OVERSEAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FORM
PART B – RISK ASSESSMENT
For medium to high risk visits
Description of Activity / Type of Activity
Fieldwork

Research

Recruitment 
Other
 (please specify)
Conducted with other organisation
Yes  No 
If yes, name and address of other
organisation and main contact person
Have you travelled to this country (ies) before
Yes  No 
(please specify when you last visited)
Please specify if you have extensive
knowledge of the country you are visiting
(gained from residence, citizenship or work
experience).
Are you aware of the cultural differences and
expectations of the country(ies) being
visited?
What are the current risks specified by the
FCO and CR24 for the country(ies) being
visited?
What are the arrangements for maintaining
151012
Named contact person:
contact with the University during the trip?
Method of contact:
Frequency of contact:
Have you consulted Occupational Health in relation to this visit?
Yes 
No 
If the answer is No – please contact OH Department for advice. (If appropriate you will be
asked to complete the Occupational Health Travel Health Assessment Form (Part C).
Please use the template below to detail the hazards, risks and proposed control measures for
this visit. To complete the template please refer to the Risk Assessment Check List, Foreign
and Commonwealth Office Advice, CR24 and UCEA www.ucea.ac.uk
Hazard
Associated Problems
Probability/high (H)
Measures taken to
See Appendix 3
medium (M) low (L)
reduce risk
Risk assessment
or not applicable N/A
guidance for
examples
Accommodation
Civil Unrest
Climate conditions
Confined spaces
Contact with animals
151012
Contact with
insects
Contact with
reptiles
Contaminated food
Contaminated water
Crime
Electricity
Emergencies
Hazardous
substances
Infections
Local culture and
legislation
Natural
phenomenon
Stress
Transportation
Workplace
environment
Other (specify)
151012
Approvals:
Travellers/PIC:
Print:
Sign:
Date:
Sign:
Date:
Director/Dean:
Print:
Comments or recommendations by Safety Officer
Approval by Safety Officer:
Print:
151012
Sign:
Date:
RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE
HAZARD
Accommodation
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
Adequate lighting, drinking water,
RECOMMENDATIONS

ventilation, temperature,
Before travelling check the suitability
and facilities of the accommodation.
cleanliness, space, equipment,
washing and sanitary facilities,
security
Civil Unrest
Security alerts, terrorism,

Make yourself aware of the of the
shootings, bombings,
security situation at the location
demonstrations, abductions and
www.fco.gov.uk
kidnapping.

Avoid visiting locations which have
civil unrest.

Avoid all demonstrations and public
gatherings.
Climate Conditions
Dry/desert, hot, cold, (high

humidity, hypothermia), oxygen
deficiency/rarefied air, sunburn,
seasonal weather.

sunstroke, heat exhaustion
dehydration, skin cancer, tidal and
Use high factor sunscreen and carry
water in hot conditions.

other water considerations,
unusual winds (e.g. tornado,
Be aware of weather forecasts and
Protect extremities, hands/feet from
cold/wet conditions.

hurricane).
Avoid strenuous activity during hot
periods.

Wear good quality wet weather gear
in wet conditions.
Confined Spaces,
Becoming trapped, asphyxiation,
Caving, Tunnelling
drowning.
etc

Ensure you have sufficient and
appropriate training.

Check safety procedures that are in
place at the location.

Be aware of local hazards, e.g. mine
shafts, crevices etc.
151012
HAZARD
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Contact with
Allergies, asthma, bites and other

Do not approach animals.
Animals
physical contact, dermatitis, rabies,

Avoid markets and other places
stings.
Contact with
Bites/stings Lyme’s disease, malaria,
Insects
yellow fever, other.
where animals are sold.

Ensure you have had the
inoculations relevant to the
location.

Wear appropriate clothing, e.g. long
sleeves, to avoid bites.

Determine if malaria is a risk if so,
consult GP for medication
Contact with
Availability of antidotes/medical back-
Reptiles/Snakes
up.

Determine level of threat at
location.

Ensure there is appropriate first
aid/medical service locally
Contaminated
Allergies, food poisoning, dysentery,
Food
diarrhoea, Hepatitis A.

Wear appropriate clothing

Eat thoroughly cooked recently
prepared food.

Avoid buffets.

Drink sufficient water to avoid
dehydration. Avoid ice
Contaminated
Diarrhoea, dysentery, legionella,
Water
leptospirosis, cholera, polio, typhoid.

Drink bottled water only. Check
bottled water has been sealed
before opening.
151012

Do not have ice in drinks.

Use bottled water to clean teeth
HAZARD
Electricity
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
Compatibility of equipment and
RECOMMENDATIONS

supply, safety standards
(higher/lower/different), power cuts.
Prior to travel check compatibility of
equipment with local supply.

Take torches, batteries, adaptors.

Do not use electrical equipment,
sockets, etc, which looks faulty
Hazardous
Antidote availability, spillage
Substances
arrangements, transport
requirements, MSDS information.

Comply with Material Health and
Safety Data Sheet.

Utilise appropriate personal
protective equipment
Infections
Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B or

similar by use of non-sterile needles.
Take a travel first aid kit including
needle and syringe.

Do not undertake unprotected
sexual activities or drug taking
Local Culture and
Culture, language, customs, dress,

Dress appropriately at all times.
Legislation
religion, behaviour. Local regulations,

Make yourself aware of and respect
legislation, codes of practice.
local restrictions and customs.

Make yourself aware of and abide
by local legislation.

Ensure you have valid permits
which may be required.

Do not take into the country
medicines which are not permitted
Dangerous Sports
Increased risk of injury

Avoid dangerous sports whilst on
University funded trips
151012
HAZARD
Natural Disasters
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
Avalanche, earthquake, volcano,
RECOMMENDATIONS

tornado, avalanche.
Determine the likelihood of such
events

Determine the emergency
procedures at place of
accommodation
Stress
Accommodation problems, civil

unrest, crime, vandalism and
violence, extremes of heat/cold,
Make preparations and evaluations
described in this guidance.

fatigue, language/communication
Set up system for support with line
manager, family member of friends.
problems, lack of support (especially
family/peers), loads/expectations
excessive, loneliness/remoteness,
sickness, unfriendly environment.
Transportation
Incompetent driver(s), hazardous

If driving, ensure you have correct
terrain, improperly maintained
insurance, licence, and are aware
vehicles, unsuitable transport.
of driving regulations.

If using a taxi check licence details
shown belong to your driver.

If using public transport, consider
the road worthiness of vehicle.

Workplace
Adequate lighting, drinking water,
Environment
ventilation, temperature, cleanliness,
suitability and facilities of the
space, equipment, work areas,
workplace.
washing and sanitary facilities, traffic
routes, freedom from fall and falling
objects, clothing storage, changing
facilities, rest areas etc.
151012

Before travelling check the
Determine the health and safety
arrangements within the workplace.