Posted By David Whitelegg I am currently having a discussion amongst my colleagues about whether it is necessary to keep "formal" Risk Assessments once a Safe Working Procedure has been written. It seems to me that without copies of the original assessments we would be very exposed to Criminal and Civil liabilities. Some colleagues are suggesting that a simple STOP assessment done at the time and incorporated into a SWP if there are significant risks, is sufficient. I'd be grateful for any views on this matter.

Posted By el nino David I've seen SWP's that spell out the risks in detail and others which only make a passing reference to them. A format I like is to have the task steps on the left hand side, the potential risks next to each step and then the control measures next to that. A sort of combined SWP and risk assessment. You get one piece of paper - nice and clear for you and the guys doing the job. I like STOP, it helps keep standards up. but it is not really a replacement for a full risk assessment.

Posted By Dave Wilson Thought part of the RA process was the review procedure, what if you got it wrong in the first place and had to revisit? Depending on residual risk would depend on the frequency of review. new knowledge, technology, legislation, after an accident etc..........