Staff Made Aware of Correct Lifting Techniques to Reduce Risk of Injury

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR: / General Grounds maintenance activities
Establishment: / Assessment by: / Date:
Risk assessment number/ref:
(add your own if so desired):RA-001 / Manager Approval: / Date:
What are the hazards? / Who might be harmed and how? / What are you already doing? / What further action is necessary? / Action by who? / Action by when? / Done
General lifting and carrying / Staff
Cuts / abrasions, muscular skeletal and other physical injuries /

Manual handling minimised as far as possible, broken down into smaller loads / assistance sought.
Staff made aware of correct lifting techniques to reduce risk of injury.
Appropriate footwear worn
Mechanical lifting aids available (wheel barrows etc.)
Good housekeeping and workplace layout.
Heavy items stored at waist level.
Floor surfaces unobstructed and slip free.
Do not overstretch when using handheld equipment.

/ Specific manual handling assessment to be carried out for all one off tasks presenting significant risk / for individuals with medical conditions etc.
Basic manual handling training is available on iLearn and is also included as part of H&S for Caretakers training.
Use of tools/ equipment/
machinery / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Loss of control / poor operation
Electric shocks/burns
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Condition of tools / equipment checked before use.
Always close or re-sheath cutting tools when not in use.
Operative deemed competent to use.
Equipment not left unattended.
Equipment is appropriate (being used for its intended purpose), restricted to authorised users and securely stored

Manufacturers handbook available and used to assess any significant risks.
Mains powered portable equipment protected by RCD in higher risk situations e.g. equipment used outside or in wet conditions, and for equipment where there is a risk of cables being severed.
Checks carried out to identify any specific training / instruction requirements e.g. use of chainsaws.
Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) identified and available to users as required (e.g. eye, hearing protection, safety boots and long trousers)
All items of PPE stored carefully, kept clean (not open to potential contaminant) and readily available.
Report any damage to PPE and boots to enable replacement.
Long hair must be tied back; jewellery should be removed or covered and loose clothing secured.
Areas / pitches maintained outside of the normal school day to minimise risk to others; where this is not possible ensure adequate segregation / distance from pupils.
If approached when using machinery switch off immediately.

/ See also individual assessment for specific work equipment.
Use of fuel powered tools (mowers, strimmer chainsaw etc.) / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Inhalation of fume
Burns, fire
Risk of pollution
Irritation to eyes, nose and upper respiratory tract
Skin sensitisation / disorders / Controls as above plus-

Re-fuelling undertaken externally away from hot equipment, no smoking on site.
Gloves to be worn when refueling
Petrol stored in UN approved container (max 10l)
Fuel cans secured in external store when not in use.
Do no overfill machines. Refill on level ground when machine cooled using funnel or pouring spout from fuel can.
Clean up all spills.
Do not run equipment inside.
Keep hands clear from engine and exhaust, even after use.

Defective equipment / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Electric shocks/burns
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Pre-use check on condition undertaken, pay specific attention to work and cutter guards make sure these are in place and undamaged.
If thought to be defective take out of use, label as defective and report to supervisor.
Machinery maintained in good condition
Ensure equipment is switched off before making adjustments, altering or repairing.
Formal servicing / inspection identified and recorded in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
System for reporting faults and taking equipment out of service in place.
Tools / blades kept sharp and in good condition.

Noise / vibration from equipment e.g. leaf blowers, strimmer etc. / Staff
Hearing damage, miscommunication,
Circulatory problems, vibration white finger /

Noise and vibration levels of equipment identified from the manufacturers handbook.
Users briefed on risks.
See equipment inventory for summary and specific PPE requirements.
Personal protective equipment issued e.g. appropriate ear defenders, gloves especially in cold weather to keep hands warm.
Noise:- if above 80dB hearing protection will be worn.
Vibrationlevelchecked against the HSE HAV Ready Reckoner to identify the level of risk and if it is necessary to limit exposure times to employees taking into account the cumulative effect of using various power tools.

Take regular breaks from continuous operation

Equipment to be regularly serviced and maintained.
Remove from use any tool that vibrates excessively.
Do not over rev machinery when not necessary.
Policy of buying smooth when replaced.
Monitor use to ensure operatives are not exposed above threshold levels.

Using chemicals/ hazardous substances / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Irritation / harm to eyes, nose and upper respiratory tract
Skin sensitisation / disorders
Poisoning /

Inventory of chemicals is in place and up to date and includes cleaning and maintenance products.
Staff and first aiders familiar with these.
Less hazardous chemicals used wherever possible.
Material Safety Data Sheet for substances obtained from supplier and guidance followed.
All containers clearly labelled.
Chemicals stored appropriately, access restricted / locked away.
No mixing of chemicals.
Activities undertaken outside of school hours where possible.
Immediate cleaning up of any spillage.
COSHH Assessment completed for all hazardous chemicals and control measures implemented.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment provided and worn where identified in COSHH assessment.
Suitable disposal arrangements in place through authorised contractor.

