RA-HS136 Use of Drones and UAVs
| File Reference : | RA-HS136 Use of Drones and UAVs |
This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying hazards, rating risk and recording controls, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and saved to Google Docs format if required. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout with styles to match the risk-ratings which are input using select boxes pre-populated with all possible risk ratings. All text is in Calibri font for improved readability.
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Use of Drones and UAVs Risk Assessment
This fully completed use of drones and uavs risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers a typical range of hazards associated with commercial operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones for aerial survey, photography, inspection, and mapping, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Use of Drones and UAVs Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with use of drones and uavs including;
- Drone strike and blade collision injury to ground crew, bystanders, or the public from loss of control
- Drone flyaway and loss of control from GPS signal loss, electromagnetic interference, or software fault
- Controlled airspace incursion causing collision risk with manned aircraft from failure to check NOTAMs or airspace restrictions
- LiPo (lithium polymer) battery fire during charging, storage, or in the event of a crash or puncture
- Privacy and data protection breach from inadvertent capture of identifiable individuals or private property
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating and a listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Remote pilot holds valid CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID; operations conducted within appropriate CAA operational category
- Pre-flight checks completed; weather assessed; return-to-home function tested; fail-safe modes confirmed active
- NOTAM check completed before every flight; Drone Assist app or equivalent used; no-fly zones observed
- LiPo batteries stored in fireproof bag; charging supervised; damaged batteries never flown or charged
- Data capture minimised; footage reviewed and irrelevant personal data deleted promptly; GDPR privacy notice in place
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management can be used to reduce the overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries — improving clarity and helping to highlight risks and mandatory controls.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Use of Drones and UAVs Risk Assessment Suitable For?
This use of drones and uavs risk assessment is suitable for health and safety advisers, drone operators, survey managers, and any employer operating drones commercially with a duty to comply with CAA regulations under the Air Navigation Order 2016. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.