Health and Safety
Executive
Example risk assessment for contract bricklayers
Setting the scene
The manager of a successful bricklaying contractor,
with help from worker representatives, carried out
a general risk assessment that covered their typical
work. This assessment was used when tendering for
contracts to demonstrate the firm’s approach to health
and safety. In the tender documents the manager
was clear about what was needed from the principal
contractor to do the job safely and properly.
The firm won a bricklaying contract for a development
of three-storey flats. Work was due to start on 1 May
2006. The manager checked the construction phase
plan and met the principal contractor’s site manager on
the site. This extra information was used to amend the
general assessment so that it was specific to the work
and conditions.
How was the risk assessment done?
The manager followed the guidance in Five steps to risk
assessment (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf).
1 To identify the hazards, the manager:
■■ read HSE’s construction web pages and HSE’s
publication HSG150 Health and safety in construction
(available from HSE Books, www.hsebooks.com);
■■ checked the manufacturers’ instructions for tools/
machinery and the data sheet for mortar;
Example risk assessment: Contract bricklayers
■■ thought about the work seen on sites; and How was the site-specific risk assessment
■■ talked to employees to help identify the significant done?
hazards and particular work practices.
1 To turn the general risk assessment into a site-specific
2 The manager then wrote down who could be harmed assessment the manager checked the following had
by the hazards and how. been identified:
3 For each hazard identified, the manager recorded ■■ the right hazards;
what controls, if any, were in place to manage these ■■ who might be harmed and how;
hazards. These controls were then compared to the ■■ controls that would need to be taken on this particular
good practice guidance laid out in the manufacturers’ site; and
instructions or the data sheets, Health and safety in ■■ who would be responsible for putting the controls into
construction, Essentials of health and safety at work practice and when.
publications and the HSE construction web pages.
Where existing controls did not meet good practice the 2 The manager did this by:
manager wrote down what further actions were needed
to manage the risk. ■■ checking the construction phase plan for the site.
■■ looking at the general layout of the site as well as what
4 Putting the findings of the risk assessment into materials were to be used (in particular what weight of
practice, the manager decided and recorded who was blocks and lintels), what equipment and plant would
responsible for implementing the further actions and be needed, and what general rules would need to be
when they should be done. When each action was followed;
completed it was ticked off and the date was recorded. ■■ visiting the site; and
■■ discussing the work and the site conditions and general
5 The manager decided that for each new site it was rules with the principal contractor’s site manager.
important to make sure the assessment was suitable
and amend it depending on the particular work and 3 The manager made the supervisor responsible for
conditions. A review and update of the general risk briefing the bricklayers about the site rules on their first
assessment would be made each year and staff would day.
learn from the work on different sites.
1 of 5 pages

Company name: TVW Contract Bricklayers
Date of risk assessment: 6/3/2006
What are the hazards? Who might be harmed and
how?
Falling from height Serious injury or even fatal
injury could occur if a worker
falls.
Collapse of scaffold All operatives on scaffold
may incur crush injuries,
or worse, if the scaffold
collapses on top of them.
Falling objects Serious head and other
hitting head or body, injuries to workers, others
including feet on site and members of the
public.
Example risk assessment: Contract bricklayers
Health and Safety
Executive
Important reminder
This example risk assessment shows the kind of approach a small business might take. Use it as a guide to think through
some of the hazards in your business and the steps you need to take to control the risks. Please note that it is not a generic
risk assessment that you can just put your company name on and adopt wholesale without any thought. This would not
satisfy the law – and would not be effective in protecting people.
Every business is different – you need to think through the hazards and controls required in your business for yourself.
What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
who? when?
■■ Agree scaffolding requirements at contract stage, including ■■ Scaffold requirements agreed, including TB 20/3/06 20/3/06
appropriate load rating and provision of loading bays. loading bays and appropriate load rating.
■■ Bricklayers’ supervisor to check with the site manager that the
correct scaffold is provided and inspected.
■■ Workers instructed not to interfere with or misuse scaffold ■■ Supervisor to speak regularly to site LG From
– supervisor to keep an eye out for problems. manager to arrange scaffold alterations and 1/5/06
■■ Ladders in good condition, adequately secured (lashed) and ensure that weekly inspections have been
placed on firm surface. carried out.
■■ Band stands with handrails to be used for work on internal walls.
■■ Workers trained to put up bandstands.
■■ Agree scaffolding requirements at contract stage, including ■■ Supervisor to keep a check to make LG From
appropriate load rating and provision of loading bays. sure that scaffold is not overloaded with 1/5/06
■■ Bricklayers’ supervisor to check with the site manager that the materials.
correct scaffold is provided and inspected.
■■ Brick guards kept in position on scaffold lifts. ■■ Supervisor to monitor use of safety hats and LG From
■■ Waste materials removed from scaffolding and placed in skip. protective footwear. 1/5/06
■■ Safety helmets and protective footwear (with steel toecaps and
mid-soles) supplied and worn at all times.
2 of 5 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the hazards? Who might be harmed and What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
how? who? when?

