APPENDIX 3
RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE
HAZARD
Accommodation
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
Adequate lighting, drinking water, ventilation, temperature,
RECOMMENDATIONS

Before travelling check the suitability and facilities of the accommodation.

Make yourself aware of the of the security situation at the location
cleanliness, space, equipment, washing and sanitary
facilities, security
Civil Unrest
Security alerts, terrorism, shootings, bombings,
www.fco.gov.uk .
demonstrations, abductions and kidnapping.
Climate Conditions
Confined Spaces,
Caving, Tunnelling etc

Avoid visiting locations which have civil unrest.

Avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings.
Dry/desert, hot, cold, (high humidity, hypothermia), oxygen

Be aware of weather forecasts and seasonal weather.
deficiency/rarefied air, sunburn, sunstroke, heat exhaustion

Use high factor sunscreen and carry water in hot conditions.
dehydration, skin cancer, tidal and other water

Protect extremities, hands/feet from cold/wet conditions.
considerations, unusual winds (e.g. tornado, hurricane).

Avoid strenuous activity during hot periods.

Wear good quality wet weather gear in wet conditions.

Ensure you have sufficient and appropriate training.

Check safety procedures that are in place at the location.

Be aware of local hazards, e.g. mine shafts, crevices etc.
Becoming trapped, asphyxiation, drowning.
HAZARD
Contact with Animals
Contact with Insects
Contact with
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
Allergies, asthma, bites and other physical contact,

Do not approach animals.
dermatitis, rabies, stings.

Avoid markets and other places where animals are sold.
Bites/stings Lyme’s disease, malaria, yellow fever, other.

Ensure you have had the inoculations relevant to the location.

Wear appropriate clothing, e.g. long sleeves, to avoid bites.

Determine if malaria is a risk if so, consult GP for medication.

Determine level of threat at location.

Ensure there is appropriate first aid/medical service locally

Wear appropriate clothing.

Eat thoroughly cooked recently prepared food.

Avoid buffets.

Drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration. Avoid ice.

Drink bottled water only. Check bottled water has been sealed before
Availability of antidotes/medical back-up.
Reptiles/Snakes
Contaminated Food
Contaminated Water
RECOMMENDATIONS
Allergies, food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhoea, Hepatitis A.
Diarrhoea, dysentery, legionella, leptospirosis, cholera,
polio, typhoid.
HAZARD
opening.
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS

Do not have ice in drinks.

Use bottled water to clean teeth.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Compatibility of equipment and supply, safety standards

Prior to travel check compatibility of equipment with local supply.
(higher/lower/different), power cuts.

Take torches, batteries, adaptors.

Do not use electrical equipment, sockets, etc, which looks faulty.
Antidote availability, spillage arrangements, transport

Comply with Material Health and Safety Data Sheet.
requirements, MSDS information.

Utilise appropriate personal protective equipment.
Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B or similar by use of non

Take a travel first aid kit including needle and syringe.
sterile needles.

Do not undertake unprotected sexual activities or drug taking.
Local Culture and
Culture, language, customs, dress, religion, behaviour.

Dress appropriately at all times.
Legislation
Local regulations, legislation, codes of practice.

Make yourself aware of and respect local restrictions and customs.

Make yourself aware of and abide by local legislation.

Ensure you have valid permits which may be required.

Do not take into the country medicines which are not permitted.

Avoid dangerous sports whilst on University funded trips
Electricity
Hazardous Substances
Infections
Dangerous Sports
HAZARD
Natural Disasters
Stress
Increased risk of injury
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
RECOMMENDATIONS

Determine the likelihood of such events

Determine the emergency procedures at place of accommodation
Accommodation problems, civil unrest, crime, vandalism

Make preparations and evaluations described in this guidance.
and violence, extremes of heat/cold, fatigue,

Set up system for support with line manager, family member of friends.
Avalanche, earthquake, volcano, tornado, avalanche.
language/communication problems, lack of support
(especially family/peers), loads/expectations excessive,
loneliness/remoteness, sickness, unfriendly environment.
Transportation
Incompetent driver(s), hazardous terrain, improperly

maintained vehicles, unsuitable transport.
Workplace Environment
If driving, ensure you have correct insurance, licence, and are aware of
driving regulations.

If using a taxi check licence details shown belong to your driver.

If using public transport, consider the road worthiness of vehicle.
Adequate lighting, drinking water, ventilation, temperature,

Before travelling check the suitability and facilities of the workplace.
cleanliness, space, equipment, work areas, washing and

Determine the health and safety arrangements within the workplace.
sanitary facilities, traffic routes, freedom from fall and falling
objects, clothing storage, changing facilities, rest areas etc.