ISO IAB Logo

Centralised Cleaning Systems

Example Health and Safety Risk Assessment

This example of a typical risk assessment is intended as a guide only.

Risk Assessment: The operation of a Hot Water Pressure Washer

Identify the Hazard:
  1. There could be a risk of bodily injury
  2. There could be a chemical hazard if it is used
  3. There could be respiratory irritants due to chemicals
  4. Possibility of faulty electrical equipment
  5. Hazard of electric shock
  6. Possibility of eye injury
  7. Danger of a fire
  8. High temperature hazards
  9. High voltage hazard
  10. Hot Liquid hazard
  11. There are hot surfaces
  12. There is hot water
  13. Lone working could occur
  14. There may be a noise hazard
  15. There could be scolding to the skin
  16. There could be a skin irritant
  17. There could be sparks
  18. There may be spillages of fuel, chemicals or water
  19. There could be hot splashing
  20. There could be steam
  21. There is a tripping hazard
  22. There is a wet floor
 
Who may be harmed? ----- The Operator or people nearby

How is the risk controlled?
  1. Keep the area clear of non essentials
  2. Avoid loose clothing
  3. Avoid trailing leads if possible
  4. Place barriers to restrict access
  5. Ensure that the operator is a competent person
  6. Check that electrical equipment is fit for the purpose
  7. Do electrical safety checks
  8. Eye protection must be worn
  9. Good house keeping observed
  10. Portable appliance testing carried out
  11. PPE to be used
  12. Pre-start check undertaken
  13. Protective gloves to be worn when chemicals applied
  14. RCD circuit breakers to be used
  15. Routine maintenance put in place
  16. Routine safety check undertaken

Estimated Risk Factor:

Likelihood of accident. (1 to 10) ---------------------- 3

Likely severity of injury(1 to 10) ---------------------- 3

3 x 3 = 9

Therefore Risk level:-------------------------------- Medium


What further action is to be taken:-

Control Measure
  1. Safety Training for operator (Supervisor by 16/11/2007)
  2. Reduce tripping hazard with hose reel (Supervisor by 16/11/2007)
  3. Provide PPE for operator (Supervisor by 16/11/2007)
  4. Place warning signs in position (Supervisor by 16/11/2007)
  5. Use only approved chemicals (Supervisor by 16/11/2007)
  6. Start maintenance Program (Maintenance Manager by 16/11/2005)


    Assessment review date: ……………………………………


    Signature……………………….. Date…………………

    Position……………………………………
     

Link to Pressure Washer Safety: FAQs
 

Or go back to Health and Safety Training