Generic Electronic Workshop risk assessment

Brief description of work: Assembly and repair of electronic, electrical apparatus and equipment.

1. Access to the workshops is strictly restricted to authorised personnel only.
2. No one may operate workshop equipment unless they have received a sufficient training and permission from the technician-in-charge.
3. Specific risk assessments for machinery and the generic risk assessment for power hand tools have been completed and safe systems of work issued to operatives. 
4. All workshop equipment must be regularly maintained and serviced.

1. All portable electrical equipment must be tested at for electrical safety at correct intervals and labelled with the date of the test. 
2. Electrical cables and plugs should be regularly visually inspected by the user for damage. 
3. Any defective equipment should be reported to the technician-in-charge and taken out of use until the repair has been effected.
4. Electrical equipment must always be operated in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

1. A risk assessment must be completed for lifting heavy and bulky loads that present a risk of injury.
2. Training in lifting techniques must be provided for workshop staff who undertake the lifting of heavy loads.
3. Appropriate PPE for lifting operations must be worn.
4. Lifting equipment must be registered with the University’s Engineering Insurers and annual inspections carried out. Records of the inspections must be kept in the safety file.

1. A risk assessment must be completed for any COSHH materials.
2. Appropriate PPE must be worn where this has been identified
3. Location of First Aid equipment and appropriate process to contain spillage must be indicated.

1. Workshop working areas must be kept clear of obstructions.
2. Any spillages should be cleaned up immediately.
3. Any hazards such as  trailing cables, defects to floor coverings and faulty lighting etc. should be reported immediately to the technician-in-charge.
4. All areas well lit.

1. Equipment should be switched off when not in use for long periods.
2. All portable electrical equipment must be tested for electrical safety at correct intervals and labelled with the date of the test. 
3. Flammable substances must be kept away from naked flames and ignition sources.
4. Flammable substance must be kept in an appropriate fire resistant metal cabinet. 
5. The fire alarm system is installed, maintained and tested.
6. Workshop users must be acquainted with the Fire Routine Procedure for the building.
7. Fire Stewards must be appointed to cover the workshop area.

1. Users must be familiar with the risk assessment and safe system of work for using stepladders.
2. Users should be familiar with the University Guidance on the Use of Stepladders.
3. A stepladder should have a visual inspection by the user prior to use for damage.
4. Stepladders must be individually identified and formal inspections must be carried out and records of inspection kept.
5. Any defective stepladder should be clearly labelled and taken out of use until the repair has been effected.

1. LOOH working in the Workshops is strictly prohibited unless permission from the Health and Safety Manager is given and a specific lone working risk assessment is carried out.

Specify when during the activity the item(s) of PPE must be worn:

Safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes, gloves, barrier creams, hearing protection, dust masks and respirators are to be used as the work dictates.