Guidance for Schools or Groups with Young People
The Royal Albert Hall has prepared the following short information sheet for teachers and group
leaders bringing groups to the Hall for performances, workshops and educational events.
For the avoidance of doubt, Young People (YP) refers to anyone under the age of 18 years.
School/Group Requirements
There must be a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 10 YP, with a minimum of 2 adults in attendance.
YP must be chaperoned at all times.
YP will remain in the care and control of chaperones provided by the school or visiting company
at all times.
If you have any members of your group with special needs, please communicate the general
nature of these needs to event managers or RAH education before your visit so that any
necessary arrangements can be made in good time.
Arrival at the Royal Albert Hall
It is essential that schools only enter the building via the Door Number as advised or what is
written on their tickets.
Evacuation Procedures
All evacuation procedures will be communicated by the Event Manager, Learning and
Participation team member, steward or Duty Manager as appropriate to the nature of the event.
Supervision of Students
Students must be supervised by appropriate responsible adults. Students will not be allowed to
leave the building without a teacher. The supervision and all welfare issues of the pupils is
solely the teacher’s responsibility in the first instance.
Stewards
An appropriate number of stewards (where required) will be provided to the relevant number of
YP in the building from the time they enter the building to the time they leave.
The purpose of stewards is to direct YP and supervise an emergency evacuation should one
become necessary. They are not there to supervise the behaviour of YP. This will remain the
responsibility of the teacher/adults accompanying the groups. RAH staff are not routinely CRB
checked unless their role involves regularly working alone with children.
Lost Young People
Lost persons will be directed or taken to stage door to be reunited with their group leader.
If any member of RAH staff finds a lost YP, they will ensure that they are accompanied by
another member of staff and are not left alone with a YP.
First Aid
When large scale events are taking place, Onset (our medical provider of trained staff) will
provide first aid cover on site based in the Halls first aid room (ground floor, door 4 area).
In other circumstances, a member of our security team with first aid training will provide cover
and be contactable via stage door.
As far as possible, a teacher, chaperone or responsible adult should be in attendance for any
treatment for injury.
General Behaviour
YP are expected to demonstrate the appropriate level of behaviour while in the building. This is
a working building and YP should be made aware that other peoples work may create some
hazards or hazardous areas and should keep clear.
All YP should be instructed to keep away from unauthorised or signed hazardous areas.
YP must not be permitted to climb over seating or railings in the auditorium and should follow the
instructions given to them by stewards or Hall staff as appropriate.
No YP should be allowed to move around the Hall unaccompanied by a teacher or responsible
adult – this includes trips to the lavatories.
YP must walk at all times when moving about the Hall. No running or horseplay.
RAH reserves the right to remove any YP, their group and accompanying adults if the behaviour
of the group gives cause for concerns that are not being effectively dealt with by responsible
adults. No refund will be offered if the group is asked to leave as a result of the behaviour of
members of that group.
The Royal Albert Hall (RAH) Premises Risk Assessment
Royal Albert Hall - Generic School Visit Hazards
Date RA undertaken: 01/07/11
Royal Albert Hall
RA Undertaken by:
Contact: Guy Pengelly 020 7589 3203
Review Date: 01/07/12
Name: G Pengelly
Signed……Original Signed………
Kensington Gore
LONDON
SW7 2AP
Position: Health and Safety
Advisor
Calculation of Risk
Severity (S)
5 Almost Inevitable
4 Very Likely
3 Likely
2 Very Unlikely
1 Negligible
5 Multi Death/Injury
4 Single Death
3 RIDDOR Major Injury
2 RIDDOR 3 Day
1 Minor/First Aid
Calculations of Risk
Probability
Probability (P)
Action Level
Low – no action required
5
4
3
2
1
5L
4L
3L
2L
1L
1
10M
15M
8M
12M
6L
9M
4L
6L
2L
3L
2
3
Severity
20H
16M
12M
8L
4L
4
25H
20H
15M
10M
5L
5
Medium – justify/review
for each event day
High - immediate
action/further controls
needed
Item
(a)
01
02
Task/Activity
(b)
Access and egress
of pedestrians to site
Hazard/Consequence
(c)
Death or injury
caused by vehicle
movement. Slip, trip
or fall.
