Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries

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Five steps to risk assessment
Health and Safety
Executive
STEP 1: What are the hazards?
This publication and HSE’s MVR web pages (www.hse.gov.uk/mvr) should help
you to identify the hazards. The manufacturers’ instructions or data sheets for
chemicals and equipment need to be collected and analysed. COSHH essentials
sheets can be downloaded from the MVR web pages for a variety of related
tasks. A proper assessment cannot be done by sitting in an office or copying
someone else’s – you need to walk around the premises noting things that might
pose a risk.
Talk to staff and listen to their concerns about health and safety and how they
think risks can best be controlled. Confirm what training they have been given,
and consider any requirements particular individuals may have. Check the
accident book to identify what problems have occurred in the past.
STEP 2: Who might be harmed and how?
Write down who could be harmed by the hazards and how – this includes
visitors and members of the public.
STEP 3: What are you doing already? What further action is necessary?
For each hazard identified, record what controls, if any, were in place to manage
them, and then compare these controls to HSE and industry guidance. Where
existing controls do not meet good practice, write down what further actions are
needed to manage the risk.
STEP 4: How will you put the assessment into action?
You need to discuss the findings of the risk assessment with your staff. Prioritise
and deal with hazards that are high-risk and have serious consequences first.
Decide and record who is responsible for implementing the further actions and
when they should be done. When each action is complete, tick it off and record
the date.
STEP 5: Review date
Decide when to review and update the risk assessment (eg annually and after
any major change to work practice).
You may find it useful to use the risk assessment as part of the induction
process for new staff.
Decide where to go to reach a place of safety or to get rescue equipment.
Provide emergency lighting if necessary.
You must make sure there are enough emergency exits for everyone to escape
quickly, and keep emergency doors and escape routes unobstructed and
clearly marked (see Figure 96).
Nominate competent persons to take control.
Decide who the other key people are, such as first-aiders (see paragraphs 450-
455).
Plan essential actions such as emergency plant shut-down or making
processes safe; clearly label important items like shut-off valves and electrical
isolators for plant and machinery.
Train everyone in emergency procedures.
Don’t forget the needs of people with disabilities.
Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries Page 92 of 101