Health and Safety

Executive

Example risk assessment for a pub Important reminder

This example risk assessment shows the kind

of approach a pub might take. Use it as a guide
Setting the scene How was the risk assessment done? to think through some of the hazards in your
business and the steps you need to take to control
The manager carried out the risk assessment in this The manager followed the guidance in Five steps to risk the risks.  Please note that it is not a generic risk
pub, which is located in a suburban, residential area. assessment (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf). assessment that you can just put your company
name on and adopt wholesale without any thought.
This risk assessment only addresses liquid sales; a 1 To identify the hazards, the manager: This would not satisfy the law – and would not be
separate example covers the occupational health and effective in protecting people.
safety aspects for food preparation: www.hse.gov.uk/ ■■ looked at HSE’s web pages for small businesses
risk/casestudies/foodprep.htm. (Also see www.hse. www.hse.gov.uk/smallbusinesses/index.htm, and for Every business is different – you need to think
gov.uk/catering/index.htm.) the hospitality and catering industry www.hse.gov.uk/ through the hazards and controls required in your
catering/index.htm, to learn where hazards can occur; business for yourself.
The manager and his partner live on the premises, ■■ made clear who was responsible for what under the
they also employ eight other bar staff, four full-time terms of the tenancy agreement. This was especially 3 For each hazard, the manager wrote down what
who work lunchtime and evening shifts, five-days important for issues such as asbestos management, gas controls, if any, were in place to manage these hazards.
every week and four part-time staff at weekends and safety, pressurised equipment, replacement of carpets; He then compared these controls to the good practice
providing absence cover for the full-time staff. ■■ walked around the pub, noting things that might be guidance provided on the HSE website. Where existing
dangerous and taking HSE’s guidance into controls were not considered good enough, the
The pub has a function room with dance floor for consideration; manager wrote down what else needed to be done to
live-music events and discos with a bar. It is cleaned ■■ talked to the staff (including the cleaner) about their work control the risk.
every morning by a cleaner, the manager and his to learn from their knowledge and experience of areas
partner cover when the cleaner is on holiday. The and activities, and to listen to their opinions about health 4 Putting the risk assessment into practice, the manager
manager buys cleaning products from the wholesaler and safety issues in the workplace; decided and recorded who was responsible for
or from a rep who visits once a month. ■■ talked to his preferred suppliers of maintenance work, implementing the actions identified as necessary and
to ensure that their activities did not pose a risk to pub when they should be done. When each action was
The premises were built before 2000; the pub building staff, and vice versa; done, he ticked it off and noted the date. He also made
was surveyed for asbestos when it was acquired ■■ observed deliveries by his food and drink suppliers; and it part of the induction process for new staff.
by the owner. Asbestos-containing materials found ■■ looked at the accident book, to gain an understanding of
in the survey have been recorded, a copy of the previous incidents. 5 At the staff meeting, the manager discussed the findings
survey is kept at the pub and the owner holds a of the risk assessment with staff and pinned up a copy
duplicate copy. A further, more detailed, survey can 2 The manager then wrote down who could be harmed by in the staffroom. He decided to review and update the
be arranged to send out to contractors when building the hazards and how. risk assessment every year, or straightaway if any major
works need to be done. changes in the workplace happened.
Example risk assessment: Pub 1 of 6 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

Company name: The Smiths’ Pub Date of risk assessment: 28/11/08

What are the Who might be harmed What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by whom? Action by when? Done
hazards? and how?

Slips, trips Staff and customers ■■ Staff clean up spillages immediately using suitable methods and ■■ Repair damaged floor covering and Manager with 12/12/08
and falls slipping/tripping/falling leave the floor dry. check carpet grips. landlord/Pub (before Christmas
suffering fractures and ■■ Bar floor areas only washed out of hours staff know about proper managing company custom increases)
bruising etc use of detergents, correct detergent rates to avoid residue –
wash, leave, rinse etc. ■■ Ensure suitable footwear with good grip Manager with Before each shift
■■ Good housekeeping – work areas kept tidy, goods stored suitably worn by staff landlord/Pub
etc. managing company
■■ Drainage channels and drip trays provided where spills likely.
■■ Equipment maintained to prevent leaks onto floor. ■■ Put up ‘Authorised Persons Only’ sign Manager with 5/12/08
■■ Good lighting in all areas including steps outside or access to on cellar door. landlord/Pub
cellar areas. managing company
■■ Ensure door to cellar is kept locked and key controlled so only
authorised staff can get access. ■■ Reiterate message to staff that cellar Manager with Before next shift
■■ Ensure stairways are not obstructed. door is to be locked when not needed landlord/Pub
■■ Carpets firmly secured. for access by authorised staff, staff to managing company
■■ Doormats for wet weather. report if cellar door left unlocked.
■■ No trailing cables or obstructions in walkways.
■■ Cable covers used for all electrical cables, especially when
hosting bands or DJs.

