Risk Assessment: Indoor Venues
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| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Activity | Animal handling sessions at indoor venues (schools, care homes, community centres, private venues) |
| Venue Type | Indoor spaces - classrooms, halls, activity rooms, private function rooms |
| Persons at Risk | Participants (all ages/abilities), venue staff, 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. Space and Layout Requirements
Hazard 1.1: Inadequate space for safe animal handling and participant movement
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Pre-session venue check: minimum space requirements assessed before booking confirmed
- Minimum space requirements:
- Small groups (up to 15): Minimum 4m x 4m clear floor space
- Medium groups (16-30): Minimum 6m x 6m clear floor space
- Large groups (assembly/demonstration): Viewing distance only, no physical space constraints
- Central handling area established with clear perimeter
- Furniture moved to create safe working zone
- Clear pathways maintained for emergency exit access
- Participants seated in semi-circle or rows with adequate spacing
- Animals never handled in overcrowded conditions
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 1.2: Cluttered environment causing trip hazards or animal escape routes
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Pre-session inspection: trip hazards identified and removed/highlighted
- Bags, coats, equipment stored away from handling area
- Trailing cables secured or covered with cable protectors
- Floor clear of toys, books, or other clutter
- Doors and windows closed to prevent animal escape
- Gaps under doors blocked if small animals present (mice, insects)
- Venue informed of requirements in pre-booking communication
Residual Risk: Low (2)
2. Floor Surfaces and Accessibility
Hazard 2.1: Slippery floor surfaces causing slips or falls
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Floor surface assessed during pre-booking: polished wood, tiles, laminate noted as higher risk
- Non-slip mats placed in handling area if floor surface slippery
- Spills (water, animal waste) cleaned immediately with absorbent materials
- Participants advised to wear appropriate footwear (no socks only on polished floors)
- Staff positioned to monitor floor conditions throughout session
- Warning given if floor becomes wet or slippery
Residual Risk: Low (3)
Hazard 2.2: Uneven floor surfaces or level changes
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Floor surface inspected for trip hazards: raised edges, steps, level changes
- Handling area positioned away from steps or level changes where possible
- Steps or level changes highlighted with hazard tape if in proximity
- Participants briefed on any hazards during safety introduction
- Wheelchair-accessible venues preferred - step-free access
- Ramps available where steps present
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 2.3: Carpet or soft flooring unsuitable for animal containment
Risk Rating: Low (2) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Handling mats/trays used for all small animals regardless of floor type
- Washable protective sheets placed under animal areas on carpeted floors
- No animals placed directly on carpet (hygiene, escape risk)
- Absorbent materials (towels, puppy pads) used under animal carriers
- Venue informed of any spillages for appropriate cleaning
Residual Risk: Low (1)
3. Temperature Control and Heating
Hazard 3.1: Room too cold for participants or animals
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Temperature requirements confirmed with venue: 18-22 degrees C minimum
- Reptiles and some invertebrates require higher temperatures (20-24 degrees C minimum)
- Venue asked to pre-heat room 30 minutes before session
- Temperature checked on arrival - session delayed/relocated if too cold
- Heated mats/heat packs available for reptile carriers if needed
- Winter sessions: extra precautions, shorter handling times, animals monitored closely
- Cold-sensitive species (reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates) not used if room below 18 degrees C
- Participants reminded to dress warmly if venue typically cool
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 3.2: Room too hot causing discomfort or heat stress
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Maximum room temperature: 24-26 degrees C comfortable, above 28 degrees C problematic
- Temperature assessed on arrival - windows opened/heating reduced if too hot
- Furred mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs) most at risk - prioritize cooler conditions
- Water available for all animals throughout session
