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Environmental Risk Assessment — UK-Compliant in Minutes
An environmental risk assessment identifies how your business operations could harm the natural environment — pollution, waste, chemical spillage, noise and contamination — and sets out controls to prevent environmental damage. Required under UK environmental law and expected by the Environment Agency, it demonstrates legal compliance and responsible environmental management.
Used by manufacturers, construction firms, logistics operators and environmental consultants across the UK
🌍 Storing oil, chemicals or waste on site? Mention it — we'll include bund requirements, spill containment measures, and Environment Agency notification procedures under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.
Legal requirements for environmental risk assessment
Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment covering all foreseeable risks from their activities — including environmental harm. This means pollution, contamination, noise, and damage to land, water and air caused by your operations must be assessed and controlled.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty of care on all businesses to prevent pollution and environmental damage. Section 34 requires that controlled waste is stored, transported and disposed of safely, and that you take all reasonable steps to prevent environmental harm. The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 require businesses handling waste, chemicals or emissions to hold the appropriate permits and demonstrate that pollution risks are properly managed.
The Water Resources Act 1991 makes it an offence to pollute controlled waters — rivers, streams, groundwater or drains — with oil, chemicals, or other pollutants. If you store fuel, chemicals or waste near drains or watercourses, you must have spill containment measures in place. An environmental risk assessment demonstrates compliance and is expected during Environment Agency inspections.
Businesses storing oil (diesel, heating oil, lubricants) above 200 litres must comply with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, which require secondary containment (bunding) and regular inspections. If you are applying for an environmental permit, or subject to ISO 14001 certification, a written environmental risk assessment is a core requirement. Anyrisks assessments reference all relevant UK environmental legislation and align with Environment Agency guidance.
How it works
1. Describe your operations
Tell us what you do — manufacturing processes, chemicals used, waste produced, storage of oil or hazardous substances, noise, dust or emissions. Describe your site location and proximity to watercourses, drains or sensitive areas. If you operate under an environmental permit, mention it.
2. Anyrisks does the work
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant environmental risk assessment covering pollution prevention, waste management, spill response, and all relevant UK environmental legislation.
3. Download and use immediately
Download as PDF and Word. Submit it with your environmental permit application, include it in your ISO 14001 documentation, or file it for Environment Agency inspections. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every environmental risk assessment is written in full — covering all environmental hazards and pollution risks specific to your operations.
Pollution prevention — land, water and air
Chemical storage and spillage control measures
Oil storage — bunding and secondary containment requirements
Waste storage, segregation and disposal
Hazardous waste management and consignment notes
Spill kits, containment booms and emergency response
Noise pollution and nuisance to neighbours
Dust, emissions and air quality impacts
Contamination of drains and watercourses
Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 compliance
Environment Agency notification requirements
ISO 14001 environmental management system alignment
Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001
Water Resources Act 1991 — prevention of water pollution
Works for
From manufacturing to construction, Anyrisks covers every type of operation with environmental risk.
What customers say
"We store diesel and AdBlue on site and the Environment Agency asked for an environmental risk assessment during an inspection. Anyrisks covered bunding, spill kits and water pollution controls — exactly what they wanted to see."
David T.
Logistics manager, West Midlands
"We needed an environmental risk assessment for our ISO 14001 certification. Anyrisks produced a complete document covering waste, chemicals and emissions in under 2 minutes. Our auditor was satisfied."
Claire P.
QHSE coordinator, manufacturing, South Wales
"We handle hazardous waste and needed a document for our environmental permit application. Anyrisks referenced all the right regulations and covered consignment notes, spillage and segregation controls."
Mark H.
Waste contractor, North East
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Environment Agency guidance aligned | ✓ | ✗ |
| Oil storage and bunding requirements covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spill response and emergency procedures included | ✓ | ✗ |
| ISO 14001 compliant format | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an environmental impact assessment?
No — an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a statutory planning document required for major development projects under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. An environmental risk assessment identifies and controls workplace hazards to the natural environment from routine business operations — pollution, waste, chemical spillage, noise and contamination.
What UK legislation applies to environmental risk assessments?
The Environmental Protection Act 1990, Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, and the Water Resources Act 1991 all impose duties to prevent environmental harm. Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires a risk assessment that considers all foreseeable risks, including environmental damage caused by your activities.
Who needs an environmental risk assessment?
Any business whose operations could pollute land, water or air — including manufacturing, construction, chemical storage, waste handling, agriculture, logistics and fuel storage. If you store oil, chemicals, or generate process waste, an environmental risk assessment is expected by the Environment Agency and local authorities.
Does it cover ISO 14001 requirements?
Yes — an environmental risk assessment forms the foundation of an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. It identifies environmental aspects and impacts, which are core requirements of the standard. While Anyrisks produces a standalone assessment, it can be used as part of your ISO 14001 documentation.
Can I use this for an environmental permit application?
Yes — many environmental permit applications to the Environment Agency or local authorities require an environmental risk assessment demonstrating that you understand and can control pollution risks. Anyrisks assessments are written in the format expected by regulators and include control measures aligned with environmental best practice.
How quickly can I get it?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your operations, site location, substances stored and waste produced. Anyrisks generates a complete, UK-compliant environmental risk assessment instantly.
Does it cover spill response and emergency procedures?
Yes — describe your storage of oil, chemicals or hazardous substances and the assessment will include spill containment measures, emergency response procedures, and notification requirements to the Environment Agency under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
Will it satisfy Environment Agency inspections?
Yes — Anyrisks environmental risk assessments are written in alignment with Environment Agency guidance and reference the relevant UK environmental legislation. They demonstrate that you have assessed your pollution risks and put proportionate controls in place.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator