Off-Site Risk Assessment
Ensuring all risks to staff and students are managed effectively
Prept. Foundation Off-Site Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment for Off-Site Cooking/Skills Workshops and Forest School Cooking
Activity: Off-Site Cooking and Skills Workshops, including Forest School Cooking
Locations: Various settings including HAF providers, schools, community centres, and forest school environments.
Assessed by: Prept. Foundation
Hazards and Risks
| Hazard | Who Might Be Harmed | Risk Control Measures | Residual Risk |
| Burns and scalds from hot equipment, campfires, and liquids | Participants, staff, volunteers | Provide heat-resistant gloves, supervise use of hot equipment, educate participants on safe handling, ensure first aid is available | Low |
| Cuts from knives, sharp utensils, and natural materials (e.g., sticks) | Participants, staff, volunteers | Provide appropriate knife safety training, use safety knives for younger participants, supervise closely, store knives safely, ensure proper use of woodcraft tools | Low |
| Food allergies and intolerances | Participants | Collect dietary information in advance, ensure clear ingredient labeling, avoid cross-contamination, have emergency allergy plan in place | Medium |
| Slips, trips, and falls (uneven terrain, wet/muddy surfaces) | Participants, staff, volunteers | Ensure clear workspace, clean up spills immediately, use non-slip mats where needed, ensure safe cable management, assess terrain for hazards | Low |
| Fire hazards from cooking equipment, campfires, and open flames | Participants, staff, volunteers | Conduct fire safety briefing, ensure fire extinguishers and water sources are available, monitor fires closely, prohibit loose clothing near flames, establish clear fire boundaries | Medium |
| Food poisoning due to improper food handling | Participants | Follow food hygiene regulations, ensure handwashing, maintain correct food storage temperatures, train staff in food safety | Low |
| Heavy lifting of equipment (transporting cooking gear and logs) | Staff, volunteers | Use proper lifting techniques, provide trolleys for heavy items, share loads where necessary | Low |
| Behavioural risks (e.g., disruptive participants) | Participants, staff | Set clear expectations, have supervision plan in place, remove individuals if necessary | Low |
| Exposure to weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) | Participants, staff, volunteers | Ensure appropriate clothing and shelter, provide hydration, plan for extreme weather conditions | Low |
| Wildlife interactions (insects, animals) | Participants, staff, volunteers | Educate participants on safe behaviour, provide insect repellent, be aware of potential allergens from insect bites or plant contact | Low |
Emergency Procedures
- First Aid: A trained first aider must supplied and be present at all times. It is the Settings responsibility to deliver all first aid required on the day of Prept. Foundation visit.
- Fire Safety: Identify nearest exits, extinguishers, and water sources before starting sessions.
- Allergic Reactions: The setting must have an emergency response plan, including access to antihistamines or epinephrine if required this is the settings responsibility to delivery any first aid and response needed.
- Severe Weather: Monitor forecasts, have contingency plans for shelter or rescheduling.
- Accident Reporting: To have a written copy of documents for all incidents and review risk control measures accordingly again the settings responsibility.
Additional Considerations
- Ensure staff have relevant food hygiene, safeguarding, and outdoor first aid training.
- Conduct site-specific risk assessments for each venue, particularly in forest school settings.
- Obtain necessary permissions and inform participants of potential risks.
- Maintain adequate insurance coverage for off-site and outdoor activities.
Risk Assessment contacts
We encourage and enable staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to raise serious concerns within the charity rather than overlooking a problem. Please report those concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
Other contact details:
Charity Commission (www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity)
