Example COSHH risk assessment - Garden centre

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.

Company name: Garden centre Department: Ornamental pool display (indoors)
Step 1 Substance	Step 2	Step 3			Step 4 Action
Whats the hazard?	What harm, and who?	What are you doing already?		What improvements do you need?	Who	When	Check
Breathing in germs from fountain displays	Lung infections
	Staff and customers	Disinfect water with bleach once a week. Deep clean every spring and autumn and when pond is emptied.		Use respirator P3 for deep cleaning.
		Check chlorine above 5 ppm. Check dip slide results less than score = 4.		Improve record keeping Check dosing
Skin contact with tropical fish water	Skin infections
	Staff	Skin checks		switch pump off before opening tank lid
Skin contact with floor cleaning products	Skin damage, dermatitis
	Cleaner	Household gloves, long-handled mop.

Also:
Thorough examination & test - COSHH
Supervision
Instruction and training				Fit and use respirator
Emergency plans
Health surveillance		Record time off sick
Monitoring		Dip slides and chlorine level		Records
Step 5 Review date:			Review your assessment - make sure you are not sliding back. Any significant change in the work? Check the assessment and change it if necessary
Other hazards needing attention: unsupervised children, manual handling, slips and trips, security