H1 Risk Assessment

An H1 Risk Assessment is used to identify what risks are associated with your waste or industrial site.

The assessment is a prescribed methodology approved by the Environment Agency. There are different types of risk assessments for waste, installations or water discharge permit applications.

It is based on the probability/consequence risk assessment methodology.

All environmental permit applications will require an H1 Risk Assessment.

The H1 risk assessment is a tool used by the Environment Agency (EA) in the UK to evaluate and manage the environmental impact of emissions to air from industrial facilities. It forms part of the broader risk assessment framework used in determining environmental permits under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). The goal of an H1 assessment is to ensure that emissions from regulated activities do not cause significant harm to human health or the environment.

H1 Risk Assessment

The “H1” methodology is structured, standardized, and focuses on pollutants released into the atmosphere, though it has been adapted and complemented by newer tools in recent years (such as H4 for odor and H5 for noise). Despite updates, the H1 risk assessment remains a key reference for environmental compliance and permitting.

The process begins by identifying the substances emitted from a site’s operations and comparing those emissions to relevant benchmarks. Such as Environmental Assessment Levels (EALs) or Environmental Quality Standards (EQS). These benchmarks are often derived from UK air quality objectives or international guidelines, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Steps Involved in H1 Risk Assessment

1. Screening Emissions – Operators compile an inventory of potential emissions and assess whether they are significant. Insignificant emissions can often be screened out early in the process.
2. Quantifying Emissions – For emissions considered potentially significant, operators calculate or measure release rates and determine the nature of each pollutant.
3. Impact Assessment – Using dispersion modeling or conservative screening tools, the likely environmental concentration of pollutants is predicted and compared against air quality standards or ecological thresholds.
4. Risk Management and Mitigation – Operators must demonstrate that Best Available Techniques (BAT) are being used to control emissions. Where necessary, take further steps to mitigate harm.

The H1 risk assessment also considers cumulative impacts. Such as on schools, hospitals, or protected habitats near the site.

Conclusion

Though the EA is transitioning towards more integrated risk assessment tools, understanding the principles of H1 remains essential for operators. For those seeking permits or demonstrating ongoing compliance. By systematically assessing and managing emissions to air, the EA ensures that industrial operations do not compromise environmental quality.

To identify which pollutant activities need to be assessed. You will therefore need to screen in/out air, water, soil, or waste activities.

Because the risk assessment methodology for an installations permit is different to that of a waste facility. The EA provide a spread sheet in order to complete this risk assessment.

A good risk assessment, in other words, will take into account emissions, pathways and receptors. We regularly update or produce H1 risk assessments for new permit applications. Risk assessments are therefore required for various applications. Applications, transfers, variations and permit surrenders.

If you do not complete a good risk assessment. Your application may therefore be rejected.

Paul Downing and Associates Ltd have experience of producing risk assessments for a wide range of industrial processes.

Should you need the help of an experienced consultant, please contact us in the first instance for an informal discussion.