Exposure to sharps/ contaminated waste e.g. discarded needles, glass,thorns / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Puncture injuries, cuts, infection /

Suitable equipment (e.g. litter picker) available.
Safe disposal procedures for sharps.
Personal protective equipment e.g. gloves and safety boots provided when retrieving items or collecting rubbish.

Exposure to soil borne infection / Staff
Tetanus / other soil bourne infection /

All operatives to have tetanus booster regularly.
Always wear gloves and cover cuts abrasions or other broken skin.
Observe good hand hygiene, wash hands regularly and always before eating /drinking, Report ill health to your manager.

Work at height / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Fracture, bruises, cuts from objects falling, concussion, vertigo or dizziness resulting in falls /

All access equipment suitable for purpose, visual check before use and maintained in good condition.
No entry into trees long reach equipment would be used to minimise work at height.
Ladder inspection carried out each term and recorded on the ladder register. Damaged ladders and step ladders (dents, cracks or missing nonslip feet) removed from service
Users trained in use of ladders.
No lone working when working at height.
All access equipment secured to prevent unauthorised use.
Ensure surface is even and solid, if necessary ladder to be footed by 2nd person / tied at top.
No over-reaching or sudden excessive sideways movements whilst using ladders.
Operative to ensure tools are tethered / use a toll belt.
No work to be undertaken in adverse weather conditions (wind, rain, snow etc.)

/ See specific work at height risk assessment for individual tasks
Lone working –working alone / remotely / Staff
Accident / injury,
Physical assault,
delayed assistance in emergency
Cuts / abrasions, muscular skeletal and other physical injuries /

CCTV coverage to some areas
Staff would challenge unknown visitors where safe to do so.
Mobile phone / walkie talkie carried to remain in contact/ ‘call in’ at regular intervals
Ensure someone is aware that you are on site, your location, hours of work, estimated duration of task if working on site remote from others, etc. and that they are contacted if plans change.
Only agreed tasks to be undertaken, Avoid high risk activities (e.g. working at height);
Reduce time spent working alone so far as is reasonably practicable.
Notify manager of start and finish times.

Consider use of loneworker device with man down function

Outdoor working / Staff
Exposure to poor weather conditions – sunburn, wet clothing, cold hands, lowered body temperature etc /

Suitable clothing provided for variable weather conditions.
Skin protected from UV exposure.
Suitable breaks from activity taken where weather likely to increase fatigue
Site specific hazards to be dynamically assessed as part of daily work activities.

Slips, trips and falls uneven work surfaces / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Accident / injury,
Cuts / abrasions, muscular skeletal and other physical injuries /

Equipment not to be left unattended.
Debris / cuttings stemming from work to be cleared as quickly as possible.
Make sure work area does not become untidy.
Check work area before starting
Suitable warning signs used where temporary obstructions created.
Suitable PPE and safety boots provided and worn.
Report any damage to PPE and boots to enable replacement.
Work involving use of machinery not done in snow or icy conditions.

Maintenance and cleaning / Staff
Contact with biological hazards when cleaning used equipment
Risk of injury form maintenance tasks /

Wear gloves to avoid getting hands dirty.
Only competent persons to maintain machines.
Maintenance to be carried out in accordance with manufacturers recommendations (operators manual).

Risk Assessment < replace with your own file namePage 1 of 19

A review of the assessment would usually be conducted annually / sooner in the event of an incident or substantive change in conditions, layout etc.

Reason for review of risk assessment / Name and job title of reviewer / Date

Specific machine / equipment assessments – General Grounds maintenance assessment to be followed in addition to the following

Stimming with cord / brushcutter

What are the hazards? / Who might be harmed and how? / What are you already doing? / What further action is necessary? / Action by who? / Action by when? / Done
Defective equipment / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Before use, pay specific attention to safety devices such as line cutters and guards and cut outs (dead mans handle)

Flying Debris / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Impact injuryfrom material ejected at high speed /

Ensure all guards are in place and effective, and that cord is the correct length.
Visual inspection of site prior to operation.
Always strim to reduce debris flying out into public areas, by ensuring that safer area is the operators right side and that footpaths or roads are to the left, wherever possible.
Do not over rev the engine or dig the strimmer in too low as this increases the chance of catching stones and other material.
Avoid strimming next to gravel paths or very loose surfaces as this also increases the flying debris.
Appropriate PPE to be worn e.g. long trousers/ sleeves, steel toe cap boots, ear defenders, eye -protection.

Vibration / Staff
Circulatory problems/ ill health /

Do not grip the handles too tightly.
Keep your core body temperature warm and wear gloves to keep hands warm.
Regular breaks and job rotation undertaken
All operatives to observe the maximum daily operation time
Make sure the line is the correct length and the line trimmer is in place and effective.
Maintain equipment in good order, do not operate faulty or defective equipment.

