Risk assessment

London zoo takes health and safety very seriously and expects people in charge of children to act responsibly.

It is strongly recommended that all teachers make a pre-visit and carry out their own risk assessment before undertaking an outing with children – one free ticket per class is available on request when booking a visit. In the event that a pre-visit is impossible, this document provides a general outline of risks and controls identified.

It is essential that children are supervised throughout their visit:

• 1 adult for every 6 pupils (primary)
• 1 adult for every 10 pupils (secondary)
  

These ratios satisfy the levels of supervision recommended by DfES Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits 1998.

Where children have severe special needs and a carer is essential, the admission of the carer may be admitted free.

It is essential that the children understand that the aims and objectives of the visit how to avoid specific dangers and why they should follow rules why safety precautions are in place and what standard of behaviour is expected who is responsible for the group what to do if approached by anyone from outside the group what to do if separated from the group DfES Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits 1998.

It is essential that the accompanying adults understand:

• the itinerary and times
• that they are responsible for the behaviour of the children in their charge

Zoo Rules:

• DO NOT distress the animals by shouting, leaping about, tapping on the glass
• DO NOT feed the animals
• DO NOT climb over barriers

NB. The Zoo reserves the right to evict any group that breaks these rules, or that allows children to harass another school group.

Hazard, risks and controls

Hazard and risk: Dangerous animals - risk of being bitten

Controls:

• Warning signs on enclosures
• Safety barriers in place
• Feeding of animals is prohibited

Hazard and risk: Contact with animals and animal artefacts - risk of disease contraction or accidental injury

Controls:

• Hand-cleansing facilities available in the Children’s Zoo, Clore Rainforest and Education Centre (London Zoo)
• Wash basins provided in Children’s Farm (Whipsnade)
• Warning and advisory signs displayed
• Feeding the animals is prohibited
• Supervision by volunteers at touch table sites and staff in Education Centre
• If soap is unavailable in dispenser please make a member of ZSL staff aware

Hazard and risk: Deep water around paddocks, water in fountains and canal (London Zoo)- risk of falling in water and drowning

Controls:

• Vegetation and fixed metal/wooden barriers
• Danger Deep Water sign
• Life belt at canal site

Hazard and risk: Darkness in the Moonlight World and the Aye-aye animal houses - risk of injury from collisions and tripping (London Zoo only)

Controls:

• Go slow to adjust eyes to light level signage
• Safety lighting strips
• Hand rails

Hazard and risk: Climbing on railings, fencing, walls, seating, raised garden areas, pillars, trees, posts and sculptures - risk of injury from falling

Controls:

• Safety notice on trees where relevant

Hazard and risk: Electric fencing around some enclosures - risk of injury from electric shock

Controls:

• Electric fence warning signs

Hazard and risk: Coin operated animal rides - risk of injury from falling

Controls:
*Safety notice stating children must be supervised

Hazard and risk: Zoo/Park vehicles - risk of being hit by Zoo/Park vehicle

Controls:

• Site speed limit 8mph
• Driver training and experience

Hazard and risk: General public - child welfare risk

Controls:

• Lost Children's Post based at the Clock Tower (London Zoo)
• Staff trained in procedures in dealing with lost children

Hazard and risk: Swings and climbing frames in children's play area - risk of injury from falling

Controls:

• Waterpour Safety Surface BS EN 1176 (London Zoo).
• Bark chips (Whipsnade)
• Supervision notice displayed
• Only for children age 3-6 years and 7-11 years.
• Supervision in accordance with the recommended ratio is an expectation.