2.1 Introduction

A general requirement for risk assessment is contained in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management Regulations 1999), Regulation 3. Changes to the original Regulations passed in 1992 mean that the risk assessment must now include fire risks and precautions (see CHAPTER 14: FIRE AND DSEAR ASSESSMENTS) and also risks to both young persons (under 18s) and new and expectant mothers (see CHAPTER 3: SPECIAL CASES). Other Regulations require more specific types of risk assessment, e.g. of hazardous substances COSHH, noise, manual handling operations, DSE, personal protective equipment, dangerous substances and asbestos in premises and work at height (these are dealt with in chapters 9 16 of the handbook).

Regulation 3(1) of the Management Regulations 1999 states:

every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of:

1. the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and

2. the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking,

for the purpose of identifying the measures he needs to take to comply with the requirements or prohibitions imposed upon him by or under the relevant statutory provisions and by Part II of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.

Regulation 3(2) imposes similar requirements on self-employed persons.

Regulation 3(3) requires a risk assessment to be reviewed if:

• there is reason to suspect...