Learning French in France
Risk Assessment
Outside Walks and Visits
April 2011
HAZARD
Narrow pavements
RISK
FACTOR
2x1=2
Crossing roads
2x1=2
‘Stranger danger’
1x1=1
Getting separated from
group/lost
2x1=2
Exposure to weather
1x1=1
Illness or injury
1x1=1
Special needs of specific
pupils – medical,
behavioural, educational
1x1=1
Indirect/remote
supervision
(e.g. in Caen
museums/castle/market,
hypermarket,
Festyland)
2x1=2
CONTROL MEASURES FOR
STUDENTS & STAFF
Pre-visit briefing re roads/traffic in France.
Specific emphasis on direction of traffic,
looking before stepping off pavement,
single file/stopping for others when
necessary.
Walk facing on-coming traffic whenever
possible.
Pre-visit briefing to group as above,
including difference between
English/French ‘zebra’ crossings.
Use traffic lights or pelican crossings
whenever possible. Ensure close
supervision where this is not possible.
Routes taken chosen in advance for safety
and well-known to group leaders.
Pre-visit briefing.
Pupils accompanied by staff.
Pre-visit briefing, including itinerary and
location of coach/minibus.
Close supervision; frequent head counts.
Listen to weather forecast.
Ensure appropriate clothing & footwear
worn/carried.
Sun protection cream and water carried by
group as appropriate.
First aid kit carried in coach/minibus.
Mobile phone carried.
Leaders know how to contact emergency
services and at least one of the leaders
speaks fluent French.
Emergency contacts with school in UK and
parents pre-arranged.
Ensure adequate staff : student ratio.
Allocated member of staff to accompany at
all times if necessary; they can return to
coach if they need to.
Aware of pre-existing medical conditions
in advance. Any necessary medication
carried by student or staff member.
Pre-visit briefing with clearly understood
emergency procedures.
Pupils stay in pairs/small groups.
Rendez-vous points and times clearly set.
Pupils know how to contact staff in
between these times if necessary.
Staff understand that they are still
responsible.
Parental consent given in advance.
*Supplementary risk assessment for town visit to Port-en-Bessin:
Un-railed quayside and
harbour wall
2x1=2
Un-railed steep grassy slope to
road/beach from viewpoint.
Beach/ rocky foreshore
2x1=2
2x1=2
Consult weather conditions.
Assess each group and discuss visit
with group leader; modify itinerary as
necessary.
Ensure group control is adequate.
Pre-visit briefing.
Close supervision at all times.
Special care/other routes taken in wet
weather.
Measures as above.
Consult weather conditions and tide
tables before visit.
Close supervision to ensure pupils stay
on sandy area.
(No swimming)
Risk Factor Calculation:
1st figure = Likliehood of an event occurring
1 = might occur 2 = possibly will occur 3 = probably will occur
2nd figure = Consequence of an event occurring
1 = slight injury 2 = more serious injury 3 = fatality or serious injury
Total risk factor is calcualted by multiplying 1st and 2nd figure
Risk of 6 or greater is unacceptable; 4 and 5 should be monitored closely; 3 or less is
acceptable