Manual handling All workers could suffer from ■■ Bricks, mortar etc to be transported and lifted to scaffold using ■■ Heaviest blocks are 15 kg, no special VP From
back injury and long-term telehandler provided by principal contractor. arrangements necessary. 1/5/06
pain if regularly lifting/ ■■ Provision of lifting bay agreed with principal contractor.
carrying heavy or awkward ■■ Bricks/blocks to be covered with tarpaulin when stored on site to ■■ Concrete lintels are well over 20 kg, to VP From
objects. prevent taking up water. be positioned using telehandler (all are 1/5/06
■■ Spot boards to be raised with blocks to easy working height. accessible).
■■ Trolley to be used for moving loads of bricks around the scaffold
lift. ■■ All workers to be instructed not to carry LG From
■■ Check at tender stage for any blocks or lintels over 20 kg and materials up by hand. 1/5/06
make arrangements.

Workers struck or Workers could suffer serious ■■ Manager to agree safe route to work area with principal ■■ Safe route agreed with principal contractor TB 20/3/06 20/3/06
crushed by moving or even fatal injuries from contractor based upon the construction phase health and safety
vehicles on site vehicles and machines on plan. ■■ Supervisor to liaise with site manager to LG From
site – particularly when ■■ Induction to each site to be carried out for all workers on first ensure safe route stays clear. 1/5/06
reversing. day.
■■ Instruct staff that they must never drive LG From
vehicles and plant on this site. 1/5/06

■■ High-visibility vests to be provided. LG From

1/5/06

■■ Supervisor to check vests are worn on all LG From

sites where the principal contractor requires 1/5/06
them.

Slips and trips All workers may suffer ■■ Good housekeeping maintained at all times. ■■ Temporary storage locations to be agreed TB 20/2/06 20/3/06
sprains or fractures if they ■■ Waste including brick bands and pallet debris disposed of in with site manager.
trip over waste including skip.
brick bands and pallet debris. ■■ Safety footwear provided to all workers. ■■ Supervisor to ensure that workers wear LG From
Slips at height could result in ■■ Safe route to workplace agreed with principal contractor based safety footwear whenever on site. 1/5/06
a serious fall. on construction phase health and safety plan.

Example risk assessment: Contract bricklayers 3 of 5 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the hazards? Who might be harmed and What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
how? who? when?

Stepping on nails and All workers could suffer foot ■■ Safety boots with steel toecaps and mid-soles provided to all ■■ Explain the need to wear safety boots and LG 1/5/06 1/5/06
sharp objects injuries. workers. dispose of waste in skips – repeat annually.
■■ Waste disposed of in skips.
■■ Supervisor to check that safety boots are LG From
always worn and waste disposed of properly. 1/5/06

Hazard to eyes, Bricklayers could suffer eye ■■ Safety goggles (EN 166 B standard) worn when breaking bricks. ■■ Use of goggles to be monitored by LG From
cutting bricks injury through flying brick supervisor. 1/5/06
fragments.

Hazardous Direct skin contact with the ■■ Risk of dermatitis or cement burns and precautions explained to ■■ Training on how to treat exposure to be given TB 17/4/06 26/4/06
substances, mortar mortar could also cause all workers. to all operatives.
bricklayer contact dermatitis ■■ Use cement or cement containing products within the use-by
and burns. date. ■■ Supervisor to be aware of anyone with early LG From
■■ Direct skin contact to be avoided, CE marked PVC gloves used signs of dermatitis. 1/5/06
when handling mortar.
■■ Good washing facilities on site, with hot and cold water, soap
and basins large enough to wash forearms.
■■ Principal contractor’s first aid includes emergency eyewash.

Dust from cutting Dust exposure could cause ■■ Angle grinders replaced with block splitter, removing the risk of
bricks silicosis. significant dust exposure.
■■ The use of a grinder for chasing etc is not needed on this job.

Operating cement Workers could be crushed ■■ Cement mixer located on firm, level ground. ■■ Supervisor to check mixer daily for obvious LG From
mixer or cut if the mixer topples or ■■ Mixer is fully guarded and guards in place during operation. damage. 1/5/06
they get caught in moving ■■ Mixer is 110 volt and PAT tested every three months.
parts. Damage to electrics
could result in a shock.

