Understanding Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is a structured and systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential hazards associated with consumer products. It is essential for ensuring product safety and compliance with key regulatory frameworks such as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), CE marking for the European Union, and UKCA marking for the United Kingdom.
Why Risk Assessment is Essential for All Products
All consumer products, including those perceived as low-risk like books, jewellery, toys, or stationery, can pose unexpected safety hazards. Even simple products may contain potential risks related to:
Material composition (allergic reactions, toxic chemicals)
Physical or mechanical hazards (sharp edges, small detachable parts)
Foreseeable misuse (children’s accidental ingestion, improper use)
Conducting a risk assessment ensures:
Products meet safety regulations and standards.
Prevention of consumer injuries and health issues.
Reduction in liability risk and potential recalls.
Enhanced consumer trust and brand reputation.
How to Perform a Risk Assessment
While you can use your own methods or templates, Euverify provides comprehensive Risk Assessment Templates to simplify and standardize the assessment process across various product categories. The risk assessment, whether using Euverify’s templates or your own, typically involves the following steps:
Define Product Scope and Limits:
Clearly specify the product’s intended use, target audience, and environmental conditions of use (indoor, outdoor, daily, occasional).
Identify Hazards:
List potential risks in categories such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, environmental, and operational hazards.
Evaluate Risk Significance:
Determine if each identified hazard poses a significant risk, marking them clearly (e.g., ‘Y’ for Yes, ‘N’ for No).
Provide a justification or explanation for each evaluation.
Implement Risk Reduction Measures:
Document clearly how significant hazards are mitigated.
Examples include improved product design, safer materials, better assembly processes, clear labeling, or providing safety warnings.
Maintain Documentation:
Securely store completed risk assessments as part of your product’s technical documentation, ready for review by market surveillance authorities.
Benefits of Using Euverify’s Risk Assessment Templates
Euverify’s risk assessment templates offer:
Clear guidance on identifying and evaluating hazards relevant to your product category.
Simplified compliance documentation processes.
Consistency in managing regulatory requirements.
These templates help manufacturers, importers, and sellers efficiently meet EU (GPSR, CE) and UKCA safety regulations.
You can find and purchase specific Risk Assessment Templates tailored to your products directly through the Euverify Shop.
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant! Whether you use Euverify’s templates or your own, conducting thorough risk assessments ensures your products meet all regulatory and safety standards.