Who is at risk?
(d)
All accessing
site
Alcohol
Death or injury
caused by the intake
of alcohol, including
affecting a person’s
reactions or ability to
carryout tasks.
All accessing
site
Risk
Level
(e)
3x5=15
4x4=16
Control Measures in place
(f)
Automated Hall lighting
systems.
24 hour staffed Stage
Door
Hazard reporting
procedures for faults.
Clearly defined roadway.
Pedestrian walkways
available and readily
identifiable, with drop
down curbs in various
areas.
Designated and/or
controlled parking bays.
Fire exits are
maintained and
available for use at all
times.
Whenever the building
is open to the public or
during show times
sufficient numbers of
entrance/exit doors are
open and staffed by
stewards to ensure
easy access/exit.
CCTV in certain areas.
Challenge 25 system
operated at all bars.
Stewards to notify Duty
Management of guests
under the influence of
excessive alcohol or
passing alcohol to young
people.
Residual
Risk
Level
(g)
2x3=6
2x4=8
Additional Control
Measures
(h)
Hall public areas
cleaned on regular
basis, including ice
and snow
clearance/gritting by
Building Services.
03
04
05
06
Carpets and floor
surfaces
Injury caused by falls,
slips and trips.
All accessing
site
Children
Death or injury
caused to or by the
inexperience or
inquisitiveness of a
child.
Inappropriate
behaviour to a child
by an adult.
Child and all in
the vicinity.
5x4=20
Disabled mobility
equipment
Injury caused by falls
and trips. Knocks
against. Injuries to
disabled guests or
workers.
Obstructions for
Medical and Fire staff.
including emergency
response.
All accessing
site
4x3=12
Disabled ramp
access
Injury caused by
uneven or slippery
surface.
All using ramp
4x4=16
4x3=12
Hazard reporting
procedures.
Building Services (BS)
Department maintenance
and inspection
programme.
Pre-event Duty Managers
inspection.
Housekeeping contractors
available for spillage
clearance.
Restricted access to Hall
for specific events.
Certain areas restricted by
security systems.
24 hour Stage Door with
CCTV monitoring.
Security and Steward
monitored access to site.
Lost Child Procedure.
RAH Child Protection
Policy.
Ramps and lifts available.
RAH Event and Duty
Management staff,
Steward and Fire Officer
monitoring.
Hall emergency
procedures.
RAH Access Policy.
Access platforms built with
low level handrail.
Housekeeping/BS staff
inspections and cleaning
programmes.
Hazard reporting
procedures.
Clearing of ice and snow
3x3=9
2x4=8
2x3=6
2x3=6
Event Organisers
specific risk
assessments for child
performers.
No under 14’s allowed
in a standing arena.
Steward assistance
available during
events.
Mobility Access
Platforms for certain
seated events.
Event Organisers
specific risk
assessments for
dosabled child
performers.
Use of alternative
access means if
required.
07
08
Emergency egress
Fire
Crush injuries caused
by panic. Slips, trips
or falls caused by
route blockage.
All on site
Death, severe injury
or ill-health from
smoke inhalation,
burns or related fire
injury. Crush injuries
caused by panic.
All on site
5x5=25
5x5=25
in poor weather.
Handrails available.
Stewards in ramp areas to
assist and guide where
necessary.
Hall FRA.
Signage.
Emergency lighting
systems.
RAH Emergency
Procedures.
Event Promoters RA.
Monitoring and inspection
of the building by Duty
Manager, BS Dept and
Fire Officer.
Staff information and
training.
Emergency tannoy
announcements.
Trained Stewards to assist
in evacuation.
RAH Fire RA.
RAH Emergency
Procedures.
24 hour staffing of Stage
Door.
The provision of suitable,
maintained fire fighting
equipment.
