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Introduction to this document

Flow chart - how to do a risk assessment

Producing a good quality risk assessment relies on the assessor following a systematic process. But once staff have left the training room, will they remember what to do? Our flow chart will help.

How to use it

Our Flow Chart - How to do a Risk Assessment can be used as part of your health and safety manual, as a handout during training sessions and as a simple reference guide for managers and staff.

Displayed on a single page, it packs a great deal of information into a small space. Plus, as it’s in a flow chart format it’s easy to read and follow.

The procedure begins at the top of the page with the phrase “It has been identified that a risk assessment is required.” Following this there are details about who should carry out the assessments, what to cover in each one, data to gather before starting and what to write on the forms. We’ve suggested that you cross reference the specific risk assessments where you identify these are required, e.g. when manual handling tasks form part of an activity. 

Once the assessor reaches the box which tells them to sign and date the assessment, it’s passed to the responsible manager for review and signature.

How about specific risk assessments?

Specific risk assessments are those carried out under particular legislation such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Other common hazards covered by specific regulations include: (1) manual handling; (2) use of display screen equipment; (3) dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres; (4) fire; (5) new and expectant mothers at work; (6) noise; and (7) vibration.

For all of these subjects certain details must be covered as described in the relevant regulations. As a result, it’s better not to use the generic risk assessment flow chart in these circumstances as it may lead to omissions.