When the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) visit a farm, the focus is simple: ensuring risks are well managed and legal duties are being met. Preparing in advance not only supports a smooth inspection but also strengthens everyday safety standards.
When will the HSE inspect my farm?
The HSE has stopped conducting routine farm inspections. However, it will inspect a farm in response to an incident or if it has reason to believe there’s a compromise in safety.
Due to the nature of chemical stores – holding potentially hazardous substances, naturally these will form one part of the inspection conducted by the HSE during a visit.
What to expect
An inspector’s aim is to understand the work carried out on your farm and whether health and safety risks are effectively controlled.
While on site, they may:
- Talk to you about your employees, their tasks, and any associated risks.
- Look at machinery, equipment and any processes that could present health or safety concerns.
- Review records, documentation, and relevant safety procedures.
- Take photographs and speak directly with employees to verify understanding and compliance.
Being prepared, organised and open helps the visit run smoothly.
Dangerous substances: Are your legal duties covered?
If your farm holds substances that present fire, explosion, or corrosive risks, certain duties apply under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Employers must identify dangerous substances, assess the risks, and put clear control measures and emergency procedures in place.
You must also ensure employees understand these risks and are trained in how to manage them safely.
Chemical storage: Is it safe and compliant?
Storing chemicals safely is a legal requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. Inspectors will check that your storage arrangements are sound, your records are accurate, and your team are trained to manage substances correctly.
Make sure you have:
- Up to date inventories and stock records, including the removal of expired or deteriorated products.
- Secure, well maintained stores with clear labelling and access limited to authorised personnel.
- Suitable containment, segregation of incompatible chemicals, proper ventilation, and intact, clearly marked containers.
Common faults found by the HSE include poor record keeping, no/poor risk assessment, inadequate bunding, expired chemicals left in stores, and placing combustible materials nearby.
Good practice includes keeping stores tidy and secure, as well as eliminating ignition sources such as smoking or naked flames.
Risk assessments
Every employer must carry out ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessments for the designated chemical store.
Key requirements include:
- A written record if you have five or more employees, although keeping written assessments is recommended for all businesses.
- Completing specialised assessments where necessary, such as COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments for hazardous substances.
- Maintaining a written fire risk assessment for all non domestic premises.
Regular reviews ensure your assessments reflect current working practices and chemicals.
Be prepared, stay compliant
A proactive approach to safety makes HSE inspections more straightforward and reduces the likelihood of enforcement action. Checking your chemical stores, ensuring dangerous substances are properly managed, and keeping risk assessments current all help create a safer working environment.
Taking the time now to review your arrangements can help prevent accidents, protect your team, protect your business, and demonstrate strong safety management across the farm.
