1. Some hazards to consider (but not an exhaustive list!)
Physical/Environmental Hazards
Noise
Vibration
Electricity / static electricity
Light
Thermal conditions (temperature, humidity)
UV rays (sunlight)
Ionising radiation
Non-ionising radiation (infrared, microwave, laser)
Heavy /awkward objects (manual handling)
Postural or repetitive movements (ergonomics)
Display Screen Equipment
Workplaces at height
Confined spaces
Slip hazards (eg wet floors)
Trip hazards (eg cables)
Falling objects
Obstructions / projections
Moving vehicles
Combustible materials and ignition sources (fire/explosion)
Water
Mechanical Hazards
Rotating parts (entanglement, drawing in, entrapment)
Sharp edges (cutting)
Sharp points (stabbing)
Blades (cutting, severing)
Rough surfaces (friction/abrasion)
Moving parts (shearing)
Moving parts (impact, crushing)
Ejected materials
Compressed air / vacuums
High pressure fluid injection
Lifting equipment
Chemical/Biological Hazards
Dusts / fumes / gasses
Chemicals
Asbestos
Legionella / other water Pathogens
Flammable / dangerous substances
Sewage
Waste materials
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Parasites
Bodily fluids
Blood Borne Viruses
Genetically Modified Organisms
Animal droppings
Plants
Pesticides
Organisational / Psychosocial Hazards
Behaviour (violence, aggression, harassment)
Unsafe behaviour
Organisational structures
Workload / work pattern
Upsetting information
Time constraints / deadlines
Interpersonal issues
Lone working (assault, illness)
Travel / work overseas (health, unrest, transport)
Adventurous activities
Other Factors to Consider
Cleaning / disposal
Storage / distribution
Training
Information / instruction
Supervision
Maintenance
First Aid / Emergencies
Checklists are a useful aid, but don’t just rely on them
Review checklists to ensure they are applicable to your area
You may need different checklists for different departments / activities
_hazards list v2