Risk Assessment – Frequently Asked Questions
- Do divers need to produce a formal risk assessment for every activity to comply with HSE?
No. Recreational divers are not required to comply with HSE regulations. However a basic ‘duty of care’ is always required. For BSAC members producing a thorough dive plan, logging the dive with a marshalling slate, diving according to BSAC Safe Diving Practices – this is a risk assessment. - So what’s the advantage in doing a risk assessment?
Some facilities (swimming pools and inland dive sites) require a more formal document as a condition of hiring. The process of preparing a risk assessment may highlight a hazard previously not considered. A risk assessment projects a very professional image and is reassuring to members.
See - Risk assessment template - Pool training during Covid-19 - What qualifications are necessary to produce a risk assessment?
None – just common-sense, good diving and diver safety skills and reference to the BSAC risk assessment guidelines. - We have members diving a variety of different sites. Do we have to do a risk assessment for each one?
No. Once you have a ‘generic’ risk assessment produced, the Dive marshal can add any other relevant considerations, as appropriate to the site – in conjunction with the usual marshalling duties. Download a blank risk assessment form.
