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A risk assessment follows five steps: identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, decide on controls, record what you find, and review it. Businesses with five or more employees must record the significant findings. Print the blank templates below or fill them in on screen.
General risk assessment.
Business: ________________________
Assessed by / date: ________________________
| Hazard | Who might be harmed and how | What you already do | What further action is needed | Who | By when / done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Slips on a wet kitchen floor | Staff and visitors; sprains or fractures | Spills wiped at once; non-slip mats by sink | Add a "wet floor" sign to the kit | Owner | 1 week |
Review date: ____________ · Use your browser's Print to save as PDF.
Fire risk assessment.
- 01
Fire hazards
Sources of ignition (heaters, cooking, electrics, smoking), fuel (paper, packaging, chemicals) and oxygen.
- 02
People at risk
Staff, visitors, anyone working alone or at night, and people who may need help to leave.
- 03
Evaluate and act
Remove or reduce hazards; check alarms, extinguishers, escape routes, signs and emergency lighting.
- 04
Record, plan and train
Write down findings, an emergency plan, and when staff were trained.
- 05
Review
Regularly, and after any change to the building, layout or use.
| Hazard | Who might be harmed and how | What you already do | What further action is needed | Who | By when / done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Overloaded extension leads behind the counter | Staff and customers; fire and smoke | Equipment visually checked | Remove daisy-chained leads; add a wall socket | Owner | 2 weeks |
Sources: HSE "Managing risks and risk assessment at work" and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 guidance on gov.uk, checked 19 October 2026. Larger or higher-risk premises may need a competent fire risk assessor.
Need trade-specific assessments? The catering pack, dog walking pack and nanny pack each include one written for that work.
Risk assessment questions, answered.
Do I need a written risk assessment?
Every employer and self-employed person must assess the risks of their work. If you employ five or more people you must write down the significant findings. Even below five, a written record shows you have done it.
What are the five steps of a risk assessment?
Identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks and decide on controls, record your findings, and review the assessment and update it when things change.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
The responsible person for most non-domestic premises — business premises, shared areas of flats, and places the public visit — must carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. If you employ five or more people, the findings must be recorded.
How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?
Whenever something significant changes — new equipment, a new task, an incident or near miss — and at a regular interval you set, such as once a year.