Creative and Technical Offices Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• General housekeeping and studio layout — Assign daily tidy-up slots, keep aisles 1 m clear, and zone storage for heavy or sharp tools at waist level. Label racks, remove trip hazards, and enforce “clear floor” rules around cables, stands and props. Schedule quarterly deep cleans and immediate removal of damaged kit.
• Creative workload and deadlines — Balance workloads with realistic deadlines, prioritisation and review; encourage breaks, PTO and flexible focus time; train managers to spot early stress and act on concerns; and signpost confidential support. Agree adjustments after illness, grief or neurodiversity disclosure.
• Knives and precision cutting — Issue cut-resistant gloves and metal rulers, require cutting on mats, and ban pulling blades toward the body. Replace dull blades promptly, use covered disposal tins, and store tools capped. Keep hands clear of the line of cut and forbid improvised knives or open drawers as rests.
• Lithium-ion battery charging — Use approved chargers, charge on non-combustible surfaces away from exits, and never leave packs unattended. Quarantine damaged/swollen cells in a metal container outdoors. Keep smoke detection, limit parallel chargers, and stop DIY repairs or mixed-brand chargers/leads.
• Kitchen and shared break areas — Keep kitchen appliances PAT tested and located on heat-resistant surfaces; enforce safe knife use and clear labelling of allergens. Clean spills immediately, store food correctly, and set max numbers in compact areas. Vent microwaves and kettles, provide fire blankets, and display hygiene posters.