Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

Create a Risk Assessment in 4 easy to use steps

Free Risk Assessment Templates — Ready-Made, Customisable & HSE-Compliant

Choose from over 1,600+ ready-made risk assessment templates below, or start a blank risk assessment form and build your own using our built-in hazard library. Each template follows HSE best-practice guidance with pre-filled hazards, risk ratings, and control measures — simply review, customise to your workplace, and download as a professional PDF. Suitable for all industries and activities.

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TypeDocument TitleAction
RISK ASSESSMENT
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing (Polymer) Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free additive manufacturing (polymer) risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for UK factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Adhesives and Sealants Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free adhesives and sealants manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Aerospace Component Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree aerospace component manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Download editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Agency and Temporary Workers in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for agency and temporary workers in manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Ampoule and Vial Filling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ampoule and vial filling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pharma staff.Category: Manufacturing
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Animal Feed Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free animal feed manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Anodising Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free anodising risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing plants. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Apprentice Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free apprentice manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for factory settings.Category: Manufacturing
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Asbestos Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree asbestos risk assessment template for factories. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Download PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Aseptic and Sterile Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free aseptic and sterile manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pharma cl...Category: Manufacturing
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Assembly Workers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free assembly workers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Autoclave Curing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free autoclave curing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for composite manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Automated Guided Vehicles Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free AGV risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Fully editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Automated Guided Vehicles Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free AGV risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Fully editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Automated Storage and Retrieval System Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ASRS risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free automotive manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Bagging and Sacking Machines Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free bagging and sacking machines risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing...Category: Manufacturing
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Balers and Compactors Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free balers and compactors risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Blister Packing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free blister packing risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes for pharma manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Blow Moulding – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive blow moulding risk assessment for factory operatives – hazards, controls and UK legal references (PUWER, COSHH).Category: Manufacturing
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Brazing and Furnace Brazing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free brazing and furnace brazing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Brick, Block and Masonry Products Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free brick, block and masonry risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Broaching Machine Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free broaching machine risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Calibration of Equipment and Instruments Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free calibration risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER/COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Capping, Sealing and Closing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free capping, sealing and closing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Capsule Filling and Granulation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free capsule filling and granulation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for pharma manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Cement and Concrete Products Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cement and concrete manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Centrifuges and Filtration Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free centrifuge and filtration risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Ceramics Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free ceramics manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Chemical Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free chemical manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Chemical Mixing and Reactions Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free chemical mixing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for plant ope...Category: Manufacturing
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Chemical Spill Response Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free chemical spill response risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Class 3B & 4 Laser Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free Class 3B & 4 laser risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for factor...Category: Manufacturing
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Cleanroom Operation and Gowning Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cleanroom operation and gowning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and GMP compliance. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Clearing Blockages and Machine Jams Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free clearing blockages risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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CNC Machining Centre Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free CNC machining centre risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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CNC Router Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free CNC router risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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CNC Setters and Programmers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free CNC setters and programmers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing s...Category: Manufacturing
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CNC Turning and Lathe Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free CNC turning and lathe operation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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Coil, Bar and Sheet Metal Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free coil, bar and sheet metal handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing opera...Category: Manufacturing
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Cold Store & Chilled/Frozen Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree cold store risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Download PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Collaborative Robots Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free collaborative robots risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Combustible and Hazardous Dust Control – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a manufacturing‑specific risk assessment for combustible and hazardous dust control. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER, COSHH and DSEAR references.Category: Manufacturing
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Composite Lay-Up and Curing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free composite lay‑up and curing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Compression and Rotational Moulding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free compression and rotational moulding risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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Confined Space Entry Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free confined space entry risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Contractor Management Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free contractor management risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Conveyor Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free conveyor systems risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Cooling Towers & Refrigeration Plant Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cooling tower and ammonia refrigeration plant risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Cosmetics Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cosmetics manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Crushing, Grinding and Milling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free crushing, grinding and milling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing plants.Category: Manufacturing