Falls from Staff may suffer ■■ Cellar hatches: ■■ Speak with brewery about any Manager Immediately
height serious, possibly fatal, –– Check they have been closed after delivery. problems with pedestrians walking by
injuries if they fall from –– Ensure other people are excluded from area while hatch open when pavement cellar hatches open
any height. and in use. and agree if signs, barriers or staff
For example staff doing ■■ Ladders to be suitable, regularly inspected, and used only for light needed to direct pedestrians away from
cleaning/maintenance, work of short duration by trained staff. danger area.
might fall from ladders. ■■ All other work at height, such as above the roof light, is done by ––
contractors under a permit to work system and using trained staff
and appropriate equipment.

Example risk assessment: Pub 2 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by whom? Action by when? Done
hazards? and how?

Violence Staff and customers ■■ Staff adhere to legal requirement not to sell alcohol to intoxicated ■■ Keep good liaison with local police and Manager Ongoing items
may suffer stress and/ customers. check latest advice.
or physical injuries ■■ Staff trained in good, polite behaviour and how to avoid
from aggressive confrontation following violence policy when to call police etc. ■■ Manager to give talk to re-emphasise Manager Training to be
customers. ■■ Incident log kept and filled out as soon as possible after incident ‘coping with disputes’ training. carried out before
■■ Staff made aware of barred customers. Christmas busy
■■ Information sharing scheme with police and other licensed period
premises in the area – member of local Pubwatch.
■■ Regular glass collection – ‘glass policy’ implemented for very ■■ Ensure all incidents promptly Manager
busy events or as appropriate. investigated.
■■ Gaming machines emptied after closing.
■■ Cashing up done after hours/out of customers’ sight. ■■ Consider if fitting panic alarm is Manager to seek 8/12/08
practicable and will be of benefit. advice of police/pub
company on best
panic alarm.

Transport Staff may suffer serious ■■ Reversing of vehicles to be supervised if other people in the area. ■■ Talk to the brewery, wholesaler and Manager 3/1/09
injuries if struck by ■■ High-visibility waistcoat available. other suppliers about agreeing safe
a vehicle, eg during procedures for deliveries, to try to
deliveries. eliminate reversing, or ensuring staff
available.

Manual Staff receiving back, ■■ Behind the bar kegs/casks barrels rolled onto trolley and wheeled ■■ Consider siting and design of shelving Manager Next
handling neck and limb injuries around. for items behind bar to eliminate refurbishment due
from lifting heavy loads ■■ Staff training in rolling and stillaging casks. bending and reaching at next 2010
(eg barrels), crates of ■■ Sack trucks and trolleys available for beer and bottle crates etc. refurbishment.
bottles etc ■■ Staff training in lifting techniques and posture for items behind
the bar.

Example risk assessment: Pub 3 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by whom? Action by when? Done
hazards? and how?

Gas Staff and others risk ■■ Boiler checked and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered ■■ No further action at this stage.
injury from fire and engineer, see www.hse.gov.uk/gas/index.htm.
explosion if equipment ■■ Staff trained to recognise and report defects.
not properly maintained
and used.

C02 leakage Staff may be overcome ■■ Only staff trained by the brewery or pub company, manager, ■■ Put forward another full-time member Manager 3/1/09
when charging CO2 partner and named staff member, change barrels. of staff for training to cover absences
while changing ■■ Safe working practice, in line with BBPA guidance. and weekends.
barrels and soft drinks ■■ Cellar well ventilated with adequate, low-level, ventilation.
dispenser in cellar

Pressurised Risk of explosion from Pressurised systems: ■■ Put forward another full-time member Manager 3/1/09
equipment over-pressurisation of ■■ designed, installed and maintained in line with BBPA’s Code of staff for training to cover absences.
beer pump systems, of Practice 2006, installation certificate obtained (copy at pub,
or faulty or damaged owner holds original);
cylinders. ■■ only trained staff – manager, partner and named member of staff
who have undergone training to use the system;
■■ cleaning containers suitable to accept system’s maximum
pressure and labelled to avoid confusion over detergents and
flushing water;
■■ system inspected by competent engineer every five years or to
schedule produced by the competent engineer;
■■ certificate displayed stating date of next inspection; and
■■ any damage reported immediately.

