Blank Risk Assesement

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Issues with the executive summary.

- The introduction is too long and provides information that the client already knows.

Fix - Removing most of the introduction. A quick reminder of the goal is ideal, but should only be one-two sentences at most.

- There is too much detail in the methodology.

Fix - Removing most of the methodology. A simple description is sufficient, with specific details left for further communication if need be. Discussion of specific wavelengths and calibration curves are superfluous.

- Results buried in a dense paragraph.

Fix - Condensing the results into a table. IF it is even necessary at all. Consider if all of the data is strictly required. Also, be consistent with units!

- No recommendations or conclusions.

Fix - Include a concluding statement. Summarise you outcomes they have paid you for.

An example of a revised executive summary.

Monash Consulting has been recruited to investigate the potential metal contamination of lakes in Western Australia. UV-Vis analysis was used to analyse the unknown solutions supplied for the four most likely metal contaminants (nickel, copper, chromium and cobalt) from the nearby mines. The results for sample 1 and 8 are as follows:

Sample number

Metals present

Concentration (M)

Acceptable limits (M)

1

Nickel

0.12

0.0003

Cobalt

0.12

Variable.

8

Cobalt

0.11

Variable.

Copper

0.05

0.3

Whilst safe drinking levels of cobalt compounds are variable, copper and nickel are generally considered dangerous above 0.3 M and 0.3 mM respectively. Considering both of these limits are reached (especially for nickel), this drinking water should not be considered safe for ingestion or for marine life.

Things to note.

- It’s quite short!

- There is no background beyond the task being investigated.

- The method is only briefly mentioned and, thanks to the table, the data is readily available and easy to interpret.

- Scientific jargon is kept to a minimum, UV-Vis is as technical as it gets.

- There is no ‘error’ discussion.

- The take home message (don’t drink the water!) is clear and succinct.