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Cryogenics, Liquid Nitrogen and Industrial Gas Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free cryogenics, liquid nitrogen and gas handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER, COSHH, JSP 319 compliance.Category: Manufacturing
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Deburring, Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free deburring, tumbling and vibratory finishing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufactur...Category: Manufacturing
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Decanting and Dispensing Chemicals Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free decanting chemicals risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Defence and Munitions Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free defence and munitions manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Degreasing and Solvent Washing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree template for manufacturing degreasing and solvent washing – pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
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Die Casting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free die casting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Die, Mould and Tool Change Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free die, mould and tool change risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Distillation and Separation Columns Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free distillation columns risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF for manufacturing plants.Category: Manufacturing
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Drop Forging Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free drop forging risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Drum and IBC Handling Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free drum and IBC handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Dust Collection Systems and Baghouses Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree dust collection and baghouse risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing plants.Category: Manufacturing
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EDM and Spark and Wire Erosion Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free EDM and spark erosion risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Electrical Maintenance Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free electrical maintenance risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing plants.Category: Manufacturing
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Electronics and PCB Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free electronics and PCB manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Electroplating Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free electroplating risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Electrostatic Discharge Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free electrostatic discharge risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for f...Category: Manufacturing
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End-of-Line Product Testing (Pressure and Electrical) Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free end‑of‑line product testing risk assessment template for pressure and electrical tests in manufacturing. Editable PDF with hazards and controls.Category: Manufacturing
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Factory Floor Slips, Trips and Housekeeping Risk AssessmentFREEPDFIdentify and control slips, trips and housekeeping hazards on a manufacturing factory floor with PUWER and COSHH compliance.Category: Manufacturing
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Fermentation and Bioreactor Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fermentation and bioreactor risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for pharma manufact...Category: Manufacturing
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Fertiliser Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free fertiliser manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plant safety.Category: Manufacturing
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FIBC and Bulk Bag Filling and Discharge – Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for FIBC and bulk bag filling and discharge in manufacturing, covering PUWER, COSHH and HSE guidance.Category: Manufacturing
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Filling and Bottling Line Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free filling and bottling line risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Fluid Bed Drying Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree fluid bed drying risk assessment template for pharma manufacturing. Includes hazards, PUWER, COSHH and COMAH controls. Download editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Forklift and Mobile Plant Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free forklift risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF for plant oper...Category: Manufacturing
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Form Fill Seal Packaging Machinery Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free Form Fill Seal packaging machinery risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Foundry and Casting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free foundry and casting risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Foundry Molten Metal Casting Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free foundry molten metal casting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Friction and Friction‑Stir Welding Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for friction and friction‑stir welding in factories, covering hazards, controls, and legal compliance (PUWER, COSHH, LOLER).Category: Manufacturing
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Furniture and Joinery Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free furniture and joinery manufacturing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Gear Cutting and Hobbing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free gear cutting and hobbing risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for manufacturing. Fully editable.Category: Manufacturing
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Glass Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free glass manufacturing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Goods-In and Dispatch Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free goods‑in and dispatch risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Granulators, Shredders and Reclaim Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free risk assessment template for granulators, shredders and reclaim lines. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Guillotine and Metal Shearing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free guillotine and metal shearing risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing...Category: Manufacturing
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Hand Soldering Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hand soldering risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for electronics manufacturing. Editable PDF for factories.Category: Manufacturing
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Handling Acids and Alkalis in Manufacturing Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free handling acids and alkalis risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Hazardous Substances Storage Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hazardous substances storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for industrial sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Hazardous Waste Storage and Disposal Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hazardous waste storage risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Heat Stress Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free heat stress risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Manufacturing
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Heat Treatment Furnaces and Quenching Risk AssessmentFREEPDFComprehensive risk assessment for heat treatment furnace and quenching operations in factories. Includes hazards, controls and legal references (PUWER, COSHH...Category: Manufacturing
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Honing and Lapping Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free honing and lapping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Hot Surfaces Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hot surfaces risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with PUWER and COSHH.Category: Manufacturing
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Hydraulic Systems Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free hydraulic systems risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing sites. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Induction Heating Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free induction heating risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing sites.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Cleaners Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial cleaners risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, PUWER and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Curing and Drying Oven Risk AssessmentFREEPDFFree industrial curing oven risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturers.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Mixers Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial mixers risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Radiation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial radiation risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
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Industrial Robot and Robotic Cell Operation Risk AssessmentFREEPDFDownload a free industrial robot risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing

How to choose the right risk assessment template

  1. Browse by industry or category

    Use the search box or category filter to find a template that matches your workplace, activity, or industry.

  2. Open the template

    Click "Create" to open the template in our free interactive 4-step Risk Assessment generator with the HSE 5x5 risk matrix.

  3. Customise hazards and controls

    Edit risks, control measures, persons at risk, and severity ratings to match your specific workplace operation.

  4. Download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF

    Sign, then download as a PDF ready for compliance, audit, or sharing with your team.

Frequently asked questions

Are these risk assessment templates really free to download?

Yes — completely free. Over 230 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no signup required for guests, no paywall. Customise to your workplace and download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF in minutes.

Can I download risk assessment templates in PDF or Word format?

Risk assessments download as a professional, HSE-compliant PDF — ready to print and file as-is. Word (.docx) export is not available for risk assessments, but you can fully customise every hazard, control measure, persons-at-risk entry and rating online before you download.

Are the risk assessment templates HSE-compliant?

Yes. Every template aligns with HSE guidance and the HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment process. They cover the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH 2002, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and other relevant UK regulations.

What industries do the risk assessment templates cover?

Every UK industry — painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, concrete, solar panel installation, asbestos, scaffolding, working at height, manual handling, fall protection, hot works, confined space entry, lifting operations, kitchen fitting, drywall, tiling, plastering, and many more.

What's the difference between a risk assessment form and a risk assessment template?

A risk assessment form is the blank document; a risk assessment template is a pre-filled form ready to customise. Our generator gives you both — a free interactive form you fill in plus over 230 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

Do I need to create an account to use the risk assessment templates?

No — guests can generate and download risk assessments for free without signing up. Register a free account if you want to save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, or share them for digital signatures.

Can I customise the risk assessment templates to my workplace?

Yes — fully. Edit hazards, control measures, persons at risk, likelihood and severity ratings, PPE requirements, and review schedules. Each template is a starting point you tailor to your specific operation.

How many risks can I add to a single risk assessment?

The number of risks (hazards) you can include in one assessment depends on your plan: guests get unlimited risks, Free accounts unlimited risks, Standard unlimited risks, Pro unlimited risks, and Enterprise unlimited risks per assessment. You can add and preview every risk in a template, then tick the ones to include up to your plan limit — upgrade any time for more. See our pricing page for the full plan comparison.

Are these risk assessment templates valid for UK construction work?

Yes. Our construction-specific risk assessment templates align with HSE construction guidance, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Templates cover scaffolding, working at height, concrete pouring, excavation, roofing, electrical installation, and more.

How often should I update my risk assessment?

Whenever there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid — after workplace changes, near-misses, accidents, new equipment, new substances, or new processes. HSE guidance recommends an annual formal review at minimum.

What is the HSE 5-step risk assessment process?

Step 1: Identify the hazards. Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how. Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. Step 4: Record findings and implement them. Step 5: Review the assessment and update if necessary. Our interactive generator walks you through all 5 steps.

Can I use these risk assessment templates for self-employed work?

Yes. Self-employed workers are required to assess risks to themselves and anyone affected by their work. Our templates are suitable for sole traders, contractors, and small businesses.

Do you have RIDDOR-aligned risk assessment templates?

Yes. Several templates cover RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) requirements — including accident reporting and investigation risk assessments. All RA templates support incident logging and review.

Get Started — Create Your Free Risk Assessment in 4 Easy Steps

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining the appropriate control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law and forms the foundation of any effective safety management system. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a risk assessment as “simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.” Every employer, self-employed person, and contractor with five or more employees must record their risk assessments in writing.

Why Do You Need a Risk Assessment?

Risk assessments are not just good practice — they are a legal obligation. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone affected by their work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) make this more specific by requiring employers to:
  • Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to employees and others
  • Implement preventive and protective measures based on the assessment findings
  • Appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety arrangements
  • Provide appropriate training and information to employees about risks and control measures
  • Review and update assessments whenever there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid
Failure to conduct adequate risk assessments can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Under the Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety Offences, fines for serious breaches can reach millions of pounds, with custodial sentences possible for the most serious failures.

The HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment Process

The HSE recommends a straightforward 5-step approach to risk assessment that our free risk assessment generator is designed to follow: Step 1: Identify the Hazards Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm. Consider activities, processes, substances, equipment, and working conditions. Our generator includes a library of over 100 pre-populated risk templates covering common hazards across construction, healthcare, transport, manufacturing, and general workplace environments. Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How For each hazard, identify who could be affected — employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public, or vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant employees, or those with disabilities. Consider how the harm could occur and the potential severity. Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Control Measures Assess the likelihood and severity of each risk using a risk matrix. Our generator automatically calculates risk ratings and provides suggested control measures following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them Document your assessment, communicate the findings to employees, and put control measures in place. Our generator produces a professional, fully formatted risk assessment document that you can save, share electronically, and collect digital signatures from workers to confirm they have read and understood the assessment. Step 5: Review and Update Regularly Risk assessments are living documents. Review them when work practices change, after an incident, when new equipment or substances are introduced, or at least annually. Our platform stores your assessments in your user dashboard so you can easily update and re-issue them.

