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Craft & Maker Workshop Risk Assessments
Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer and self-employed person must conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all work activities. Craft and maker workshops — whether pottery, blacksmithing, glassblowing, woodturning, leatherworking, candle-making, distilling or any other artisan making activity — involve tools, materials and processes that require documented risk assessments before participants arrive.
Used by potters, blacksmiths, glassblowers, woodturners, leatherworkers and artisan makers across the UK.
⚠️ Every craft and maker workshop involving tools, heat, sharp blades, molten materials, hazardous substances or members of the public requires a written risk assessment under UK law. The HSE expects documented assessments for all commercial making activities before participants arrive.
The Legal Framework for Craft & Maker Workshops
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees and persons affected by their work activities. Craft workshop operators running sessions for paying customers owe a duty of care to those participants under common law and statute.
Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires every employer and self-employed person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees and others arising from their work activities. This includes every craft workshop session you deliver.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that all work equipment — including pottery wheels, kilns, forge hammers, anvils, power lathes, woodturning chisels, grinders, saws, heat guns and craft knives — is suitable for the intended use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Regulation 8 requires specific measures to prevent or control specified risks, including sharp edges, hot surfaces and dangerous moving parts.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require risk assessments for any substance that is hazardous to health. In craft workshops, this includes ceramic glazes containing lead or barium, solvents and thinners used in leatherworking, resin fumes, candle wax additives, wood dust from turning and sawing operations, forge fumes and acids used in metalworking. Regulation 6 requires employers to prevent or adequately control exposure.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to all electrical equipment used in craft workshops, including kilns, glassblowing furnaces, pottery wheels, power tools and extraction fans. Regulation 4 requires that all electrical systems are constructed, maintained and used to prevent danger.
How It Works
1. Describe Your Workshop
Give us a few details about your craft or maker workshop activity. It takes under 2 minutes.
2. Let the app take the strain
Our advanced algorithms produce a comprehensive, UK-compliant risk assessment tailored to your specific making activity, aligned with HSE guidance and PUWER, COSHH and other relevant regulations.
3. Instant Download and Use
Get a professionally formatted PDF and fully editable Word document, ready to file in your insurance folder or present to your local authority straight away. £29, no subscription.
What You Get
- ✓Instant PDF download — ready to share with your insurer or local authority
- ✓Fully editable Word document — adjust to your specific workshop setup
- ✓Aligned with MHSWR 1999, PUWER 1998, COSHH 2002 and HSE guidance
- ✓Specific to your described activity — not a generic template
- ✓Covers hazard identification, control measures, responsible persons and review dates
- ✓Suitable for insurance underwriting — structured to the standard insurers expect
- ✓COSHH assessments for glazes, solvents, resins, wood dust and forge fumes
- ✓Covers tool safety, fire risk, manual handling, PPE and emergency procedures
UK Legislation & Regulatory Requirements for Craft Workshops
PUWER 1998: Equipment Safety
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 apply to all craft workshop equipment — pottery wheels, kilns, forge hammers, woodturning lathes, power saws, grinders, heat guns and hand tools. Regulation 5 requires that equipment is suitable for the intended use. Regulation 6 requires maintenance in an efficient state. Regulation 11 covers dangerous parts of machinery and requires guards or protective devices where practical.
Workshops involving rotating machinery (pottery wheels, lathes, buffing wheels) must have documented maintenance schedules and pre-use inspection checks. Any equipment with exposed blades, belts or cutting edges requires specific control measures under Regulation 11.
COSHH 2002: Hazardous Substances
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 require risk assessments for every hazardous substance used in craft workshops. This includes ceramic glazes (lead, barium, cobalt), wood dust (hardwood dust is a known carcinogen under COSHH), solvents and thinners (leatherworking, candle-making), forge fumes (coal, coke combustion), epoxy resins, metal grinding dust and acids used in etching or metal patination.
Regulation 7 requires that exposure is prevented or adequately controlled. This means local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for kiln rooms, dust extraction for woodturning and sawing, fume extraction for forge work and appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where engineering controls are not sufficient.
Fire Safety: Regulatory Reform Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all craft workshops where members of the public are present. Article 9 requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment covering means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, fire-fighting equipment and emergency procedures. Workshops involving kilns, forges, glassblowing furnaces, candle-making or any hot process must document fire risk controls.
Kilns and forges must have documented operating procedures, minimum clearance distances from combustible materials and appropriate fire extinguishers within 10 metres. Candle-making workshops must control ignition sources and store flammable wax safely under DSEAR 2002.
Manual Handling Regulations 1992
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 apply to craft workshops where heavy materials are handled — clay bags (pottery), metal stock (blacksmithing), timber (woodworking), stone blocks (carving), barrels (coopering). Regulation 4 requires employers to avoid the need for hazardous manual handling so far as is reasonably practicable, and where it cannot be avoided, to assess the risk and reduce it to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
Workshops must document lifting techniques, maximum safe load limits and any mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists, benches at correct working height). Participants must be briefed on safe lifting before handling heavy materials.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical equipment used in craft workshops is safe and properly maintained. Regulation 4 requires that all electrical systems are constructed, maintained and used to prevent danger. Kilns, pottery wheels, grinders, lathes, extraction fans, glassblowing furnaces and heat guns must have annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and documented inspection records.
Workshops with high-temperature equipment (kilns, forges, furnaces) must have residual current devices (RCDs) fitted to the electrical supply. All trailing leads must be protected from mechanical damage and kept away from heat sources and wet processes.
Which Craft Workshop Risk Assessment Do You Need?
Choose the assessment that matches your specific making activity. Every link below generates a tailored, UK-compliant risk assessment in under 2 minutes.
| If you run... | You need this assessment |
|---|---|
| Pottery or ceramics workshops with kilns, wheels and glazes | Pottery & Ceramics Workshop Risk Assessment → |
| Glassblowing experiences or hot glass sessions | Glassblowing Experience Risk Assessment → |
| Blacksmithing forge days or metalwork sessions | Blacksmithing & Forge Days Risk Assessment → |
| Woodturning or green woodworking courses | Woodturning & Green Woodworking Risk Assessment → |
| General woodworking workshops with saws, planers and routers | Woodworking Risk Assessment → |
| Leatherworking sessions with knives, stamps and dyes | Leatherworking Workshop Risk Assessment → |
| Metalworking, knife-making or blade-forging courses | Metalworking & Knife-Making Risk Assessment → |
| Willow weaving, basket-making or hedge-laying courses | Willow Weaving & Basket-Making Risk Assessment → |
| Stone carving or sculpture workshops | Stone Carving & Sculpture Risk Assessment → |
| Coopering or barrel-making courses | Coopering & Barrel-Making Risk Assessment → |
| Dry stone walling courses or demonstrations | Dry Stone Walling Risk Assessment → |
| Hedge-laying courses or countryside skills training | Hedge Laying Risk Assessment → |
| Thatching courses or traditional roofing workshops | Thatching Risk Assessment → |
| Candle-making or wax melt workshops | Candle-Making Risk Assessment → |
| Distilling courses, gin schools or spirit-making workshops | Distilling & Gin School Risk Assessment → |
| Cheese-making or brewing workshops | Cheese & Brewing Workshop Risk Assessment → |
| Lampshade-making or soft furnishing workshops | Lampshade & Soft Furnishing Maker Risk Assessment → |
| Landscape painting workshops, plein air courses or outdoor art sessions | Landscape Painting Workshop Risk Assessment → |
| Not sure, or running a different type of craft/maker workshop | Generate My Risk Assessment (general) → |
Perfect For
Example Content
A short illustrative extract from a typical craft workshop risk assessment generated by Anyrisks.
| Hazard | Who is at risk | Control measures | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burns from kiln or forge | Workshop participants and operator | Kiln/forge door interlocked. Temperature warning signs displayed. Heat-resistant gloves provided. Safe distance barrier enforced during firing. | Medium |
| Inhalation of glaze dust or wood dust | Participants and operator | COSHH assessment for all glazes and wood types. Dust extraction fitted to all sanding and turning equipment. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) provided for high-dust tasks. | Medium |
| Cuts from sharp tools (knives, chisels, blades) | Participants | Pre-session tool safety briefing. Correct cutting technique demonstrated. First aid kit on site. Tools maintained sharp (blunt tools require more force and are more dangerous). | Low |
| Fire from hot wax, forge or solvent ignition | All persons on site | Candle wax heated in water bath, not direct flame. Fire extinguisher (CO₂ or foam) sited within 10m of all hot processes. Emergency exit route kept clear. No smoking policy enforced. | Low |
Illustrative only. Your assessment will be tailored to your specific workshop activity and equipment.
Real People, Real Workshops
"I run pottery workshops from my garden studio in Somerset. My insurer asked for written risk assessments covering the kiln, glazes and wheel work — Anyrisks delivered exactly what I needed in under 2 minutes. The COSHH section for glaze materials was particularly thorough."
— Lucy Harrison, Pottery Workshop Tutor, Somerset
"We offer blacksmithing forge days and knife-making courses in Cumbria. Every participant needs to see our risk assessment before they arrive. Anyrisks generates a detailed, professional document that covers fire risk, burns, fumes and tool safety — all the elements our public liability insurer requires."
— James Thornton, Blacksmith & Forge Instructor, Cumbria
"I teach candle-making workshops and needed a COSHH assessment for the fragrance oils and wax additives I use. The Anyrisks assessment covered fire risk, hot wax handling and ventilation requirements — exactly what my venue wanted to see before they let me run sessions there."
— Emma Cartwright, Candle-Making Tutor, Berkshire
Join thousands of UK craft tutors, makers and artisan workshop operators getting risk assessments done in minutes.
You'll be delighted with your Risk Assessment, or your money back.
Anyrisks vs DIY Risk Assessment
| Feature | Anyrisks | DIY Template |
|---|---|---|
| Time to complete | Under 2 minutes | 2-4 hours |
| UK legislation citations | Automatic (MHSWR, PUWER, COSHH) | You research yourself |
| Activity-specific hazards | Tailored to your exact workshop | Generic list |
| COSHH assessment included | Yes — for all substances you describe | Separate document required |
| PDF + Word formats | Both included | Usually one format only |
| Professional formatting | Publication-ready | Basic table layout |
| Insurer-approved structure | Yes | Not guaranteed |
| Money-back guarantee | 24 hours | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a risk assessment for every craft workshop I run?
Yes. Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer and self-employed person must conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all work activities. This includes every craft workshop, maker session or artisan course you deliver — whether pottery, glassblowing, blacksmithing, woodturning, leatherworking or any other making activity involving tools, materials or public participation.
What legislation applies to craft and maker workshops in the UK?
Craft and maker workshops are subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Workshops involving public participants must also consider the safety of non-employees under common law duty of care.
Do I need insurance and a risk assessment to run a craft workshop?
Yes to both. Public liability insurance is essential for any workshop accepting paying participants, and most insurers require sight of written risk assessments before issuing cover. The HSE expects documented risk assessments for all commercial making activities involving hazardous equipment (kilns, forges, power tools, sharp blades, molten materials) or hazardous substances (glazes, resins, solvents, thinners, acids).
How detailed does a maker workshop risk assessment need to be?
Your risk assessment must be suitable and sufficient for the specific activity. For a pottery workshop, that means covering kiln operation, clay dust inhalation, glaze toxicity, manual handling of heavy clay bags and slip hazards. For a blacksmithing forge day, it means fire risk, burns from hot metal, fume inhalation, noise from hammering and eye injuries from grinding sparks. Anyrisks generates activity-specific assessments tailored to the exact workshop you describe.
Can one risk assessment cover multiple craft activities?
Only if the hazards are identical. A general woodworking workshop and a specialist woodturning session involve different machinery, different techniques and different risks. Best practice is one documented risk assessment per distinct activity type. If you run pottery, glassblowing and leatherworking workshops from the same studio, you need three separate assessments.
How long does it take to generate a craft workshop risk assessment?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your workshop activity, tools, materials and participant numbers and Anyrisks produces a comprehensive, UK-compliant risk assessment instantly. Download as PDF and editable Word document. £29, no subscription, money-back guarantee within 24 hours.
Also see: Candle-Making Risk Assessment · Pottery & Ceramics Workshop Risk Assessment · Glassblowing Experience Risk Assessment · Leatherworking Workshop Risk Assessment · Metalworking & Knife-Making Risk Assessment · Willow Weaving & Basket-Making Risk Assessment · Woodturning & Green Woodworking Risk Assessment · Woodworking Risk Assessment · Stone Carving & Sculpture Risk Assessment · Blacksmithing & Forge Days Risk Assessment · Coopering & Barrel-Making Risk Assessment · Dry Stone Walling Risk Assessment · Hedge Laying Risk Assessment · Thatching Risk Assessment · Distilling & Gin School Risk Assessment · Cheese & Brewing Workshop Risk Assessment · Lampshade & Soft Furnishing Maker Risk Assessment · Landscape Painting Workshop Risk Assessment · The Ultimate Guide to Risk Assessment · Do I Need a Risk Assessment? · Risk Assessment Legal Requirements