Fiducia TogetherRisk assessment in practicals
Identifying what could go wrong and what you will do about it.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
A risk assessment identifies hazards, the risk they present, and the control measures reducing it.
Where it applies
All three sciences, DT, food and PE.
How it works
A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood of it doing so in this situation. Confusing them is the standard error.
How to use it in your work
Give hazard, risk and control as three separate things, specific to the practical. 'Be careful' is not a control measure.
Name the actual chemical or process, not 'the equipment'.
Where to get help
Your teacher and your board's specification and mark scheme.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.