Bathing and Showering Generic Risk Assessment
Document Type / Bathing and Showering Generic Risk AssessmentAuthor / Operations Team
Owner (Dept) / Director of Operations
Date of Review / May 2018
Generic Risk Assessment Form
Slips, Trips and Falls
COSHH/Preliminary Substance Assessments / Category of those persons involved in or affected by the task: / Special Groups: (Where individual assessments will be required)
Assessment Date: / Assessor Name: / Service User / ü / Service User / ü
Employee / ü / Employee
Task / Activity / Area Assessed:
Bathing and Showering / Contractors / ü / Contractors
Visitors / ü / Visitor
Others / Others
Hazards Identified / Potential
Outcome
(P) / Current Control Measures in Place / Likelihood
(L) / Score
P x L = R / Risk
H / M / L
· Hot Water / 10
8
8 / An individual risk assessment of potential scalding and burning risks for vulnerable service users is carried out.
The assessment considers whether:
- the service user is likely to run a bath or shower or add water when unattended;
- the service user’s lack of mobility means they are unable to respond safely to hot water (e.g. safely get in/out the bath or shower);
- the service user’s sensitivity to temperature is impaired;
- the service user’s mental state means they cannot recognise or react to hot water;
- the service user cannot summon assistance;
- any lifting or handling aids limit availability in the bath or shower;
- any furniture, fixtures and fittings restrict movement away from the source of hot water.
A general assessment of the environment is carried out and identifies the controls necessary. Plans for the management and maintenance of the systems are in place and carried out.
In care homes and respite services:
- Engineering controls are provided to ensure that water hotter than 440C is not discharged from outlets that may be accessible to vulnerable people and where there is the potential for whole body immersion. Similar controls are provided at other outlets where people are especially vulnerable e.g. basins, where people have skin sensitivity impairment.
Engineering controls include:
· thermostatic mixing valves
· temperature-restricted, instant water heaters
· Regular safety testing is carried out, either annually, determined by risk assessment or based on the recommendations of the manufacturer
Where the assessment of a premises that The Mungo Foundation is not in control of (e.g. a vulnerable service user’s home) identifies risks which could be reduced with the provision of engineering controls, the relevant stakeholders are alerted.
The findings of the assessments of premises are taken into account when completing the individual support plan and include the following measures:
- The level of support and supervision required by the service user is ascertained. This includes guidance on whether they can be safely left, and how interruptions during bathing are dealt with.
- Bathing:
- a safe water temperature is agreed with the service user, although it should not exceed 440C
- cold water is added to the bath before the hot water is added
- the water is thoroughly mixed and the temperature is checked at both ends of the bath using a calibrated thermometer
- the service user is assisted into the bath only when a safe water temperature has been achieved
- hot water is never added to a bath which is occupied
- Showering:
· a safe water temperature is agreed with the service user, although it should never exceed 440C
· an established temperature is achieved by running the shower
· the water temperature is tested using a calibrated thermometer
· Where fluctuations in water temperature occur and the temperature rises above the recommended 440C and vulnerable people are at risk, additional assessments are carried out and risk reduction measures identified and implemented
· The service user is assisted into the shower only when a safe water temperature has been achieved
Slips, Trips and Falls Risk Assessment carried out. Project Managers ensure that staff are familiar with them.
COSHH Risk Assessment / Preliminary Substance Assessments carried out. Project Managers ensure that staff are familiar with them. / 1
1
1 / 10
8
8 / Low
Low
Low
Potential Outcome (P) / X / Likelihood Given Controls in Place (L) / Risk Rating Table
10 / 8 / 5 / 3 / 1 / 10 / 8 / 5 / 2 / 1 / 40 -100 / 15- 39 / 1-14
Fatality / Severe injury / Lost time
Injury / Minor
Injury / No injury / Certain / imminent / Very likely / Likely / Unlikely / Remote / HIGH / MED / LOW
ü If P x L (with existing controls) give a risk > 39 discontinue activity immediately. Inform line manager, only resume when risk has lowered with additional control measures
ü If risk is greater than > 14 but less than < 40 continue activity with phased implementation or further control measures.
ü If risk is less than < 15 continue activity and review at appropriate intervals.
Action required (note any temporary action / control measures required): / Review Date / Responsible Person / Date Completed
None required.
Further actions that may require longer term consideration:
None required.
Further assessments required:
Fire / COSHH / Manual Handling / Display Screen Equipment / New/Expectant Mothers / Young Persons
If any issues are outstanding from the ‘Action Review’ date, detail the reasons:
Signature: / Date:
Assessment Review Date (as required): / Assessment Review Date (as required):
New risk assessment required: / Yes / No / New risk assessment required: / Yes / No
Completed by (Name): / Completed by (Name):
Signature: / Signature:
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