Example risk assessment: Contract bricklayers 4 of 5 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the hazards? Who might be harmed and What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
how? who? when?

Noise from use of Workers using grinders or ■■ Angle grinders replaced with block splitter, removing high noise ■■ Supervisor to monitor and talk to site LG From
equipment, eg angle working near people who levels from our work. manager if noisy work does start close by. 1/5/06
grinder may suffer hearing loss. ■■ Construction phase plan show other trades using grinders etc
should not be working close enough to cause problems.

Vibration from use of Exposure to vibration can ■■ Angle grinders replaced with block splitter. No significant
equipment such as lead to the development of vibration left.
angle grinder ‘vibration white finger’ (VWF).

Fire/explosion All operatives in the vicinity ■■ Suitable fire extinguisher kept in site office and welfare block. ■■ Supervisor to brief all workers on first day LG 1/5/06 1/5/06
could suffer from smoke ■■ Good housekeeping monitored by supervisor. on emergency arrangements agreed with
inhalation or burns. principal contractor.

Welfare/first aid
Good facilities help prevent
dermatitis etc.
■■ Principal contractor will have facilities on site by the time ■■ Supervisor to brief workers on facilities and LG 1/5/06 1/5/06
bricklaying starts, including: keeping them clean.
-- flushing toilet;
-- hot and cold running water, soap, towels and full-size
washbasins;
-- heated canteen with kettle etc;
-- first-aid equipment;
-- principal contractor will arrange clearing and ensure the
necessary electrical and heating safety checks are made;
and
-- site agent is appointed person for first aid.

Assessment review date: 25/8/06

Example risk assessment: Contract bricklayers 5 of 5 pages

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 11/08

Example risk assessment for maintenance work in a factory
Setting the scene
ABC Engineering manufacture parts for the motor
industry. The company employs 40 people on a site
built in the 1970s.
The managing director reviewed the company’s health
and safety arrangements and found that although
risk assessments for the production, storage and
distribution of products were done and the necessary
risk control measures had been put in place, no
risk assessment had been done and recorded for
maintenance work in the factory. The MD told the
maintenance manager (the ‘fitter’) to do this risk
assessment and to put its findings into practice.
Where possible, maintenance work at the factory is
done in-house by the fitter. His main job is to support
production by, for example, maintaining plant,
machinery and tools and undertaking minor jobs on
the building fabric. The company also uses outside
contractors, for example for most building repairs,
detailed repairs to machinery, and most electrical work
and work on the LEV system. The fitter’s job includes
the selection of contractors and, with the works
manager, the oversight of their work.
The fitter works out of a small workshop, which has
some basic engineering machinery, a welding kit and
secure storage for solvents and flammables. His work,
however, takes him to all parts of the factory.
Example risk assessment: Maintenance work in a factory
How was the risk assessment done?
The fitter followed the guidance in Five steps to risk
assessment (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf).
1 To identify the hazards, the fitter:
■■ looked at HSE’s web pages for free health and
safety advice for the engineering industry (www.hse.
gov.uk/engineering/index.htm) and downloaded
the free publication Use of contractors: A joint
responsibility (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg368.pdf);
■■ walked around all the areas where he and contractors
may go, noting things that might pose a risk, and taking
into account both HSE’s guidance and those jobs that
he or contractors may be required to do;
■■ talked through the issues with the safety representative,
with supervisors and other members of staff to learn
from their detailed knowledge of particular jobs and
areas; and
■■ looked at the accident book to get information on past
problems.
2 The fitter then wrote down who could be harmed by
the hazards and how.
3 For each hazard, the fitter wrote down what was
already being done to manage these, taking HSE’s
guidance into account. Where he did not consider
existing controls good enough, he wrote down what
else needed to be done to control the risk.
Health and Safety
Executive
4 The fitter discussed the findings with the safety
representative, with supervisors and with the managing
director. He gave copies of the risk assessment to
them, and pinned up a copy on the notice board. Then
he put the findings of the risk assessment into practice.
When each action was completed he ticked if off and
recorded the date.
5 The fitter decided to review and update the assessment
at least once a year, or at any time when major
changes to the workplace occurred, or when any out-
of-the-ordinary jobs needed to be done.
Important reminder
This example risk assessment shows the kind of
approach a small business might take. Use it as a
guide to think through some of the hazards in your
business and the steps you need to take to control
the risks.  Please note that it is not a generic risk
assessment that you can just put your company
name on and adopt wholesale without any thought.
This would not satisfy the law – and would not be
effective in protecting people.
Every business is different – you need to think
through the hazards and controls required in your
business for yourself.
1 of 5 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

Company name: ABC Engineering Ltd Date of risk assessment: 1/10/08

What are the Who might be What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
hazards? harmed and how? whom? when?