Who Needs a Risk Assessment?

Every employer in the UK must conduct risk assessments, regardless of industry or business size. Specific regulations also require risk assessments for particular activities and situations, including: Self-employed workers, landlords, and anyone managing non-domestic premises also have legal duties to assess risks. Our free risk assessment templates cover all these scenarios and more.

Why Use Our Free Risk Assessment Generator?

Our online risk assessment generator simplifies the entire process. Instead of starting from a blank template, you can:
  • Choose from over 100 pre-built risk templates with defined hazards, risks, and control measures
  • Customise every detail — add your own risks, edit control measures, and tailor the assessment to your specific workplace
  • Automatic risk calculation — our built-in risk matrix calculates severity, likelihood, and residual risk scores
  • Add your company logo for professional, branded documents
  • Collect digital signatures — share assessments with workers and collect electronic sign-offs, with up to 100 signatures per document for free users
  • Export to PDF — download professional documents ready for site files, audits, or client submissions
  • Save and manage — store all your assessments in your dashboard, update them anytime, and track review dates
Whether you are a sole trader completing your first risk assessment or a safety manager creating RAMS for a construction project, our generator saves time while ensuring your assessments meet HSE best-practice guidance and UK regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Risk Assessments

What must a risk assessment include?

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must identify the hazards present in the workplace, determine who might be harmed and how, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm, record the existing control measures in place, and identify any additional actions needed to reduce risk. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their assessment in writing. Our risk assessment generator guides you through each of these elements step by step.

How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?

There is no fixed legal timeframe for reviewing risk assessments, but the HSE recommends reviewing them whenever there is a significant change — such as new equipment, substances, processes, or staff — or after an accident, incident, or near miss. As good practice, most organisations review risk assessments at least annually. Our generator includes a review date feature so you can set reminders and track when assessments are due for review.

Do I need a risk assessment if I am self-employed?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, self-employed workers must conduct risk assessments if their work activities could pose a risk to others, including clients, members of the public, or workers on shared sites. If you employ anyone else, you must assess risks to your employees. Many clients and principal contractors also require self-employed workers to provide written risk assessments before starting work on site.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and determines control measures. A method statement describes the safe system of work — the step-by-step sequence of how a task should be carried out safely, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment. Together they form a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement), which is commonly required on construction sites and for high-risk activities. Health & Safety Zone offers both risk assessment and method statement generators.

What is a risk matrix and how does it work?

A risk matrix (also called a risk assessment matrix) is a tool used to evaluate the level of risk by combining the likelihood of a hazard causing harm with the potential severity of that harm. Each factor is scored on a scale (typically 1–5), and the scores are multiplied to give an overall risk rating. Our risk assessment generator uses a built-in risk matrix that automatically calculates risk scores for each hazard, colour-codes them (green, amber, red), and recalculates the residual risk after control measures are applied.

Is this risk assessment generator really free?

Yes. Our risk assessment generator is completely free to use. You can create a free account, generate risk assessments using our pre-populated templates or your own custom risks, add your company logo, collect up to 100 digital signatures per document, and export to PDF — all at no cost. There are no hidden charges, no trial periods, and no credit card required. We also offer free toolbox talk templates, company policy templates, method statement templates, and COSHH assessment templates.

Can I use these risk assessments for a construction site?

Absolutely. Our template library includes comprehensive construction risk assessments covering working at height, excavation, scaffolding, demolition, electrical safety, confined spaces, asbestos, manual handling, plant and machinery, and many more. These templates are designed to meet the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and can be customised to your specific site, activity, and project. You can also create RAMS by pairing a risk assessment with one of our method statement templates.

Calculating Risk Assessments

Establish the Severity (S), Likelihood (L) and Risk Factor (RF) by reference to the Matrix below: RF = S x L 

REMEMBER: The risk rating must be calculated both before and after ERCPD and its resulting controls have been applied. This risk rating helps to identify and prioritise areas that require more to be done to reduce the risk. 

Low risk factor (1-5)  normal safe working methods should suffice. Fine tune controls to further reduce the risk, if possible. 

Medium risk factor (6-12) further improvement to control measures need to be considered to reduce the risk. 

High risk factor (15-25) improve controls now, consider stopping the activity. Seek advice as appropriate.