GENERIC RISK ASSESSMENT FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
DATE OF ASSESSMENT
ACTIVITY: Outdoor Play Activities on the Premises (Page 1 of 3)
ESTABLISHMENT/SCHOOL
SECTION/TEAM
WHO MIGHT BE HARMED? Employees, pupils
HAZARDS
(including
inadequate / lack
of arrangements)
Use of
playground which
could lead
to physical injury
EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES
HOW MANY ARE AFFECTED?
 if in
place
 if not
IF '' STATE THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN
WITH TIMESCALES OR INDICATE ANY
ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES
RESIDUAL
RISK RATING
High, Medium,
Low
 Is the playground suitable in terms of space and segregation of
activities e.g. ball games?
 Is safety glazing in place where ball games are played?
 If the playground is small, are playtimes staggered to break
down large groups of pupils playing at the same time?
 Can the whole playground be adequately supervised?
 Is there an adequate number of supervisors?
 Are the supervisors competent i.e. training, instruction etc.?
 Well maintained fencing (un breached with no holes or damage).
 General condition of playing fields and yards is monitored on an
ongoing basis and any defects or issues raised are reported
immediately to the Head Teacher and the LEA.
Unsuitable
equipment (falls/
traps/ collapse)
 Is play equipment obtained from a reputable educational source?
Condition of playground etc. which
could result in
slips, trips/falls
 Is the surface even, in good condition and free from loose grit?
 Is the play equipment designed for the age group concerned?
 Are there any obstructions?
 Is play equipment sited on a suitable, safe surface?
 Is the equipment assembled and used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions?
Rev 1 - March 2011
ACTIVITY: Outdoor Play Activities on the Premises (Page 2 of 3)
HAZARDS
(including
inadequate / lack
of arrangements)
EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES
 if in
place
 if not
DATE OF ASSESSMENT
06/11/2007
IF '' STATE THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN
WITH TIMESCALES OR INDICATE ANY
ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES
RESIDUAL
RISK RATING
High, Medium,
Low
 Are arrangements in place for the supervision of use of climbing
equipment?
 Are arrangements in place for a visual inspection of play
equipment to be undertaken prior to use e.g. free from splinters,
signs of wear?
 Are arrangements in place for worn or damaged items to be
immediately removed and/or appropriately labelled?
 Where appropriate, are arrangements in place for an annual
inspection of equipment to be undertaken by a competent
person e.g. by LEA sold service?
 Are arrangements in place to maintain records of inspections?
 Is adequate first aid provision available?
Poor Storage
 Are appropriate storage facilities available for play equipment?
Manual Handling
activities
 Can the risk be avoided? If not, a more detailed assessment is
required by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations.
 Are staff using correct manual handling techniques?
Exposure to the
sun
 Are facilities in place to afford sun protection e.g. shaded areas
(presence of mature trees), limiting exposure and provision of
sun hats/drinking water/sun cream?
(See also Sun Protection Risk Assessment)
Poor Security
 Are appropriate arrangements in place for security? - see
Education H&S Manual Security.
Low
November 2007
DATE OF ASSESSMENT
06/11/2007
ACTIVITY: Outdoor Play Activities on the Premises (Page 3 of 3)
HAZARDS
(including
inadequate / lack
of arrangements)
EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES
Are there any
other foreseeable
hazards
associated with
outdoor play
activities?
List any additional control measures:
 if in
place
 if not
IF '' STATE THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN
WITH TIMESCALES OR INDICATE ANY
ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES
RESIDUAL
RISK RATING
High, Medium,
Low
Please circle
YES / NO
Reference Documents:
 Safe Practice in Physical Education and School Sport (BAALPE) available from www.1st4sport.com
ASSESSED BY (Print name)
SIGNED
DATE
SIGNED
REVIEW DATE
November 2007