Plain answers to the questions small businesses actually ask — no jargon, with the legal reference where it matters.
Do I need COSHH assessments if I'm self-employed?
Yes, in almost all cases. The COSHH Regulations 2002 apply to the self-employed where work could expose you or others to hazardous substances. If you use cleaning chemicals, inks, solvents, paints, dusts or disinfectants, each substance needs an assessment — and licensing authorities for tattoo and beauty premises expect to see them regardless of employment status. See our COSHH service.
What's the difference between a risk assessment and RAMS?
A risk assessment identifies hazards and sets out control measures. RAMS combines that with a step-by-step method statement for how the job will actually be done. Principal contractors normally require RAMS before allowing you on site — a plain risk assessment usually isn't enough for site access.
Do I legally need a written health & safety policy?
A written policy is legally required at 5 or more employees (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, s.2(3)). Below that you still need a policy — it just doesn't have to be written. In practice, clients and contractors often ask for a written one at any size. See H&S Policy service.
What safety signs does my premises legally need?
It depends on your risk assessments — that's the honest answer. Signage is required wherever a significant risk can't be controlled another way (Safety Signs Regulations 1996). Common legal fixtures: fire exit and fire action signage, no-smoking signage, and the HSE law poster if you employ anyone. Our fire risk assessments specify exactly which signs your premises needs — and the shop stocks them.
How fast can you deliver documents?
Standard turnaround is 3–5 working days from receiving your information. A 48-hour express service is available, and occasionally 24-hour emergency turnaround — useful against a site start date or licensing visit.
Do you only cover Devon?
No. Documentation work — COSHH, risk assessments, RAMS, policies — is delivered remotely across the UK. Site visits, audits and fire risk assessments are available across Devon and the wider South West.
Are your documents templates?
No. Every document is written from scratch for your business, your tasks and your site. Generic templates routinely fail HSE and licensing inspections because they don't reflect the actual work. If you want the DIY route, we sell our own self-completion templates honestly, as exactly that.
What happens after I buy a template from your shop?
Digital templates are delivered instantly — download links appear straight after checkout and stay live for 30 days. They're interactive HTML documents that open in any browser with one-click save-to-PDF. Full terms: Shop Terms, Delivery & Returns.
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