Risk assessment

A risk assessment is a careful examination of what is likely to cause harm to people. This is so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions. Or, you need to do more to reduce or eliminate such risks.

View a sample risk assessment form:

• sample risk assessment form .pdf
• sample risk assessment form .doc

You will need to undertake a written assessment of each of the attractions and/or activities that make up the event. Identify all the possible hazards that could occur. Consider any materials, structures or machinery on or around the site that might add risk to the event. This can include staging, ladders, generators, marquees, gas or other fuel containers, and so on.

The following are examples of attractions/activities which should be incorporated within the event risk assessment. Your own risk assessment will be specific to your event.

• Installation and Use of Stages " Working at Height activities
• Bouncy castles (other play inflatables), and children's amusement rides
• Fireworks/ Stage Pyrotechnics
• Fairground equipment " Electrical Installations
• Generators " Use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Bars " Catering Operation
• Other Temporary demountable structures such as Marquees, scaffold platforms, tents, stalls. " Displays and Processions (involving: animals, props, vehicles, weapons, flames, special effects, and so on)

All significant hazards which are identified should have comprehensive control measures put in place to reduce the risk to a minimum.

Entertainment such as lasers and/or fireworks displays will present hazards that require specialised guidance and advice should be sought in advance. When evaluating possible hazards/risks consider:

• Older people
• People with disabilities
• Children (who may be unsupervised)
• Excitement generated by the activity
• Approximate number of people expected
• Public / Staff

The completed assessments can be attached to the appendix of your EMP. This is evidence that you and your fellow organisers have taken all reasonable precautions for a safe event.