presented by forklift trucks?
Are there any risks presented by lawnmowers, gangmowers and strimmers etc.
Slips, trips and falls - internal
Are there any loose carpets, rugs, mats and other floor coverings?
Are there any loose and uneven tiles, stone paving or floorboards?
Can you see any trailing leads or other obstructions?
Are there any spillages – of oil, water or other liquids?
Are there any worn, steep or uneven steps and stairs?
Are handrails available in stairwells?
Slips, trips and falls – external
Are car parks, yards, paths and steps even and well maintained?
Are there any potholes, tree roots or unprotected drops?
Can you see any long grass or undergrowth?
Are paths drained to prevent algae build-up?
Are handrails available?
Lighting - internal
Is lighting adequate – particularly in stairwells, cellars, basements and by steps?
Lighting - external
Is lighting adequate – particularly by paths, steps, driveways, car parks, boiler room steps and entrances?
Falls from height - internal
Have arrangements for safe light-bulb changing been communicated and implemented?
Are there any unprotected mezzanine floors?
Are ladders used securely?
Are there any unprotected openings and walkways at high level?
Falls from height – external
Have arrangements for safe gutter and valley clearing been communicated and implemented?
Are there any unprotected parapets and balustrades at low level?
Food hygiene
Does the business prepare food onsite?
What is the nature of the foods prepared and stored?
Which areas are used for food preparation?
Are there any facilities for washing and preparation of foodstuffs?
Are there facilities for the preparation of foodstuffs?
Are food handlers experienced, trained and competent to handle food?
Manual handling
Have arrangements for safe manual handling been communicated and implemented?
Is any specialist equipment needed?
Display screen equipment
What computer equipment exists within the building?
Who uses it and for how long?
Is the seating, work station, screen and software adequate?
Hazardous buildings/glazing
Can you see any loose brickwork, stonework, falling masonry, slates, tiles, gutters or flagpoles?
Are there any glass windows below waist height and in doors (or beside doors) below shoulder height? Are they made of safety material or protected against breakage? (NB: narrow panes up to 250mm need not be included).
Is there any asbestos present?
Personal safety
Do any members of staff work in the building alone?
Do any members of staff handle cash?
Are all members of staff aware of the procedure for raising the alarm and summoning assistance?
Other activities and hazards
Do you hold any events, exhibitions or in any way work away from the main site?
Are there any age-related hazards associated with these activities?
Is disabled access provided?
Do you organise any fetes, sponsored walks or fund-raising activities?
Please note: These notes are aimed at increasing awareness of the relevant laws and increasing understanding of the potential for triggering insurance claims. It is, however, only a very brief overview and is based on our understanding of current law and practice (October 2006). Legal advice must be obtained if you're unsure of any of your responsibilities.