- Participants offered water, breaks taken in cooler areas if needed
- Animals monitored for signs of heat stress: panting, lethargy, seeking shade
- Session shortened or paused if animals showing heat stress
- Summer sessions: earlier start times, cooler rooms requested
Residual Risk: Low (3)
Hazard 3.3: Direct contact with heaters or radiators causing burns
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Heaters/radiators identified during setup - barriers placed if accessible
- Animal carriers positioned away from direct heat sources
- Participants seated away from hot radiators
- Portable heaters assessed for safety - guards in place, stable positioning
- Children briefed not to touch heaters during safety introduction
- Hot surfaces highlighted to supervising adults
Residual Risk: Low (2)
4. Ventilation and Air Quality
Hazard 4.1: Poor ventilation causing stuffiness, odors, or respiratory issues
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Ventilation assessed during pre-booking: windows that open, ventilation system, air flow
- Windows opened periodically during session (weather permitting, without creating drafts)
- Doors propped open if safe to do so (supervised, no escape risk)
- Group size limited based on room size and ventilation
- Breaks taken in better-ventilated areas if room becomes stuffy
- Sessions in small, poorly ventilated rooms kept shorter (max 45 minutes)
- Animal waste removed promptly to minimize odors
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 4.2: Allergens (animal dander, feathers, dust) triggering allergic reactions
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Allergy information collected during booking process
- Participants with known allergies asked to bring inhalers/medication
- Good ventilation maintained throughout session
- Feather dust from birds (Rosie) can trigger asthma - noted in pre-booking
- Participants with severe allergies offered observation-only or fur-free animals (reptiles)
- Hand sanitizer/handwashing facilities available
- Staff trained to recognize signs of allergic reaction: rash, wheezing, breathing difficulty
- Emergency procedure: stop handling, administer medication if available, call 999 if severe
Residual Risk: Low (3)
5. Lighting and Visibility
Hazard 5.1: Inadequate lighting causing poor visibility or trips
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Lighting assessed during venue check - adequate for safe handling confirmed
- All lights switched on during sessions
- Natural light supplemented with artificial lighting in dim rooms
- Additional lamps/task lighting brought if venue lighting insufficient
- Emergency lighting locations noted during setup
- Sessions not conducted in poorly lit rooms without adequate supplementary lighting
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 5.2: Overly bright lighting causing discomfort or animal stress
Risk Rating: Low (2) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Nocturnal animals (hedgehogs, sugar gliders) prefer lower lighting - dimmed if possible
- Blinds/curtains used to reduce harsh sunlight through windows
- Fluorescent strip lighting can stress some animals - natural light preferred where possible
- Animal carriers positioned away from direct bright light
- Participants with light sensitivity (autism, migraines) accommodated where possible
Residual Risk: Low (1)
6. Noise Levels and Acoustics
Hazard 6.1: Excessive noise from adjacent rooms or external sources
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Quiet room requested during booking - away from kitchens, gyms, music rooms
- Adjacent rooms informed of session - loud activities avoided during our time
- Fire alarms/bell testing times noted - sessions scheduled to avoid
- External noise (traffic, construction) assessed - windows closed if needed
- Sensitive animals (chameleons, insects) not used in very noisy environments
- Participants asked to use quiet voices, especially during handling
- Session paused if sudden loud noise occurs - animals checked for stress
Residual Risk: Low (2)
7. Facilities and Amenities
Hazard 7.1: Inadequate handwashing facilities leading to hygiene issues
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Handwashing facilities confirmed during booking (toilet with sink nearby)
- Hand sanitizer always brought as backup - available throughout session
- Antibacterial hand gel dispensers positioned in handling area
- Participants instructed to sanitize/wash hands after each animal contact
- Wet wipes available for quick cleaning between animals
- Reptile handling: hand sanitizer mandatory (salmonella risk)
- Amphibians: hands must be wet before AND washed thoroughly after