Unfamiliarity Contractors may ■■ Most of the contractors used have been to the site before (much of the work ■■ Speak to all regular contractors to make Fitter 31/12/08 18/12/08
with the suffer injuries or ill contracted out is ‘repeat jobs’, on machinery maintenance, window cleaning etc) them aware of this risk assessment
site and/or health if they are and are familiar with layout, significant risks of the job, how to control those risks and to check their awareness of health
uncertainty unfamiliar with the etc. and safety issues on site. Also to check
about the job hazards on site, ■■ Fitter always works with company secretary and supervisor to: that they cascade health and safety
such as transport –– decide the best time for contractors to be on site; and information to staff who haven’t visited
and machinery or –– allow time for staff to know that contractors will be on site and what job they’ll the site before.
presence of asbestos, be doing.
or if they are uncertain ■■ One-off jobs discussed with fitter and supervisor of the area affected, and ■■ A company’s awareness and attitude Fitter (in 30/10/08 26/10/08
about the best way to key issues such as safe systems of work (eg isolation procedures, control of to health and safety issues to be used discussion
do a job. flammables etc), who will supply necessary kit (eg access equipment), and any as a criteria in the selection of new with MD).
necessary personal protective equipment, agreed before work begins. contractors.
■■ Contractors comply with company sign-in and sign-out procedures so staff know
who is on site and where they are. ■■ All new contractors to be briefed on Fitter From now
■■ Works manager does random checks on contractors on site to ensure, among health and safety arrangements on the on
other matters, they are working safely. site.

■■ Instruct supervisors to challenge MD 16/10/08 04/10/08

contractors, and to inform fitter and
senior managers as necessary, if they see
contractors working in an unsafe way.

Slips and trips Fitter and contractors ■■ Generally good housekeeping (eg procedures for oil spillages in place and ■■ No further action required at present.
may suffer injuries if adhered to).
they slip on spillages, ■■ Floors generally in good condition.
or trip over objects, ■■ Good lighting throughout.
and fall. ■■ Pallets etc stored in designated area.
■■ Staff wear safety shoes with a good grip.

Example risk assessment: Maintenance work in a factory 2 of 5 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
hazards? harmed and how? whom? when?

Workplace Fitter and contractors ■■ Good pedestrian/vehicle segregation measures on site, eg separate door for ■■ Print off company transport safety rules Fitter 30/10/08 08/10/08
transport may suffer very pedestrians to factory, marked walkways, railings were considered necessary, and ensure contractor has a copy before
serious injuries, such reversing policy for deliveries etc. job begins.
as fractures and ■■ All staff working outside, including contractors, wear hi-viz tabard.
internal damage, if ■■ Contractors know that they must not drive any company vehicles, including lift ■■ Reception staff to remind contractors of Reception From now
they are struck by a trucks. rules when they sign in. staff. on
vehicle such as a lorry ■■ Annual FLT safety inspections.
or a lift truck.

Moving heavy Fitter/contractors may ■■ All staff involved in any job requiring heavy plant or machinery to be moved get ■■ One-day lifting and slinging course to be Fitter 30/10/08 Date set
objects be seriously injured together beforehand to agree how the job is to be done safely, and the fitter (or arranged to get others trained. for 1/09
if struck by falling supervisor, if the fitter is absent) makes sure that everyone understands what they
heavy objects during, should and should not do.
for example, the ■■ Fitter trained to drive a lift truck.
movement of heavy ■■ Fitter, and three other staff members, trained in safe slinging.
plant or machinery. ■■ Trained person always in charge of any lifting operation.

Sharpening Fitter and others ■■
tools nearby may suffer
serious impact injuries ■■
if abrasive wheel
fractures during use.
Fitter trained to mount, and in the safe use of abrasive wheels, and has many ■■ No further action at this stage.
years experience sharpening tools.
Only trained staff allowed to change or use abrasive wheels.

