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Apiary Risk Assessment (UK) – Beekeeping Safety Checklist & Template

A simple apiary risk assessment helps you think ahead about common hazards (stings, public access, livestock, tools, treatments) and decide what sensible steps reduce risk. It doesn’t need to be complicated — the goal is a clear, practical record you can review once or twice a year (and whenever something changes).

Good to know: risk assessments are normal for many activities. For beekeeping, they’re especially useful if your hives are on land you don’t own, near public access, or if you want a clear safety plan for visitors and family.

What an Apiary Risk Assessment Is

In plain English, it’s a short document that answers four questions:

  • What could go wrong? (hazards)
  • Who could be affected? (you, visitors, neighbours, public)
  • What are you doing to reduce the risk? (controls)
  • When will you review it? (review date / trigger)

This page supports the main responsibility hub: Beekeeping Responsibilities (UK).

When You Should Use One

Not every apiary needs a long assessment — but it’s strongly recommended if:

  • Your apiary is on other people’s land (landowner reassurance and clarity).
  • There is public access nearby (footpaths, parks, open fields, rights of way).
  • You have livestock nearby (horses, cattle, sheep) or working dogs on site.
  • You have visitors (family, friends, learners, association visits).
  • You store or use treatments and want a simple safety record.
Trigger events for a review: new hives, new access route, neighbour concerns, a sting incident, livestock changes, fencing changes, or any site change that affects risk.

Common Hazards and Sensible Controls

The table below gives a practical starting point. Your own assessment should match your site and how you work.

Apiary risk assessment – example hazards and controls (UK)
Hazard Who may be affected Typical controls (examples) Notes / review triggers
Stings and allergic reactions You, visitors, neighbours, public Keep an epipen plan if relevant; carry a phone; avoid lone working where possible; keep a first-aid kit; tell someone where you are; avoid opening hives in bad weather or when bees are defensive. Any sting incident, new visitors, new apiary location.
Public access / footpaths Walkers, dog owners, children Site hives to direct flight paths away from paths; maintain boundaries and signage where appropriate; manage vegetation; avoid inspections at busy times; keep water available to reduce bees visiting public taps/pools. Route changes, new path usage, seasonal tourism changes.
Livestock and farm activity You, landowner, livestock handlers Agree access and parking; keep gates closed; place hives away from livestock routes; avoid leaving kit where animals can reach it; agree emergency contact arrangements with landowner. Livestock moved, fencing changed, new farm operations.
Tools and manual handling You Lift safely; avoid overloading; use hive stands; keep clear working area; carry smoker fuel safely; store sharp tools securely. New equipment, injury/near miss, uneven ground changes.
Smoker use / fire risk You, landowner, public Use appropriate fuel; avoid dry windy conditions; carry water; fully extinguish smoker before leaving; never discard embers in vegetation. Dry weather, grass cutting, wildfire warnings.
Treatments and safe handling You Follow labels; store securely; use suitable PPE; wash hands; avoid treating in enclosed spaces; keep a simple record of products used. New product used, spill, PPE changes, label updates.
Neighbour concerns / nuisance Neighbours, landowner, public Keep good communication; provide water; manage temperament (requeening if needed); avoid blocking flight paths; respond quickly to concerns and document actions. Complaint received, new nearby activity, changes to forage/water.

If you’re using treatments, link this page to your varroa safety pages: Varroa Management and PPE for Varroa Treatments.

Quick Site Checklist

These are the simple “walk around” checks that catch most issues early:

  • Access: gates, paths, parking, and whether you can reach the apiary safely in bad weather.
  • Boundaries: fencing/hedging condition and whether hives are visible or accessible to the public.
  • Flight lines: where bees naturally fly in/out and whether that crosses footpaths or doorways.
  • Water: a clean water source to reduce bees visiting neighbours’ taps/pools.
  • Working space: a safe place to put boxes/tools without creating trip hazards.
  • Emergency plan: phone signal, “tell someone” routine, and first aid kit location.
Practical habit: add a short “site notes” section to your inspection routine — it keeps the risk assessment alive rather than forgotten.

Download the Template

Free Downloads:

Download a printable template and keep it with your apiary records. If your hives are on someone else’s land, a simple template can also help reassure landowners and avoid misunderstandings.

Reminder: these templates support good practice but don’t replace site-specific judgement or official guidance.

Related (recommended): Veterinary Medicine Records and your Beekeeping Responsibilities (UK) hub.

Official Guidance & Further Reading

For UK-specific official guidance and reliable starting points:

Important note: This page is educational guidance and not legal advice. If you have a specific site issue or complaint, it’s sensible to seek local advice (association / landowner / qualified professional).