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 7.2: Limited accessibility for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Accessibility requirements discussed during booking
- Wheelchair-accessible venues preferred - step-free access, wide doorways, accessible toilets
- Handling adapted to accessibility needs - animals brought to wheelchair height
- Handling baskets/trays available for participants who can't hold animals on lap
- Seating arranged to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids
- Staff trained in inclusive practice for participants with diverse needs
Residual Risk: Low (2)
8. Emergency Preparedness
Hazard 8.1: Unclear emergency exits or blocked evacuation routes
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Emergency exit routes identified during setup - clearly visible signage
- Exit routes kept clear - no equipment or furniture blocking
- Assembly point confirmed with venue contact
- Fire alarm locations noted
- Evacuation procedure briefed to participants at start of session
- Priority in emergency: 1) Participants evacuate, 2) Staff evacuate, 3) Animals if safe to do so
- Mobile phone charged and accessible for emergency calls
Residual Risk: Low (2)
Hazard 8.2: First aid facilities unavailable or inadequate
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- POTG first aid kit always brought to sessions (checked before each session)
- Venue first aider identified during booking
- Ciera O'Rourke holds paediatric first aid certificate
- Venue first aid kit location confirmed
- Emergency contact numbers for all participants collected during registration
- Venue address confirmed for emergency services if needed
- All injuries recorded in incident book and reported to venue/parents as appropriate
Residual Risk: Low (2)
9. Pre-Session Venue Checklist
The following checklist should be completed on arrival at any indoor venue:
| Check Item | Tick | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Space: Adequate floor space for group size | ||
| Floor: Surface safe, clean, trip hazards removed | ||
| Temperature: 18-22 degrees C minimum (20-24 degrees C for reptiles) | ||
| Heating: No direct contact risk with heaters/radiators | ||
| Ventilation: Adequate air flow, windows/doors operable | ||
| Lighting: Sufficient visibility for safe handling | ||
| Noise: Quiet environment, loud sources identified | ||
| Handwashing: Facilities available or hand sanitizer ready | ||
| Accessibility: Wheelchair access if needed | ||
| Emergency exits: Located, clear, and accessible | ||
| Assembly point: Confirmed with venue contact | ||
| First aid: Kit available, venue first aider identified | ||
| Fire alarm: Location noted, testing times confirmed | ||
| Venue contact: On-site and contactable throughout |
If any item cannot be checked satisfactorily, assess whether the session can proceed safely or if alternative arrangements are needed.
10. Additional Safeguards
Insurance and Licensing:
- Public Liability Insurance: £5,000,000 — certificate available on request
- Employers Liability Insurance: £10,000,000 — certificate available on request
- Animal Activities Licence: No. 014153 (Tandridge District Council)
Staff Qualifications:
- Ciera O'Rourke: Level 3 Award in Animal Assisted Therapy — Oplex Careers (CPD certified)
- Ciera O'Rourke: Paediatric First Aid certified
- Ciera O'Rourke: Enhanced DBS — certificate available on request
- All staff: Basic DBS checked and DBS Update Service registered
Pre-Booking Communication:
All venue contacts receive pre-session information including:
- Space requirements for group size
- Temperature and ventilation needs
- Floor surface and accessibility requirements
- Setup time needed (typically 15-20 minutes before start)
- Handwashing/sanitization facilities required
- Quiet environment preferred (away from loud activities)
- Emergency procedures and first aid provision
11. Review and Monitoring
This risk assessment is reviewed:
- Annually (or sooner if circumstances change)
- Following any incident, near-miss, or complaint at an indoor venue
- When working at new venue types not previously assessed
Venue-specific adaptations:
- This template provides baseline controls for indoor venues
- Individual venues may require additional specific controls
- Pre-session checks identify venue-specific hazards
- Session cancelled/relocated if venue unsafe and cannot be made safe
All incidents reported to:
- Venue contact (immediately)
- Parents/carers if participants injured
- Insurance company (if claim required)
- HSE if reportable under RIDDOR
| Assessed by: | Ciera O'Rourke | Date: | April 2026 |
| Next Review: | April 2027 | Signature: |
Pets on the Green Ltd - Company No. 16721467
4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9HN