Gas cylinders:
■■ only obtained from reputable suppliers;
■■ numbers kept to absolute minimum;
■■ moved and stored properly to prevent damage;
■■ stored in cages, chained up or laid flat and chocked (with
supplier’s agreement) away from heat sources, in a dry area with
the valves closed; and
■■ used in an upright position in a safe, secure, dry place.

Example risk assessment: Pub 4 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by whom? Action by when? Done
hazards? and how?

Noise Staff suffering hearing ■■ Bands’ and DJs’ speakers located in function room and focused ■■ Educate staff about noise Manager Ongoing.
damage from live and on dance floor, away from seating areas and bars. and damage to hearing and First talk by
recorded music ■■ Staff allowed to take regular rest breaks in designated quiet area assess whether health surveillance 8/12/08
to reduce noise exposure. needed, establish if staff exposed
to high noise levels in personal life, eg
do they go clubbing?

■■ Check volume levels and Manager 8/12/08

consider need for volume
limiters.

■■ Consider acoustic screening for Manager Within 2 weeks of

exposed bar areas. establishing noise
levels

■■ Make suitable ear plugs available for Manager 3/12/08

staff collecting glasses and serving in
dance area, eg will staff still be able to
hear drinks orders at bar.

Electricity Staff and customers ■■ Wiring checked every five years by a qualified electrician. ■■ Check to see if fuse box has 30 mA Manager 8/12/08
could get electric ■■ Regular PAT done by electrician. RCD protection.
shocks from faulty/ ■■ Staff trained to spot damaged equipment, plugs, cable and
damaged wiring or fittings and take out of service. ■■ RCD sockets and plugs to be fitted if Manager 1/6/09
electrical equipment ■■ Staff told where fuse box is to turn off electricity in the event of an protection not at consumer unit.
emergency.
■■ Fuse box/consumer unit kept accessible at all times. ■■ Ensure induction talk for any new staff Manager 8/12/08 (new
or temporary staff includes how to turn Christmas staff)
off the electricity.

■■ Speak to contractors to ensure that Manager By next work

they will only use low-voltage (yellow) planned for 2009
equipment.

Example risk assessment: Pub 5 of 6 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

What are the Who might be harmed What are you already doing? What further action is necessary? Action by whom? Action by when? Done
hazards? and how?

Hazardous Staff can suffer ■■ All products’ safety data sheets checked to see what gloves, eye ■■ Tell cleaning product rep they should Manager 3/1/09
substances chemical burns or protection is necessary for use with the chemicals. check for safer alternatives before next
develop dermatitis from ■■ Chemicals used reviewed with reps/supplier every six months to visit.
contact with, or use of, see if ‘safer’ alternative available.
cleaning chemicals ■■ Staff told about skin care when washing glasses, handling
dishwasher chemicals etc.
■■ Chemicals always kept in original labelled containers, any
containers for decanted chemicals clearly marked.
■■ PPE – gloves and eye protection available when using, decanting
or diluting chemicals.

Asbestos- Staff and others ■■ Position of all ACMs surveyed – Type 1 survey by professional as ■■ Reiterate to staff and contractors when Manager Ongoing.
containing carrying out normal no building works planned. they visit that asbestos must not be Next meeting
materials activities at very low ■■ Position and condition of all ACMs marked, recorded and disturbed and to report immediately 3/12/08
(ACMs) risk as asbestos explained to manager and staff. any accidental damage to the insulating
found in only poses a risk if ■■ Manager and deputy given advice/training by surveyor or boards. When contractors
building fibres are released other provider about identifying ACMs and spotting signs of confirm date for
into air and inhaled. deterioration. February 2009
Maintenance workers ■■ Arrangements made with pub company for: work
most at risk. –– Type 2 survey, for when non-major, routine building
maintenance work; or
–– Type 3 survey when intrusive work planned.
■■ Staff told to report any accidental damage immediately.

Fire If trapped staff could ■■ Fire risk assessment done, see www.communities.gov.uk/fire and ■■ Staff to check outside smoking Manager Immediately
suffer from smoke necessary action taken. area to check all smoking materials
inhalation/burns ■■ Manager/senior staff member checks fire exits are clear. extinguished after closing

Assessment review date: 28/11/09

Example risk assessment: Pub 6 of 6 pages

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 11/10