Risk Assessment Form
Ramsey Heights Countryside Centre and Nature Reserve
From Little Acorns
Date of Activity:
Participating Group:
Date of Assessment: 8th May 2013
Assessor: Alistair Rose, Education & Community Officer
Hazard
Setting up and clearing away
classroom; moving tables,
chairs etc. Risk of trapped
fingers, back strain.
General safety in classroom,
trip hazards.
S
3
P
2
RL Action
6 Advise helpers not to lift too much,
demonstrate safe lifting and verbal warning
about trapped fingers.
2
2
4
Heaters; danger of fire, and
other fire dangers.
Hot water.
Refreshments. Hot liquids –
risk of scalds. Crumbs – risk
of choking.
Toilet doors heavy; risk of
trapped fingers.
Low doorway on fire exit.
3
2
6
3
2
2
1
6
2
1
2
3
Branches at any level.
Insect bites, stings, poisonous
and prickly plants.
3
3
S P RL Notes
3 1 3
Follow RIDDOR, ensure first aid kits
available and stocked. Use covers for all
trailing leads.
Do not cover. Explain fire evacuation
procedure. Keep fire exit clear.
Verbal warning.
Supervision of refreshment area at all
times. No unauthorised entry to kitchen.
2 1
2
3 1
3
3 1
2 1
3
2
2
Assist if necessary. Verbal warning.
1 2
2
2
6
Verbal warning and signage.
3 1
3
2
2
6
6
Check before visitors arrive and warn.
Be aware of allergies, have first aid box to
hand remind visitors of risk and advise
wearing long trousers.
3 1
3 1
3
3
Dog excrement.
Dogs.
1
2
1
1
1
1
Extreme sun.
2
2
4
Extreme weather.
3
2
6
Concrete and hard edges.
2
2
4
Flying insects.
3
2
6
Uneven ground, holes,
slippery surfaces and trip
hazards.
Tasty-looking fungi and
plants.
Hemlock and ragwort.
2
2
4
4
2
8
3
2
6
Deep water, steep banks.
3
2
6
Eating berries.
4
2
8
Litter and unwanted visitors.
General injuries.
4
2
3
2
12
4
Vehicles using site.
Other visitors on site.
2
3
2
2
4
6
Warning, avoidance, wash hands carefully.
Sign on gate advising dogs on lead policy.
In safety talk advise standing still if
approached.
Written advice to bring protective creams,
clothing, plenty of drinks, canopy can be
provided if necessary.
Take cover and work under shelter, in
classroom or outdoor classroom.
Warn visitors about the dangers of running
and to take care.
Warn and advise not to catch insects in
flight.
Advise to walk carefully and point out
rabbit holes. Ensure all areas and
pathways are clear of obstructions.
Advise avoidance, wash hands, vigilance.
1 1
2 1
1
1
2 1
2
3 1
3
2 1
2
3 1
3
2 1
2
4 1
4
Warn and show plants. Wash hands
carefully.
Give warnings, heaving line and or lifebuoy
available. Give full safety talk.
3 1
3
3 1
3
Give warning not to pick berries or put near
mouth.
Avoidance, clearance.
First aid kits, first aiders and mobile
phones available.
Warn visitors vehicles may be on site.
Make clear only authorised adults should
be approached.
4 1
4
4 1
2 1
4
2
2 1
3 1
2
3
Boundary fences and gates.
2
2
4
Site weekly checklists to be completed.
Warn visitors of dangers.
Yearly tree audit plus weekly check of all
trees on site. Avoidance in high winds.
Demonstrate use including height
adjustment weight restriction.
Briefing on how to operate and safety
procedures.
Ensure windows are securely fastened.
Warning signs in place.
Ensure door is fastened securely using the
catch or fully closed.
2 1
2
Structural damage to trees.
4
2
8
4 1
4
Portable walking perches,
injury through imbalance.
All terrain wheelchair.
3
2
6
3 1
3
4
2
8
4 1
4
Bird hide. Windows falling on
heads.
Jamming fingers in door, door
slamming.
Natural Crowns.
2
2
4
2 1
2
2
1
2
2 1
2
Paper cuts.
1
3
3
Verbal warning.
1 2
2
Injury to eye from crown.
3
3
9
Work under close adult supervision. Verbal
warning.
3 1
3
Injury from scavenged
material.
2
2
4
Verbal warning not to pick up anything
sharp or any litter. Collect natural material
only and look out for dog faeces. Advise
hand washing on completion of activity.
2 1
2
Using scissors.
2
3
6
Use only child safety scissors under adult
supervision. Keep in scissor block when
not being used.
2 1
2
Ingesting poisonous
materials.
4
2
8
Verbal warning not to put anything in
mouth, including fingers. Choose safe
4 1
4
area with no poisonous plants.
Minibeast Hunt.
Child strays from area.
2
2
4
Sweep nets.
2
2
4
Bites and stings.
Rolling heavy logs.
Nest Building.
2
3
3
2
Sticks and branches.
2
Poisonous plants.
2 1
2
2 1
2
6
6
Make clear boundary rules. Adult
supervision and regular head counts.
Warn children to keep an arm and a net
away from others.
Verbal warning.
Only adults to move logs.
2 1
3 1
2
3
2
4
Demonstrate safe way of carrying.
2 1
2
2
2
4
Choose safe area. Wash hands
immediately after activity.
2 1
2
Injury from scavenged
material.
2
2
4
Verbal warning not to pick up anything
sharp or any litter. Collect natural material
only and look out for dog faeces. Advise
hand washing on completion of activity.
2 1
2
Using scissors.
2
3
6
Use only child safety scissors under adult
supervision. Keep in scissor block when
not being used.
2 1
2
Scavenger hunt and art
activities.
Key: S = Hazard Severity, P = Probability of Occurrence, RL = Risk Level (S x P = RL) Scores: 1-3 = Low 4-9 = Medium 10+ =
Unacceptable
(1 = minor injuries e.g. scratches, nettle stings 5 = multiple deaths possible)