Trained Fire Officer on
duty when public are in the
building (in excess of 150
people – otherwise
covered by Stage Door
Security).
Fire detection and alarm
systems.
Regular inspection and
2x5=10
2x5=10
Event Organisers
specific risk
assessments for cild
performers.
There are no specific
assembly points for
groups. School
group leaders to
agree assembly
points for groups.
Chaperones or
supervising adults of
performers to be
briefed on their duties
and responsibilities by
the Event Organiser.
Promoters Event Fire
RA
maintenance procedures.
Staff information and
training.
Smoking is strictly
prohibited within the
footprint of the building
including external
gallery and roof areas.
Automatic emergency
lighting is fitted
throughout the RAH
and is subject to a
maintenance and
testing regime.
Appropriate emergency
exit signage is
displayed throughout
the Hall.
All fire exits and routes
are maintained clear of
any obstructions.
All external glazing is
fitted with bombproof
film.
A full procedure is in
place for the safe
evacuation of the
premises both within
and outside of licensed
periods. These
procedures include
processes for the
evacuation of any
disabled individuals.
Approved and
designated evacuation
lifts are available within
the building; these are
only to be used under
09
10
Front of House
Accessible Parking
Slips, trips or falls.
Death or injury
caused by
Pedestrian/vehicle
impact and crush.
All accessing
site
Lighting
Injury caused by poor
or low lighting levels,
including slips, trips
and falls.
Eye strain.
Sick Building
Syndrome.
Depression and
stress.
All affected by
or working in
low light levels.
Partially
sighted staff,
contractors or
members of
the public.
3x5=15
4x3=12
the direction of a
trained steward.
There are trained Fire
Wardens covering each
floor/area within the
building.
Stewards are trained to
assist and direct people
in the event of an
evacuation.
One duty Fire Officer will
be on site during all
shows. Two fire officers
will be on site wherever
there are pyrotechnics.
BS Dept maintenance and
inspection programme.
Hazard reporting
procedures.
24 hour Stage Door with
CCTV monitoring.
Drop down curbs to assist
in entry and exit to car
park.
BS Dept maintenance and
inspection programme.
Help Desk response and
repair procedures.
RAH Stress Policy.
Duty Technical Show
Manager (TSM)/Building
Services Technician (BST)
available to regulate
lighting levels as required.
Building Management
System programmable for
lighting on request to the
BS Helpdesk.
1x5=5
1x2=2
11
12
13
Medical
Noise
Pedestrian access
into buildings
Death or increased
injury or illness
caused by lack of
medical assistance.
Slow medical
response.
Incorrect medical
treatment.
All accessing
site
Injury caused by
excessive noise.
Tinnitus other hearing
related illness or
condition.
Inability to hear alarm
warnings and
evacuation
messages.
All on site
Injury by slip, trip or
fall.
Congestion, crushing
and panic
All accessing
site
5x4=20
5x4=20
5x4=20
Provision of First Aid
facilities with trained
contracted medical or RAH
staff when the public are
present.
Medical company RA and
SWPs.
Staff information and
training.
Hall Emergency
Procedures.
Stage Door Security
trained in First Aid.
AEDs and First Aid Points
deployed around Hall.
Hall Event RA
Event Promoter/
Organisers RA
Sound company RA and
method statement.
Staff information and
training
PPE
Event sound monitoring by
Show Dept or independent
noise monitoring.
Contracted noise
regulations between Hall
and Event Organiser/
Promoter.
All access doors open
during an event. Access
restricted by security
systems and staff during
non-event periods.
Access areas cleaned on
regular basis.
Non-slip surfaces used on
steps and walkways,
2x4=8
2x3=6
2x4=8
Nearest A&E
Chelsea and
Westminster
Hospital - Distance
1.5 km.
Medical company staff
on site if large
numbers of children
are taking part in the
event.
14
15
16
Slips, trips and falls
on level surface
Injury caused by
uneven or slippery
surface.
All on site
Toilet facilities
Slips, trips and falls
Contact with
chemicals.