Work on slopes / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Risk are increased during wet or slippery site conditions
Slips, trips and falls
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Do not stand on slopes above 30 degrees or when it is physically difficult to stand.
Do not try and step up slopes that are loose surfaced and more likely to give way under foot.
Do not operate equipment above other colleagues or pedestrians

Specific machine / equipment assessments – General Grounds maintenance assessment to be followed in addition to the following

Hedge trimming

Before use, pay specific attention to safety devices such blade guards and cut outs (dead mans handle)

Cuts from blade / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Ensure all guards are in place and effective. Blade to be kept guarded when not in use.
Do not hold/ carry by blade
Cut away from, never towards the body
Stand on a firm level ground.
Do not stretch or over reach as this can cause accidental contact with blades
Do not use on large stems –not designed for this purpose. Use on foliage only.
Check hedge for debris , wire stout branches before starting.
Appropriate PPE to be worn e.g. long trousers/ sleeves, gloves, steel toe cap boots, ear defenders, eye -protection.

Vibration / Staff
Circulatory problems/ ill health /

Do not grip the handles too tightly.
Keep your core body temperature warm and wear gloves to keep hands warm.
Regular breaks and job rotation undertaken
All operatives to observe the maximum daily operation time
Maintain equipment in good order, do not operate faulty or defective equipment.

Specific machine / equipment assessments – General Grounds maintenance assessment to be followed in addition to the following

Use of Pedestrian cylinder mower

Before use, pay specific attention to safety devices such as line cutters and guards and cut outs (dead mans handle)

Moving blades / Staff, pupils, visitors
Risk of cuts to hands and fingers, trapping of hands and feet in moving blades /

Only trained operatives to use the equipment.
Never operate machine without all guards in place.
Never place hands on blade or in the blade area even during maintenance
In event of blockages / obstruction to blade use push stick or similar never use your hands.

Loss of control or poor operation / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Loss of control / poor operation
Electric shocks/burns
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Only operate the machine when standing directly behind the controls, do not stretch to access gates or other items, turn off the mower if you are required to leave it to open gates or other tasks.
Do not carry passengers at any time
Do not use excessive speeds.

General lifting and carrying / Staff
Cuts / abrasions, muscular skeletal and other physical injuries /

Do not lift due to weight
Use ramps to load onto trailers
Whenever manoeuvring, use the drive mechanism to reduce pushing and pulling.
If required to move the machine without the drive mechanism, ensure a coordinated effort by more than one person.

Work on slopes / Machines may slip on slopes or banks due to poor traction of roller drives
Risk are increased during wet or slippery site conditions
Slips, trips and falls
Cuts / abrasions /

Do not stand on slopes above 20 degrees or when it is physically difficult to stand.
Do not operate in wet conditions when machine may slip / fail to gain traction.

Specific machine / equipment assessments – General Grounds maintenance assessment to be followed in addition to the following

Use of Ride on equipment / mowers

What are the hazards? / Who might be harmed and how? / What are you already doing? / What further action is necessary? / Action by who? / Action by when? / Done
Defective equipment / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Electric shocks/burns
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Before use, pay specific attention to tyre tread and pressures, safety devices such as emergency stop and cut outs, seat switch, handbrake etc.

Moving blades / Staff, pupils, visitors ,
Risk of cuts to hands and fingers, trapping of hands and feet in moving blades /

Only trained operatives to use the equipment.
Never operate machine without all guards in place.
Never place hands on blade or in the blade area even during maintenance
In event of blockages / obstruction to blade use push stick or similar never use your hands.

Loss of control or poor operation / Staff, pupils, visitors , contractors
Loss of control / poor operation
Electric shocks/burns
Cuts / abrasions
Impact injury
Entanglement with rotating parts /

Operatives to be fully trained and competent in the use of this type of machinery.
Do not carry passengers at any time
Do not use excessive speeds.

Work on slopes / Overturning / slipping on slopes or banks
Risk are increased during wet or slippery site conditions
Slips, trips and falls
Cuts / abrasions
Crushing / entrapment /

Always know the safe working level of ride on equipment, based on the operator’s manual. NEVER EXCEED THIS LEVEL.
ROPS (roll over protective structure) in place for all ride on equipment used on slopes.
Seatbelt to be worn.
Never operate ride on equipment on slopes above colleagues / pupils/ public.
Do not work on sloped areas with no safe run off e.g. with retaining walls, water, busy highways or other hazards at the bottom of the slope.
Do not work on slopes during or after periods of wet weather.
Check area prior to work e.g. for uneven areas, holes, debris etc.

Specific machine / equipment assessments – General Grounds maintenance assessment to be followed in addition to the following