Completed on:
25 November 2011
Last revised
On:
Completed by:
Kathryn Wilson
Number
changes
made
23 June 2015
Great North Museum: Hancock Hazard Identification
Please note:
 This is not a risk assessment. As stated in the Department of Education's 'Safe Keeping'
publication, “the group leader should carry out a risk assessment”
 In the case of an emergency please contact a member of staff
 Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums highly recommends that group leaders conduct
preliminary visits
 Group leaders should take the behaviour and ability of their group into consideration when
compiling a risk assessment
 It is the responsibility of the group leader to monitor the behaviour and safety of their group
 This Hazard Identification highlights the everyday risks that groups may incur. Please
telephone Great North Museum: Hancock on (0191) 208 6865 to enquire about possible
building work taking place or hazards in temporary exhibitions
Page 0 of 6
Completed on:
25 November 2011
Last revised
On:
Completed by:
Kathryn Wilson
Number
changes
made
23 June 2015
Hazard identification
Risk and to whom
Existing control measures
set up by Tyne & Wear
Archives & Museums
Further action to be taken by
the school / group leader
(add own comments)
Cars, buses and other
vehicles on driveway
Could be hit / knocked over
Bollards at main entrance
Children to be supervised at all
times by school staff.
Hand rails in place
Children to be supervised at all
times by school staff.
All visitors and staff
Museum access and
entrances
Slips, trips and falls caused by:
Uneven ground
Steps
Bollards and railings
Loose stones
Hard and abrasive
surfaces
Signage in place
Paths provided
Teachers to ensure pupils do
not climb on exterior furniture.
Adequate adult supervision
All visitors and staff
Lifts
Moving parts
Exceeding maximum weight
Instructions clearly printed both Children to be supervised at all
inside and outside of lift
times by school staff.
All visitors and staff
Maximum weight stated
Page 1 of 6
Completed on:
25 November 2011
Last revised
On:
Completed by:
Kathryn Wilson
Number
changes
made
Foyer / museum shop
23 June 2015
Slips, trips and falls
Damage to shop goods
Crowding
Theft
Adequate adult supervision
Queuing system in place
CCTV surveillance
Site staff awareness
Visit shop in small,
accompanied groups.
Plan time for shop visit in
advance
All staff and visitors
All stairways and steps
Slips, trips and falls
Items falling from stairways
and balconies
Handrails provided on both
sides of stairs
No running
Adequate adult supervision
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
Special care in doorways
Finger guards on main
doorways
Adequate adult supervision
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
Toilets cleaned and inspected
regularly by museum staff
Adequate adult supervision
Alarms present in adapted
toilets
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
All visitors and staff
Doorways
Could be bumped by automatic
doors
Collision with glass doors
Trapped fingers/hands
All staff and visitors
Toilets
Slips, trips and falls (especially
on wet floors)
Need for adult assistance
Unable to lock/unlock doors
Page 2 of 6
Completed on:
25 November 2011
Last revised
On:
Completed by:
Kathryn Wilson
Number
changes
made
23 June 2015
Locks can be opened from
outside by museum staff
All staff and visitors
Galleries
Slips, trips and falls
Collisions with glass cases and
museum furnishings
Damage to displays/objects
Climbing on low display
cases/plinths
Items falling from first floor
balconies
Hands-on exhibits and
interactives – contact with
push button/live parts
Object drawers (Living Planet
and Natural Northumbria)
Trapped fingers/hands
Walking into drawers
Low shelving (Ancient Greeks)
Bump head on low shelving
Low lighting (Ancient
Egyptians and Fossil Stories)
Low light levels could cause
trips and bumps
Adequate adult supervision
No running
Galleries checked daily by
museum staff
Equipment maintained by
museum staff
Special care in low light
galleries
All visitors and staff
Page 3 of 6
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
Teachers responsible for head
counts and class supervision
Completed on:
25 November 2011
Last revised
On:
Completed by:
Kathryn Wilson
Number
changes
made
Mouse House
23 June 2015
Slips, trips and falls
Getting lost/stuck in play area
Adequate adult supervision
Adult access door to play area
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
Adequate adult supervision
Normal lighting provided
outside of show times
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
Adequate adult supervision
Café staff on hand to deal with
any spillages and accidents
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
All spills cleaned up
immediately
Adequate adult supervision
Unused sockets fitted with
plastic covers
Children to be supervised at all
times by school staff.
All staff and visitors
Planetarium
Slips, trips and falls.
Low lighting
Loud sounds and bright lights
during shows may cause
disorientation
Crowding
All visitors and staff
Café
Slips, trips and falls
Spillages
All staff and visitors
Clore Learning Centre
Slips, trips and falls
Power sockets
Trapped fingers/hands in doors
Hot water – sinks
Use of craft materials and
Page 4 of 6
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
Completed on:
25 November 2011
Last revised
On:
Completed by:
Kathryn Wilson
Number
changes
made
sharp objects (scissors)
All staff and visitors
Study Garden
Slips, trips and falls
Climbing on walls/fences
Adverse weather conditions
Falling in pond, risk of
drowning and infection by
water-borne diseases
Plant and pollen allergies
23 June 2015
Non toxic paints and glues
used
Round tipped scissors used
accident/emergency
Adequate adult supervision
Advise pupils of safety in the
garden i.e. no running,
climbing or contact with
unknown plants
Paths provided
No running/climbing
Wash hands after touching
plants, water or soil.
Children to be supervised at all
times by school staff.
Contact nearest member of
museum staff in case of
accident/emergency
All staff and visitors
Page 5 of 6