Risk Assessment: Birthday Parties
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| Activity | Mobile animal handling birthday party sessions |
|---|---|
| Location | Customer's home or chosen venue (indoor/outdoor) |
| Persons at Risk | Children (birthday guests), adults (parents/carers), POTG staff, animals |
| Assessed by | Ciera O'Rourke (Owner/Lead Practitioner) |
| Review Date | April 2026 (reviewed annually or following incident) |
Risk Rating Matrix
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (1) | Low (1) | Low (1-3) | Acceptable risk - monitor |
| Medium (2) | Medium (2) | Medium (4-6) | Control measures required |
| High (3) | High (3) | High (7-9) | Immediate action required |
1. Travel and Transport Risks
Hazard 1.1: Road traffic accident during journey to/from venue
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Vehicle maintained in roadworthy condition with valid MOT, tax and insurance
- Driver (Ciera O'Rourke or Thomas O'Rourke) holds valid UK driving licence with no endorsements
- Route planned in advance using Google Maps/sat nav
- Animals secured in appropriate travel cages/carriers during transit
- Journey broken every 2 hours if travelling long distances
- Mobile phone carried for emergencies (not used whilst driving)
- Weather conditions assessed before departure - sessions postponed in severe weather
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 1.2: Animal stress or injury during transport
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Species-appropriate secure carriers used (ventilated, escape-proof)
- Animals transported in climate-controlled vehicle (heating/cooling as required)
- Carriers secured to prevent movement during braking/cornering
- Water available for animals during long journeys
- Animals checked before departure and on arrival
- Pregnant, sick, or injured animals not transported to parties
- Maximum journey time 90 minutes each way
Residual Risk: Low (2)
2. Venue Setup and Environment Risks
Hazard 2.1: Unsuitable or unsafe venue conditions
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Pre-session venue risk assessment conducted on arrival (trip hazards, electrical safety, escape routes)
- Clean, enclosed space requested (away from open doors, stairs, roads)
- Pets belonging to venue occupants secured in separate room during session
- Temperature checked - session postponed if too hot (>28 degrees C) or too cold (<15 degrees C)
- Adequate lighting required
- Tables/seating arranged to create safe handling zones
- Emergency exit routes identified and kept clear
- Session cancelled if venue deemed unsafe on arrival
Residual Risk: Low (3)
Hazard 2.2: Animal escape from handling area
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- All doors and windows closed before animals introduced
- Adults positioned to monitor exits during handling
- Fast-moving animals (sugar gliders) handled in controlled manner with doors secured
- Animals returned to secure carriers immediately after handling
- Head count of all animals before departure
- Escape procedure: remain calm, close exits, locate animal calmly without chasing
Residual Risk: Low (2)
3. Animal Handling Risks
Hazard 3.1: Bites, scratches, or pecks from animals
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: High (3) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- All animals selected for calm temperament and regular handling
- Children supervised 1:1 during handling by POTG staff or responsible adult
- Clear handling instructions given before each animal introduced
- Children instructed: gentle touch only, no sudden movements, no putting fingers near mouths
- Animals showing signs of stress removed immediately and returned to carrier
- Handling towels provided for nervous children or animals with claws
- Hedgehogs handled with care - spines explained as defence mechanism not aggression
- First aid kit on site (antiseptic wipes, plasters, sterile dressings)
- Minor injuries cleaned immediately and parent/carer informed
Residual Risk: Low (3)
Hazard 3.2: Allergic reactions to animals (fur, feathers, dander)
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Allergy information requested during booking process
- Parents asked to bring inhalers/EpiPens if child has known allergies
- Range of animals available (reptiles/amphibians for children allergic to fur/feathers)
- Hand sanitiser available immediately after handling each animal
- Children with severe allergies can observe without touching
- Signs of allergic reaction monitored: rash, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling
- Emergency procedure: stop handling immediately, administer medication if available, call 999 if severe (anaphylaxis)
Residual Risk: Low (3)
Hazard 3.3: Transmission of zoonotic diseases (animal to human)
Risk Rating: Low (2) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- All animals receive regular veterinary health checks (Mark Rowland MRCVS, Trinity Vets Maidstone)
- Unwell animals not taken to parties - symptoms monitored daily
- Reptiles kept separately from food prep areas (salmonella risk)
- Hand washing/sanitising mandatory after every animal contact
- No eating, drinking, or face touching during animal handling
- Children wash hands thoroughly before eating party food
- Equipment cleaned between uses (handling towels washed, carriers disinfected)
Residual Risk: Low (1)
4. Participant Management Risks
Hazard 4.1: Uncontrolled behaviour causing injury to child, animal, or staff
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Group size limited to maximum 30 participants
