Firstly we need to find out what your business does. You seem to imply that it is some sort of logistics operation. Containers of stuff are brought in (by customers?) and left ( in your warehouse?) for a short period of time after which they are picked up (by another customer) During this time they just sit on your site: you don’t open them, do anything to them(do you move them with a FLT?). If the above is the case you need to get a handle on what is being brought in. The customers have a legal (under Section 3 of HWSA for a start) to share information with you. Under ADR (which classifies hazardous cargoes) they must carry information about what they are carrying and they must share this with you. You can use this as the basis for your risk assessment which will be used to decide: • If you don’t want to touch this with barge pole and keep it off site • Yes you can handle it but you might need special precautions e.g. additional PPE • Treat it as routine This will be the nub of your RA.

We are a freight forwarding company. The substances are not used in any process on our premises, we are just transport them and store. The substance can be of any type e.g. harmful, irritant, toxic etc. When the client sends to goods to us, usually they are well packed, and we handle them using forklift trucks. We have all the documentation from the client, but how are we going to carry the assessment if we have only 2-3 hours to complete one and we may have 2-3 deliveries in the same time.

That's exactly what we used to do at a previous employer Kate; generic assessment based on the hazardous properties. We stored but did not use hundreds of different agro chems; HSE/LEA Fire and Enviro Agency we all happy with this method.

I agree with #5 & 6. Even the big carriers would not have a risk assessment for each consignment they picked up. A generic one for the type of hazards will suffice. Andy

Yes a generic RA would suffice, we do this work and my RA briefly covers the following points: Loss of containment: Controls would include: packages are UN approved, designated FLT operators, DG awareness training. Fire, explosion, spillage: Controls could be: designated smoking areas, fire extinguishers, means of giving a warning in the event of spillage/fire etc, hot work control, segregation Security: Access to site, approved suppliers, checking ADR certification, CCTV, training etc.

Hi all, Thank you for your replies. I like the idea of using generic risk assessments. I wasn't sure if HSE is happy with this method, but now hearing what other companies do regarding this matter, gives me confidence to develop generic risk assessments. Our staff are trained in Dangerous Goods awareness,in the office staff is trained in Dangerous goods by air, and now I am looking to provide training in Safe Use of Spillage Kit. Mihai