ZSL London Zoo
Risk assessment for schools visits
Like all zoos and wildlife parks, we have to operate
under the auspices of the Zoo Licensing Act. We are
subject to an annual inspection by enforcing officers,
who look at the way we take care of our animals and the
safety of visitors and staff. The license has to be
renewed every six years.
ZSL 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 adult ticket per class is
available on request when booking a visit. Last entry to the Zoo is one hour before the Zoo
closes, so please check the current Zoo opening times before planning your pre-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. Pupils up to the end of year 11 MUST be supervised at all
times. 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 the aims and objectives of the visit, what standard
of behaviour is expected and who is responsible for the group. Pupils should understand
how to avoid specific dangers, why they should follow rules and why safety precautions are
in place. Also they should know what to do if approached by anyone from outside the group
and 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, timings and objective of the visit
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
N.B. ZSL reserves the right to evict any group that breaks these rules, or that allows children
to harass another school group/general visitors.
For a copy of our Public Liability Insurance Policy please see the resources section at the
bottom of this page.
Hazard, risks and controls
1. Hazard and risk: Dangerous animals - risk of being bitten
Controls:



Warning signs on enclosures
Safety barriers in place
Feeding of animals is prohibited
2. Hazard and risk: Contact with animals, animal artefacts and exhibits - risk of
disease contraction or accidental injury
Controls:






Hand-cleansing facilities available in Animal Adventure, Clore Rainforest and
Education Centre (ZSL London Zoo)
Water in Splash Zone play area is chlorinated (ZSL London Zoo)
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,
and find another available facility.
3. Hazard and risk: Deep water around paddocks and in ponds. Water in
fountains and canal (ZSL London Zoo). Animal Adventure Splash Zone (ZSL
London Zoo) - risk of falling in water and drowning
Controls:




Vegetation and fixed metal/wooden barriers
Danger Deep Water sign
Life belts at Penguin beach and Gorilla Kingdom enclosures and at canal site
(ZSL London Zoo).
Non slip surface in Animal Adventure Splash Zone (ZSL London Zoo)
4. Hazard and risk: Darkness in the Night Zone - risk of injury from collisions and
tripping (ZSL London Zoo only)
Controls:



Go slowly to adjust eyes to light level signage
Low level lighting
Hand rails
5. Hazard and risk: Climbing on railings, fencing, walls, seating, raised garden
areas, pillars, trees, posts, rocks and sculptures - risk of injury from falling
Controls:

Safety notice on trees, railings, fence etc. where relevant
6. Hazard and risk: Electric fencing around some enclosures - risk of injury from
electric shock
Controls:


Electric fence warning signs
‘Danger – Keep out ‘ signs
7. Hazard and risk: Coin operated animal rides - risk of injury from falling
Controls:
 Safety notice stating children must be supervised
8. Hazard and risk: Zoo vehicles - risk of being hit by Zoo vehicle
Controls:


Site speed limit 5mph (ZSL London Zoo).
Staff driving vehicles on-site are competent and trained.
9. Hazard and risk: General public - child welfare risk
Controls:



Lost Children's Post based at the Clock Tower (ZSL London Zoo). First Aid
Posts also at both of these locations.
Staff trained in procedures in dealing with lost children
Children should be supervised at all times.
10. Hazard and risk: Swings, climbing frames and bouncy castle in children's play
areas - risk of injury from falling
Controls:




Waterpour Safety Surface BS EN 1176 (ZSL London Zoo).
Supervision notices displayed
At London Zoo play equipment is for children ages between 3 and 11 years.
Supervision in accordance with the recommended ratio is an expectation.
11. Hazard and risk: Crossing the road from the coach park to the Zoo entrance
Controls:

Pedestrian crossings and lights (ZSL London Zoo)
12. Hazard and risk: Animals being walked round the site
Controls



Trained keepers leading the animal walks
Animals walked calmly and quietly
Animals trained and constantly monitored by staff
13. Hazard and risk: Emergencies e.g. fire, bomb threat, dangerous animal escape
Controls:



Enclosures are designed to be secure and safe
Protocols are in place for emergency situations. Trained staff will deal with the
emergency situation and advise visitors what to do
Listen to directions from ZSL staff or tannoy announcements.
Resources
Good resources for educational visits can be found on the HSE School Trips pages .
We would also suggest using the DfES good practice guide
“Health and Safety of Pupils
on Educational Visits” (HASPEV) (1.9 MB) and supplements which provide the main source
of guidance for leaders and helpers in connection with adventure activities and for
educational visits.
With the additional requests from schools for information on our Public Liability Insurance
Policy we have placed a letter here, to be viewed, which includes a description of our Public
Liability Insurance.
Public Liability and Excess Document 2014 (113.23 KB)