- Parent/host responsible for managing children's behaviour - clear expectations set at booking
- Safety briefing delivered at start: calm voices, gentle movements, listen to instructions
- Children seated or standing in controlled area during handling
- Running, shouting, or rough play stopped immediately - animals removed if continues
- One animal introduced at a time to maintain focus and control
- Disruptive child withdrawn from handling - parent/carer responsibility to manage
- Session paused or ended early if safety cannot be maintained
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 4.2: Child with additional needs becoming distressed or overwhelmed
Risk Rating: Low (3) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- SEN information requested during booking (autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences)
- Ciera O'Rourke holds BSY Level 3 Animal Assisted Therapy qualification (SEN-trained)
- Flexible approach - child can observe without touching if preferred
- Calm, predictable handling style used
- Breaks offered if child shows signs of overstimulation
- Parent/carer remains present to support their child
- Quiet space identified where child can withdraw if needed
Residual Risk: Low (1)
5. Emergency Procedures
Hazard 5.1: Medical emergency (injury, allergic reaction, pre-existing condition)
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Ciera O'Rourke holds current paediatric first aid certificate
- Comprehensive first aid kit carried to all sessions (contents checked monthly)
- Mobile phone fully charged with 999 on speed dial
- Venue address confirmed before session for emergency services
- Parent/carer emergency contact details obtained at booking
- Incident report completed for all injuries (no matter how minor)
- Public liability insurance in place (5M cover - Policy No. SALSALIA/J356824/0468/25)
Emergency Response Procedure:
- Assess situation - ensure scene is safe
- Remove animals to carriers immediately
- Administer first aid as appropriate
- Call 999 if serious injury or medical emergency
- Inform parent/carer immediately
- Complete accident report within 24 hours
- Report to insurance company if claim likely
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 5.2: Fire or evacuation emergency at venue
Risk Rating: Low (3) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Emergency exits identified on arrival
- Animals kept in secure carriers that can be grabbed quickly
- Vehicle parked with clear exit route
- Fire procedure: evacuate people first, then animals if safe to do so
- Staff follow host's emergency procedures
Residual Risk: Low (1)
6. Animal Welfare Risks
Hazard 6.1: Heat stress or temperature-related distress
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Session cancelled if venue temperature exceeds 28 degrees C or below 15 degrees C
- Outdoor parties only conducted in shade with shelter available
- Water bowls available for animals throughout session
- Session duration limited to 1 hour maximum
- Animals rotated - not all animals out of carriers at once
- Heat-sensitive species (rabbits, guinea pigs) monitored closely in warm weather
- Session ended immediately if any animal shows signs of distress
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 6.2: Injury to animal from rough handling or dropping
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Handling demonstrated first by POTG staff before child handles
- Children seated or kneeling during handling to minimize drop height
- Handling towels/blankets used on laps for added security
- Fragile animals (snails, geckos) handled with extra supervision
- Very young children (under 5) closely supervised or assisted
- POTG staff remain within arm's reach during all handling
- Animal removed immediately if handled inappropriately
Residual Risk: Low (2)
7. Additional Safeguards and Controls
Insurance and Licensing
- Public Liability Insurance: 5,000,000 (Policy No. SALSALIA/J356824/0468/25)
- Employers Liability Insurance: 10,000,000
- Animal Activities Licence: No. 014153 (Tandridge District Council)
Staff Qualifications
- Ciera O'Rourke: BSY Level 3 Animal Assisted Therapy, Enhanced DBS Certificate (No. 001959488871)
- Ciera O'Rourke: Paediatric First Aid certified
- All staff: Basic DBS checked
Animal Health and Welfare
- Veterinary care: Mark Rowland MRCVS, Trinity Veterinary Centre, Maidstone
- Regular health checks and vaccinations up to date
- Maximum working time: 1 hour per session
- Rest days provided between sessions
Hygiene and Infection Control
- Hand sanitiser provided and mandatory after every animal contact
- Equipment cleaned between sessions (carriers, towels, handling equipment)
- Staff follow strict handwashing protocols
Communication and Consent
- Terms and conditions shared at booking
- Allergy/medical information requested in advance
- Safety briefing delivered at start of every session
- Parents/carers remain responsible for supervising their children
8. Review and Monitoring
This risk assessment is reviewed:
- Annually (or sooner if circumstances change)
- Following any incident or near-miss
- If new animals are introduced to party sessions
- If regulatory requirements change
All incidents are recorded and reported to:
- Insurance company (if claim made)
- Tandridge District Council (Animal Activities Licence holder)
- Health and Safety Executive (if reportable under RIDDOR)
| Assessed by: | Ciera O'Rourke | Date: | April 2026 |
| Next Review: | April 2027 | Signature: |
Pets on the Green Ltd - Company No. 17111255
4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9HN
