Annual Risk Assessment for Property Inspections
LYL Inventories Ltd – Annual Risk Assessment for Property Inspections
Last Updated: 12th November 2024
1. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this annual risk assessment is to identify and assess potential hazards associated with property inspection activities and typical property types serviced by LYL Inventories Ltd. The objective is to implement effective control measures to mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety of our employees, contractors, clients, and others involved.
This risk assessment applies to all inspection activities (e.g., inventory checks, check-in/out reports, interim inspections) conducted across typical property types, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.
2. Assessment Process Overview
The annual risk assessment process includes:
1. Identifying Hazards for each property type and inspection activity.
2. Assessing Risks based on likelihood and severity.
3. Implementing Control Measures to reduce or eliminate risks.
4. Documenting Findings for future reference and compliance.
5. Reviewing and Updating the risk assessment annually or as needed.
3. Hazard Identification
Inspection Activities and Property Types
Each property type and inspection activity may present unique hazards. Common property types and activities we assess include:
- Residential Properties (flats, houses): Hazards may include structural damage, trip/fall hazards, and environmental risks like mold.
- Commercial Properties (offices, retail spaces): Hazards may include electrical risks, fire hazards, and blocked emergency exits.
- Mixed-Use Properties: Hazards from both residential and commercial spaces, including accessibility issues and increased risk of biohazards.
Hazard Categories
1. Structural Hazards: Loose floorboards, broken handrails, and unstable structures.
2. Environmental Hazards: Mold, asbestos, water damage, poor ventilation, and pests.
3. Electrical Hazards: Exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated electrical installations.
4. Fire Hazards: Lack of smoke detectors, blocked exits, and accumulation of flammable materials.
5. Trip/Fall Hazards: Uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and poorly lit areas.
6. Health and Biological Hazards: Presence of pests, biohazardous waste, and potential exposure to infectious diseases.
7. Weather-Related Hazards: Icy steps, wet surfaces, and other seasonal weather risks.
4. Risk Assessment
Each identified hazard is assessed for likelihood (chance of occurrence) and severity (potential harm level) to assign a risk level (Low, Medium, High). This helps prioritise which hazards require immediate attention.
| **Hazard** | **Likelihood** | **Severity** | **Risk Level** | **Control Measure** |
|------------------------|----------------|--------------|----------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Loose floorboards | Medium | Medium | Medium | Mark hazard area, restrict access |
| Mold | High | High | High | Inspectors wear PPE, report to property owner |
| Exposed wiring | Low | High | Medium | Avoid contact, report immediately |
| Trip hazards | High | Medium | High | Clear pathways, improve lighting if needed |
| Poor ventilation | Medium | Medium | Medium | Use PPE, limit time spent in affected area |
| Blocked exits (fire) | Medium | High | High | Report to client, avoid using blocked areas |
| Pest infestations | Medium | Medium | Medium | Wear PPE, notify property owner |
5. Control Measures
Control measures are implemented to mitigate each identified risk. These measures follow the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineer controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
5.1. Structural Hazards
- Control Measures: Avoid entry to structurally compromised areas, secure or mark hazardous areas with caution signs, and report to property management. Inspectors should wear PPE in areas with structural concerns.
5.2. Environmental Hazards
- Control Measures: For issues like mold or asbestos, inspectors use masks and gloves. If severe, the inspection is postponed until the hazard is resolved. All findings are reported to the client with recommendations for remediation.
5.3. Electrical Hazards
- Control Measures: Exposed wiring or outdated electrical setups are flagged immediately and avoided. Employees are trained not to touch or inspect electrical systems beyond visual observation, and issues are reported to clients for action.
5.4. Fire Hazards
- Control Measures: Inspectors check for clear fire exits and functional smoke detectors. Blocked exits or missing detectors are reported, and employees are instructed not to proceed with inspections in areas lacking emergency egress.
5.5. Trip/Fall Hazards
- Control Measures: Inspectors are trained to clear minor obstacles and use appropriate lighting in poorly lit areas. If trip hazards are significant, such as loose tiles, they are marked with caution tape and reported for repair.
5.6. Health and Biological Hazards
- Control Measures: PPE (gloves, masks) is used to protect against potential biohazards, such as pest infestations or waste. Inspections may be rescheduled if conditions pose health risks, and findings are documented and reported to the property manager.
5.7. Weather-Related Hazards
- Control Measures: During icy or wet conditions, employees are encouraged to wear slip-resistant shoes. Slippery areas are avoided or marked when feasible, and inspections may be rescheduled in severe weather conditions.
6. Documentation and Record-Keeping
All identified hazards, risk levels, and control measures are documented for each property type and inspection activity. The risk assessment documentation includes:
- Property Type and Activity: Description of the property and the specific inspection activities conducted.
- Hazards Identified: List of hazards associated with the property type and inspection activity.
- Risk Level Assessment: Likelihood, severity, and overall risk level for each hazard.
- Control Measures: Details of implemented control measures for each hazard.
- Inspection Date and Assessor: Date of assessment and the name(s) of the inspector(s) conducting the assessment.
This documentation is retained for a minimum of three years or as required by law and reviewed annually.
7. Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
The risk assessment is reviewed and updated annually or as needed based on:
- Changes in regulations, industry standards, or company policies.
- Feedback from employees, contractors, or clients.
- Incident reports or new risks identified during inspections.
Continuous Improvement: Following each annual review, LYL Inventories Ltd will update risk assessment protocols and control measures to enhance safety practices. Training sessions for employees are provided to ensure familiarity with updated procedures and hazard management practices.
8. Employee Training and Compliance
All employees are trained on the latest risk assessment procedures, hazard identification, and use of control measures. Training includes:
- Risk Awareness: Understanding common inspection-related hazards and their potential impacts.
- Proper Use of PPE: Instruction on using and maintaining PPE based on identified risks.
- Reporting Procedures: Guidelines for reporting hazards, near-misses, and incidents.
Training records are maintained, and refresher training is provided annually or following significant updates to the risk assessment or control measures.
9. Contact Information for Safety and Reporting
For any questions regarding this risk assessment, or to report an identified hazard, please contact:
Health and Safety Officer
LYL Inventories Ltd
Email: safety@lylinventories.com
Phone: 01277283022
This comprehensive risk assessment process helps LYL Inventories Ltd to proactively manage risks associated with inspection activities, ensure employee safety, and maintain compliance with industry standards.