• Risk is the probability of the harm being realised
• Risk = probability (of harm) x consequences
• Identify hazards
• Assess the risk
• Highlight control measures to reduce the risk to a level that is as low as is reasonable practicable
• Sign/date the assessment
• Give a review date
Hazards
“Identifying areas for potential loss”
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Chemical
• Biological
• Environmental
• Physical

Calculating risk
There are many ways of doing this. Your school/local authority will have their own, but you could use this as a guide.

The simplest method is to multiply the hazard potential (what harm might occur) by the likelihood of harm. If each is rated on a 1-5 scale with 5 as the highest risk or most significant harm, then it is common sense to work out whether there is a risk or not.

For example:

Harm:
5  Death or disability
4  Serious injury – hospitalisation, etc.
3  Injury resulting in time off school – head injury, sprains, etc.
2  First aid, reportable, etc.
1  Graze or bruise (still may be reportable in school situation)