Working at Fitter and contractors ■■ All contractor jobs involving work at height discussed by fitter, contractor and ■■ Download free HSE guidance on work Fitter 30/10/08 30/10/08
height may suffer severe, other relevant staff and a safe system of work agreed before job begins. at height to check that all necessary
possibly fatal, injuries ■■ Access equipment (eg ladders, tower scaffold) kept in fitter’s workshop and measures are being taken (www.hse.gov.
if they fall from any inspected before use and stored safely after use. uk/falls/index.htm).
height, eg during ■■ Fitter trained to use ladders and tower scaffold safely.
machinery or LEV
repair.

Example risk assessment: Maintenance work in a factory 3 of 5 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
hazards? harmed and how? whom? when?

Manual Fitter and contractors ■■ Manual handling aids – lift truck, porters trolley, wheelbarrow etc – available. ■■ No further action at this stage.
handling may suffer back pain ■■ Fitter trained in safe manual handling.
or pain elsewhere ■■ Contractors told to ensure their staff follow safe manual handling techniques.
from handling heavy ■■ For jobs involving difficult manual handling, eg some machinery repairs, fitter,
and/or bulky objects. contractor and relevant others discuss beforehand and agree a safe system of
work.

Noise Fitter/contractors ■■
may suffer discomfort ■■
and potential hearing
damage if working in ■■
noisy areas or using
noisy equipment (eg ■■
angle grinders).
If possible, jobs in production areas done when the presses are not in use. ■■ No further action at this stage.
Fitter has ear defenders and knows how to use them effectively and maintain
them properly.
Contractors instructed to wear suitable hearing protection when the job exposes
them to loud noise.
Maintenance machinery, eg drills, angle grinders, maintained to ensure they run
as quietly as is possible.

Electricity Fitter/contractors ■■ Fitter, contractors and relevant others discuss electrical safety before each job ■■ No further action at this stage.
may suffer shock begins to ensure that relevant machinery, circuits etc are isolated and locked off
and burns injuries throughout the job.
from faulty electrical ■■ Contractors told to inspect all electrical appliances pre-use and not to bring any
equipment or equipment on site where condition of cables, switches etc give rise to concern.
installation. ■■ Electrical installation and all equipment (including machinery in fitter’s workshop)
is inspected to a planned schedule.

Machinery Fitter and others may ■■ All dangerous parts of machinery guarded to manufacturers’ standards. ■■ No further action at this stage.
suffer serious injury ■■ Machinery guards inspected every month and maintained in good condition.
from unguarded ■■ All new machinery checked before first use to ensure they have the CE standard
moving parts of mark, a ‘Declaration of Conformity’ and there are no obvious accessible
machinery. dangerous moving parts, or siting of the machine does not cause additional
hazards, eg feed tables, take-off bins etc.
■■ Fitter (who is trained to set tools and do daily checks of power press guards)
checks that setters on the shopfloor do daily checks of power press guards.

Example risk assessment: Maintenance work in a factory 4 of 5 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by Action by Done
hazards? harmed and how? whom? when?

Confined Fitter/contractors
spaces may suffer serious,
possibly fatal, injuries
if trapped in a
confined space.
■■ No confined space working unless the job can’t otherwise be done (eg the ■■ Download free HSE guidance on work Fitter 30/10/08 30/10/08
degreasing plant is cleaned by the fitter from the outside, using long-handled in confined spaces to check that current
tools, so avoiding entry to the plant). control measures are sufficient
■■ All jobs, whether done by fitter or contractor, that involve confined space working (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg258.pdf) and
are risk assessed beforehand and the necessary control measures put in place, make sure contractors doing confined
eg at least two-man working, rescue plan agreed etc. space work are aware of this guidance.

Asbestos Fitter, contractors
and others may be
exposed to asbestos
fibres, risking serious
lung disease, if fibres
released (eg through
maintenance work)
into air and inhaled.
■■ Building surveyed for asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found ■■ No further action at this stage.
in some insulating boards. As these were in good condition and in places unlikely
to be damaged or disturbed, they were left in place.
■■ Insulating boards clearly marked ‘danger, asbestos, do not disturb’ and ‘report any
accidental damage immediately’.
■■ Fitter checks condition of insulating boards every two months.

Fire Staff trapped could ■■ Fire risk assessment done as at www.communities.gov.uk/fire and necessary ■■ No further action at this stage.
suffer fatal injury from action taken.
smoke inhalation/ ■■ Contractors told of fire and evacuation policy before work begins.
burns.

