Risk Assessments need to be completed in advance of undertaking all fieldwork and laboratory work. Copies of the forms can be downloaded from this page.


Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form

The Fieldwork Risk Assessment form needs to include details of when and where fieldwork is being undertaken and an assessment of the risks involved. For Physical Geography fieldwork risks may include falls, slips, and hypothermia. Actions taken to control risks may include adoption of a safe system of work, appropriate clothing and footwear, and so on. For Human Geography fieldwork risks may involve meetings, all of which should be conducted in safe environments (for example, people’s offices during normal working hours) and not potentially unsafe environments (for example, in a person's car).  For undergraduate courses and postgraduate research the Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form must be signed by the relevant Supervisor.


Fieldwork Risk Assessment Form for Postgraduate Taught & Postgraduate Research students project work (PDF)

Risk Assessment Guidelines for Postgraduate Dissertations (PPT)

Final Year undergraduates will need to complete a separate Dissertation Risk Assessment Form prior to starting work on their dissertation. This form, together with guidelines on how to complete it, will be distributed during the Year 2 Geographical Research: Concepts and Designs module.

Loughborough University Undergraduate Dissertation Risk Assessment Form (MS Word .DOC)

Loughborough University Postgraduate Dissertation Risk Assessment Form (MS Word .DOC)

If they intend to undertake laboratory work for the dissertation then they also need to complete the Laboratory Risk Assessment Form.


Laboratory Risk Assessment Form

The Laboratory Risk Assessment Form is designed to cover the range of work undertaken in our various laboratories. If chemicals of any sort are to be used then an additional COSHH form requires completion. You need to establish a safe system of work taking particular note of requirements for protective clothing and equipment and appropriate ventilation.  For undergraduates and postgraduates the laboratory procedures should be discussed with your supervisors and the form(s) completed and signed prior to beginning the laboratory work.

Geography Department Laboratory Risk Assessment Form (PDF)


COSHH Form

COSHH deals with Substances Hazardous to Health. The form is produced by the University’s Health, Safety & Environment Section. In addition to the guidelines which they supply, you should refer to the manufacturers’ data sheets for details of toxicity etc and of methods of safe disposal.  Copies of the COSHH form and the guidelines for completion can be downloaded below.

COSHH Form with Guidelines (PDF)

Professor Helen Rendell is the Departmental Safety Officer.