Williamson Park Risk Assessment, Reviewed September 2007

Download Acrobat .pdf

Other measures to control risks:

Arrival By Bus

Quernmore Road Car Park – By prior arrangement. Quernmore Road Car Park access road has unmarked traffic calming humps and a 10 mph speed limit. The road is narrow with a limited turning area at the top.This gives access to all facilities, suitable for disabled and wheelchair using visitors.
Please report to the shop when with a pre-booked group.

In Case Of Fire and Emergency

The Butterfly House – fire fighting equipment is available within the building and adequate emergency exits.
Mini Beast House – in the event of power failure, emergency lighting is operated. This is a single storey building
with two entrance/exit doors.
Bird House – Out door facility with net covering and adequate emergency exits
Small Mammal Section – Garden area. Small pond with fencing. Children must be supervised.
The Ashton Memorial – The building is protected with a complete fire alarm system, including break glass points,
smoke and heat detection system and emergency lighting. Teachers must accompany children visiting the viewing gallery
and the Art Gallery to supervise their conduct. Climbing on the viewing gallery is strictly prohibited.
The Pavilion – The building is protected with a full fire alarm system and emergency lighting. Adequate emergency exits
are provided.

All staff and volunteers are trained to evacuate the buildings with key staff responsible for designated areas.
Staff are trained in the use of fire fighting equipment

Throughout the building there are adequate emergency exits
All accessible power points are fitted with a protective socket cover, or else protected by RCDs.

The Park Grounds and Woodland Walks

All these areas are inspected on a regular basis and faults are corrected as and when necessary. These inspections ensure all fences and gates and paths are in good repair and threes, bridges and platforms are in good order. This includes water and rock features.

The ornamental Lake is not suitable for paddling and shallow water notices advise that unsupervised children are in danger of drowning. Please ensure that children are supervised when visiting the Lake area.
It should be noted that in some woodland areas unfenced rock faces are accessible if visitors leave the main paths. In these areas it is recommended that children are prohibited from running and climbing unsupervised.

Please note that some areas in Fenham Carr require the use of walking boots or Wellingtons and at the present time only part is suitable for wheelchair users.

Hygiene

Children should be discouraged from touching things that are in and around the park. Groups are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the Butterfly House etc.
Within the building and on the nature trail, toilet facilities are provided, including wash basins and anti-bacterial soap.

Supervision

Throughout the visit, the group is the responsibility of the accompanying staff and helpers. The group must be kept under control at all times, bearing in mind there is open water on site, and although relatively shallow, this can still pose a risk.

Play Area

Is inspected on a regular basis. Safety surfaces are in place around equipment. Bark is in place at the woodland swing site, supervision is suggested at all times.

The Ashton Memorial

The Ashton Memorial is open to the public and groups are encouraged to visit the Historic Monument. Staff should be aware that no child is allowed unsupervised in the building or on the Viewing Gallery.

Recognised Dangerous Animals

Are kept at a safe distance from the public. Staff are experienced, and trained to recognise any aggressive behaviour. Visiting parties are advised to stay on the paths.

Safety Equipment

Schools are required to provide their own first-aid cover, inc. first-aid kit and personnel.

Zoo Inspection

Williamson Park is inspected and approved in accordance with the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, and is granted a licence under the Zoo Licensing Act - 1982 – this looks at all aspects of animal and public health and safety. This site also has an annual H+S Audit, the findings of which are acted upon ASAP.

Notes

Due to the nature of the visit being an interactive outdoor experience, involving children, there is always a small element of risk. Williamson Park feels that every aspect of the visit has been reviewed, and the risks reduced to a minimum.

We hope that you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Date: 10th September 2007
Review Date: 10th September 2008
Signed: Elaine Charlton.