Assessment review date: 1/10/09

Example risk assessment: Maintenance work in a factory 5 of 5 pages

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 11/10

Example risk assessment for a motor vehicle repair body shop
Setting the scene
The business employs two sprayers and two other
workers who assist with body preparation, panel
beating etc. One of these is an apprentice. The
premises are on an industrial estate and include an
external parking area for four cars, a small reception
area and the shop floor. The shop floor consists of
the vehicle preparation area which can accommodate
three vehicles, a dedicated mixing area for paints and
a single downdraught spray booth with ‘pit’
extraction. The spray booth, local exhaust ventilation
and compressor are examined and maintained by the
company’s insurers. Above the reception there is a
mezzanine floor used for storage, which has double
handrails and a permanent wooden staircase for
access.
A corner of the preparation area has been partitioned
off to create a mess room where there is a sink,
kettle and microwave. Lockers are provided for
storing work clothes and equipment. At the entrance
there are toilet facilities with a hand basin, water
heater, soap dispenser and paper towels.
The company use an occupational health provider,
who visits once a year.
The manager did the risk assessment.
Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair body shop
How was the risk assessment done?
The manager first looked at the relevant guidance on the
HSE website, including:
■■ The health and safety toolbox: How to control risks at
work (www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/index.htm)
■■ Health and safety in motor vehicle repair industry and
associated industries (see www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/
books/hsg261.htm)
■■ COSHH essentials sheets for body shops (see www.
hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm)
He also read the manufacturers’ instructions for chemicals
and equipment. He then identified the hazards in the
repair body shop. He did this by:
■■ walking around the body shop and noting things that
may cause harm
■■ talking to workers to learn from their knowledge and
experience and listen to their concerns and opinions
about health and safety issues. He confirmed what
training had been provided and asked that they
consider particular requirements the young apprentice
may need
■■ looking at the accident book to learn what had
previously resulted in accidents or near misses
As he identified the hazards he also thought about who
could be harmed and how.
Health and Safety
Executive
How to use this example
This example risk assessment shows a wide range of
hazards that might be present in this type of small
business. It can be used as a guide to help you think
through some of the hazards in your business and the
steps you need to take to control the risks.
However, this is not a generic risk assessment. Every
business is different. To satisfy the law you must
identify and assess the hazards your business poses,
think through the controls required to provide effective
protection to people who may be affected by them, and
record the significant findings from your risk
assessment of your business.
He noted what he was already doing to control the risks
and considered whether he needed to do anything more.
He then recorded any further actions required.
Putting the risk assessment into practice, the manager set
out what actions needed to be taken, who would do them
and by when. He placed a copy of the risk assessment at
reception where all workers could see it and discussed
the findings with them.
The manager decided to review the risk assessment
whenever there were any significant changes such as new
work equipment, work activities or workers.
1 of 6 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

Company name: Hope ‘n’ Spray Bodyshop Date of risk assessment: 01/05/12

What are the Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing? Do you need to do anything else to Action by Action by Done
hazards? control this risk? who? when?
Hazardous Skin contact can lead to workers ■■ Low-protein powder-free latex gloves supplied and used ■■ Manager to check that gloves are being Manager 03/05/12 03/05/12
substances getting dermatitis. ■■ Disposable overalls supplied/used used then
Contact with ■■ Overalls replaced as required randomly
body-fillers, ■■ Risks from dermatitis explained to workers, and workers ■■ As no history of dermatitis at company, Manager to Each Copies
glues paint trained to spot (and report) any early signs of dermatitis, ie occupational health provider (OHP) arrange with October of health
thinners and dry, red, itchy skin suggested that annual skin check OHP or if new records
paint ■■ Workers instructed to wash their hands thoroughly and use sufficient with skin checks on all new employee stored
skin creams provided after handling substances employees taken on safely
Inhalation of Workers, and any visitors, breathing ■■ All spraying carried out in spray booth ■■ Show sprayers video clips from HSE MVR Manager 30/05/12 30/05/12
paint mist in the mist may develop asthma. ■■ Workers trained in safe use of equipment and safe systems website showing how they can be
containing of work exposed to invisible paint mist
isocyanate ■■ Equipment regularly maintained by a competent person and ■■ Ensure workers are exiting the spray
Manager checks this is done and records results booth correctly and only unclipping at exit
■■ Only those with air-fed masks allowed into booth door
■■ Air-fed masks used by all sprayers and kept in place during ■■ Manager check that air-fed masks are Manager Random Note on
‘clearance time’ (measured at 1 min 15 sec and marked on used correctly and sprayers don’t flip up computer
outside of booth) visor until after the clearance time calendar
■■ Spray booth checked to manufacturer’s instructions and
tested and examined every 14 months by insurers ■■ Booth automatic over-pressure shut down Sprayer Starting Chart fixed
■■ Breathing air quality from compressor checked every three checked every quarter 01/06/12 to booth
months by insurers
■■ Air-inlet for compressor well clear of any contaminants ■■ Biological monitoring (urine tests) and Manager to Each Copies
■■ Spray guns cleaned in ventilated gun cleaner – spray-to-dry breathing checks (health surveillance) arrange with October of health
in booth wearing air-fed mask arranged annually for sprayers with OHP or if new records
occupational health provider to check that employee stored
controls are working properly and taken on safely
whether there are early signs of asthma
■■ Breathing checks to be carried out on all
new employees

Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair body shop 2 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing? Do you need to do anything else to Action by Action by Done
hazards? control this risk? who? when?
Inhalation Sanding/grinding produce large ■■ On-tool extraction used for power sanding and grinding ■■ Arrange for examination and testing of Manager to 30/11/12 Records
of dust from quantities of dust that can damage ■■ Disposable dust masks available for hand sanding extraction equipment by insurance arrange with kept in
sanding and workers’ lungs. company (tie in with booth testing if Insurers office
grinding possible)
operations
Exposure to UV UV can damage unprotected eyes ■■ Coverall, gloves and supplied face shield used ■■ Explain to sprayers that same precautions Manager Note on
In UV-cured and skin of workers causing ‘arc ■■ Training provided by supplier taken against inhalation of paint mist as makes computer
SMART paint eye’, cataracts and, long term, skin ■■ Welding-type screen encloses operation to protect others for isocyanates random calendar
system and cancer. checks
when arc
welding
Fumes from Workers may suffer harm, eg to ■■ Mobile extraction unit with sufficiently long flexible trunking ■■ Check with manufacturer whether further Manager 31/05/12 28/05/12
welding and lungs, from harmful fumes and used precautions required for ultra high-
flamecutting gases generated during welding ■■ Extraction system maintained and tested by insurance strength steels
including from primer, paint layers. company
Fire If trapped workers and customers ■■ Fire risk assessment done and any necessary action taken, ■■ No further action
Faulty electrics, could suffer fatal injuries from see www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities.
arson smoke inhalation/burns.
Fuel Workers could suffer severe or fatal ■■ Proprietary fuel-retriever used in open air ■■ Provide employees with information from Manager 31/05/12 28/05/12
burns if petrol gets on them and is ■■ Hot work on any fuel tank (including diesel) prohibited unless Safe use of petrol in garages (INDG331)
ignited. inerted and Vehicle Finishing Units – Risks from
■■ LPG fuelled vehicles subcontracted to specialist refinisher Gross Leakage of Fuels and Hot work on
small tanks and drums (INDG314)
Paint and Paint thinners are highly flammable ■■ Less than 50 litres of solvent kept in metal bin inside ■■ No further action
thinners (as for petrol above) and paint mist workshop. Larger quantities kept in the locked and ventilated
can cause fire or explosions. fire-resisting store in the yard
■■ Paint mixing unit is fire-resistant and well ventilated
■■ All electrical equipment within 1 m of mixer is correctly Ex
rated
■■ Metal bin with tight fitting lid used for waste rags
■■ Only Ex rated equipment allowed in spray booth
■■ No hot work or sparks near fuel or solvent

Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair body shop 3 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing? Do you need to do anything else to Action by Action by Done
hazards? control this risk? who? when?
Noise Workers/contractors may suffer ■■ Purchasing policy to replace tools with quietest option ■■ Workers to be shown HSE’s webpages on Manager 31/05/12 28/05/12
Working with discomfort and potential hearing ■■ Noisy work restricted to ‘ear protection zone’ to reduce the noise (www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm)
angle grinders damage if working in noisy areas or numbers at risk
using noisy equipment. ■■ Suitable hearing protectors provided for workers and workers ■■ Seek opinion of OHP whether health Manager October October
trained how to use, check and maintain them according to checks required
advice given by supplier
■■ Workers trained in risk of noise exposure
Vibration Workers may suffer vibration white ■■ Purchasing policy to have tools that have been designed and ■■ Workers who use vibrating tools to be Manager 31/05/12 28/05/12
finger (hand-arm vibration – HAV) constructed to reduce the risk of vibration, and are suitable shown HSE’s vibration webpages (www.
from over use of power tools (eg for their intended use hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/index.htm)
sanders, grinders and disc cutters). ■■ Workers trained to use them safely and keep them properly ■■ Seek opinion of OHP whether health Manager October October
maintained checks required

