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Health & Safety Risk Assessment: Hygiene

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference RA16
Issue Number 2
Issue Date 1 June 2026
Next Review 1 June 2027
Prepared By Sean Ashton
Approved By Aaron Mason, Director

Risk Assessment

Activity/Process Hazard Who/What Affected Existing Controls Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) New Controls Required Post-Control Risk (S/L/R)
Working on the water network, near partially or fully treated water, or near boreholes Contamination of tools, fittings and infrastructure Members of the public - Potential water-borne illness affecting large populations causing gastrointestinal illness, possible hospitalisation • All site personnel trained with valid EUSR National Water Hygiene card
• Hand washing facilities in all vehicles
• Chlorine solution at 1000mg/l used on all tools
• Personnel aware of local welfare facilities
• Defecating/urinating on site forbidden
• Sick personnel removed from site
5/3/15 (High) • Implement digital verification system for hygiene compliance
• Quarterly microbiological sampling of tools
• Establish hygiene champions per team
• Enhanced EUSR+ internal training program
• Supervisor spot-checks with documentation
• Portable handwashing stations with foot-operated dispensers
H&S Team, within 1 month
5/1/5 (Moderate)
Installing and repairing pipes and fittings on the network Contamination of fittings and water supply during installation Members of the public - Exposure to contaminants, potential for bacterial growth causing widespread illness • Components comply with UK Water Supply Regulations 1999
• Only approved supplier fittings used
• Fuel/oil kept away from tools and pipes
• Visual inspection before installation
5/3/15 (High) • Barcode scanning for component traceability
• Photographic verification for critical installations
• Enhanced pre-installation cleaning protocols
• Component-specific handling procedures
• Random batch testing of components
• Specialised containment cases for sensitive components
QA Team, within 2 months
5/1/5 (Moderate)
Storage of pipes and fittings Environmental degradation and contamination of materials Members of the public - Contamination leading to biological or chemical exposure from compromised materials • Pipes stored off ground on pallets, capped/sealed
• Smaller items stored under cover in packaging
• PE pipes protected from prolonged sunlight
• Pesticide/herbicide prohibited in storage areas
4/3/12 (High) • Climate-controlled storage for sensitive components
• Temperature/humidity monitoring with alerts
• Enhanced inventory rotation system
• Segregated storage zones by contamination risk
• Monthly storage audit with environmental testing
• UV-protective coverings for outdoor storage
Warehouse Manager, within 3 months
4/1/4 (Low)
Working on sewerage infrastructure Biological hazards: contact with sewage or rats' urine/feces Site Personnel - Risk of leptospirosis (Weil's disease), hepatitis, gastroenteritis and other serious infections • Information provided on leptospirosis hazards
• Personnel aware of symptoms
• Hand washing and shower facilities provided
• Must wash hands before eating/drinking/smoking
• Standard PPE provided
5/4/20 (Very High) • Mandatory biological hazard PPE including face shields
• Decontamination zones at sewerage sites
• Portable washing stations with antibacterial soap
• Quarterly health screening for sewerage workers
• Emergency response protocol for exposure
• Monthly toolbox talks on biological hazards
• Personal hygiene kits for personnel
Operations Manager, immediate
5/2/10 (High)
Internal disinfection of water mains Chemical exposure during disinfection and risk of inadequate disinfection Site Personnel - Chemical burns, respiratory irritation, eye damage
Members of public - Microbial contamination or chemical over-exposure
• Operatives aware of correct disinfection procedure
• Basic PPE requirements
• General chemical handling training
4/4/16 (High) • Standardised disinfection procedure cards with visuals
• Mandatory chemical PPE including respiratory protection
• Verification testing post-disinfection
• Specialised chlorine handling training
• Emergency shower/eyewash stations
• Chemical concentration monitoring systems
• Buddy system for disinfection operations
Technical Manager, within 1 month
4/2/8 (Moderate)

Key:

  • S = Severity (1-5 scale)
  • L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
  • R = Risk Rating (S × L)
  • Risk Levels:
    • Low (1-3)
    • Moderate (4-8)
    • High (9-15)
    • Very High (16-25)
  • UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
  • EUSR National Water Hygiene Standards