Irrigation Install & Maintenance Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Electrical equipment and pumps — Use RCD-protected supplies and test before use. Route leads off wet ground, maintain IP-rated enclosures and glands, and ensure correct earthing. Lock-off and verify dead before wiring controllers or pumps. Only qualified persons terminate, fault-find, and re-energise circuits.
• Underground services — Review current utility plans, scan with CAT/Genny and mark routes. Hand-dig trial holes to confirm depth/line. Set dig limits, use insulated tools near electric, and brief permit-to-dig. Stop on warning tape or anomalies, re-survey with a competent supervisor before work resumes.
• Lifting operations — Plan lifts to LOLER with an appointed person. Inspect accessories, define load weights and radii, and set exclusion zones. Use certified lifting points on tanks/pumps, agree hand signals, and keep non-essential persons clear. Record lifts and stop on adverse weather triggers.
• Noise and hand-arm vibration — Select low-vibration tools, record trigger times, and rotate tasks. Wear hearing protection near trenchers/compactors. Maintain sharp blades and damping handles. Plan quieter methods (e.g., hand dig near services) and schedule rest breaks to reduce cumulative exposure.
• Slips, trips and unstable ground — Edge and cover trenches left open; route cables/hoses overhead or mat them. Manage water, mud and spoil promptly. Keep lay-down areas tidy, maintain firm walkways, and grit in frost. Illuminate routes after dusk and remove offcuts and packaging as tasks complete.