Electrical Workers could get electrical shocks ■■ Low-voltage hand lamps (24 V) used ■■ Manager to assess suitability of replacing 01/10/12
Portable or burns from using faulty electrical ■■ Residual current device (RCD) built into main switchboard 240 V tools with air-powered or 110 V
appliances, eg equipment, or a faulty installation. ■■ Workers trained to spot and report any defective plugs, alternatives
hand lamps Electrical faults can also cause fires. damaged cables or discoloured sockets to manager
■■ Annual testing on all portable 240 V tools
■■ Safety checks of the electrical equipment and installations
are carried out to ensure that the equipment continues to be
safe. Where necessary this is done by a competent
electrician
Machinery Workers/contractors may suffer ■■ Pre-use checks on all mechanical equipment, faults reported ■■ No further action
Grinding serious injury from unguarded to manager
equipment moving parts of machinery. ■■ Equipment not left running unattended
■■ Equipment guarded to manufacturers’ standards
■■ Safety goggles provided and worn
■■ Only trained persons use/change grinding wheels

Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair body shop 4 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing? Do you need to do anything else to Action by Action by Done
hazards? control this risk? who? when?
Failure of car lift Workers may suffer severe crush ■■ Car lifts/jacks serviced by supplier and examined every six ■■ No further action
or car jack injuries from falling vehicle if a car months by insurers
lift or jack fails. ■■ Jacks only used where ground conditions are firm, stable and
level. Once vehicle lifted, axle stands used
■■ Axle stands maintained and inspected and damaged stands
taken out of use
■■ Safe working loads not exceeded
Compressed air Workers could suffer blast injuries, ■■ All workers trained in safe working procedures and dangers ■■ No further action
Explosion of eg if tyre exploded or internal of horseplay
equipment, eg damage if compressed air is ■■ Airline has dead man’s handle
tyres introduced into the body. ■■ System serviced every year and thoroughly examined by
insurers in accordance with the written scheme of
examination
Manual handling Workers risk injuries or back pain ■■ Workers are instructed to use porter’s trolley to move heavier ■■ OHP to discuss manual handling Manager October October
Movement of from handling of heavy/bulky objects materials, parts etc techniques with workers
spare parts or ■■ Manager to check that workers know
components how to lift safely and handle tyres in
accordance with Collection and delivery
of tyres
Handling vehicle Air bags could explode when not ■■ Workers trained in correct handling and fitting ■■ No further action
air bags fitted, causing injury to workers. ■■ Faulty units returned to supplier for disposal

Work involving Workers could suffer: ■■ Workers are trained in correct procedures ■■ Brief workers on safe working with air- Manager 31/05/12 31/05/12
air conditioning ■■ frostbite – through skin or eye conditioning systems (from HSE’s Safe
systems contact with refrigerant liquid or working with vehicle air conditioning
gas systems INDG349)
■■ asphyxiation – if sufficient
quantities of gas escape into
confined space
■■ exposure to harmful gases –
through thermal decomposition
of refrigerant if exposed to a
naked flame.

Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair body shop 5 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed and how? What are you already doing? Do you need to do anything else to Action by Action by Done
hazards? control this risk? who? when?
Vehicle Workers and customers might suffer ■■ Safe parking provided for customers ■■ No further action
movements serious injury if struck by a vehicle ■■ Marked walkways for pedestrians
(including a vehicle parked unbraked ■■ Parked vehicles are braked or chocked when on vehicle lifts,
and/or unchocked and in gear, and jacks or axle stands, or sloping ground
then started up from outside the ■■ Engines always started and run with brakes on and in neutral
vehicle). gear, and by someone sitting in the driver’s seat
Slips and trips Workers and customers may be ■■ Good housekeeping standards maintained through training ■■ Weekly housekeeping check to be started Manager to
Doorways injured if they trip over objects or and monitoring do random
(rain), spillages, slip on spillages. ■■ Workers clean up spillages immediately checks
uneven surfaces ■■ Good lighting in all areas
Working at Falls from any height can cause ■■ Handrails fitted at edges of raised storage areas and access ■■ Manager to monitor use of ladders and Manager Random Note on
height bruising and fractures and stairway provided access equipment when working on computer
potentially serious injuries. ■■ Workers are competent to use ladders where appropriate vehicles calendar
Public access to Customers might be injured if they ■■ Authorised Persons sign on display banning customers from ■■ Workers to be reminded to challenge Manager
workshop enter the workshop. the workshop, a viewing window is provided in reception anyone entering the workshop without
■■ If customers do need to enter workshop they must be permission
escorted by a worker

Assessment review date: 01/05/13

Example risk assessment: motor vehicle repair body shop 6 of 6 pages

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 04/13