Electrical burns and
electrocution
All using
facilities,
5x3=15
House-keeping
staff
Death or injury
caused by lift doors or
mechanism.
Panic or distress
caused by lift failure.
Damage to lift fabric
or mechanism.
All using lifts,
BS Staff
Lift Engineers
Use of passenger
lifts
5x3=15
5x5=25
where possible.
PA System
announcements.
CCTV
24 hour staffed Stage
Door.
BS Dept maintenance and
inspection programme.
Housekeeping RA, method
statements and cleaning
programme.
Hazard reporting
procedures.
Help Desk response and
repair procedures.
Signage identifying wet
floors from cleaning.
Housekeeping SWPs and
RAs.
Help Desk response and
repair procedures.
BS Dept maintenance and
inspection programme.
Hazard reporting
procedures.
Accessible toilets available
on all floors.
BS Dept maintenance and
inspection programme.
Local or Stage Door linked
alarm and communication
systems.
BS Dept/ Maintenance
Contractor RAs
Weight Loading signage.
Insurance inspection and
certification.
Hall FRA
2x2=4
2x3=6
1x5=10
Duty BST on site
during public events.
17
18
19
20
Use of public access
doorways
Use of public access
staircases
Glazing and mirrors
Food and drink
Injury caused by
weighted doors.
Door failure/damage.
Glass breakage.
Injury caused by
simultaneous use
from both sides of
door.
Injury caused by falls,
slips and trips.
Cuts or injuries on
handrails.
Rubbish hazards.
Liquid spillages.
Low lighting levels.
All using doors
Serious injury from
impact with
windows/mirrors that
are not evident
All on site
Illness or collapse due
to lack of food or
drinking water.
Illness or collapse due
to overexcitement.
Slips, trips or falls
Children on
site
5x3=15
All using
staircases
5x3=15
3x3=9
4x2=8
BS Dept maintenance and
inspection programme.
Automatic door systems.
Use of toughened glass.
Use of view panels.
BS staircase inspections
and maintenance
programme.
Monitoring by
Housekeeping staff.
Regular staircase
cleaning.
Hazard reporting
procedures
Fire Officer staircase preevent checks.
Staircases well lit with
suitable nosing
identification.
All safety-critical glazing to
comply with BS or similar
guidance.
Where necessary glass is
marked with graphics or
manifestation.
Limited food and drink
available for sale during
the day.
Kiosks and bars available
during open period for
refreshments.
Local shops within 15
minute walk.
Water vending machines
and drinking water
available in certain toilets.
2x2=4
Stewards for events
available to assist.
2x3=6
2x3=6
2x2=4
Mirrors not to be sited
where they might
cause confusion.
Supervising adults to
control children to
reduce excitement.
Back stage catering
dependant on event
for performers.
21
22
Access to
unauthorised areas
of the Hall
Death or injury to
children accessing
inappropriate and
dangerous areas of
the Hall.
Children on
site
4x4=16
Inappropriate access
to children
Mental or physical
injury to children due
to adult or child
inappropriate
behaviour.
All children on
site
3x3=9
Access control system to
ensure areas of high risk
are restricted.
Event Organiser’s security
and Stage Management
staff.
School Chaperones or
supervising adults
responsible for controlling
groups of children.
CCTV .
No adults to be left alone
with children unless
suitably vetted.
Chaperones or supervising
adults to be vetted and
briefed on their duties and
responsibilities by the
Event Organiser.
2x4=8
2x3=6
Important Note:
1. This document should be read in conjunction with Promoter’s and/or Production risk assessments and that of the contractors
employed by the Event. This assessment also relates to the Halls event specific assessment.
2. We, The Royal Albert Hall, reserve the right to alter, update or amend the details contained herein at anytime, in light of new
information or new procedures being required. Whilst we, as a responsible employer, will adhere to all necessary control measures
so far as is reasonably practicable, this Risk Assessment is a live document and the final physical safety arrangements onsite may
therefore differ slightly from the written ones shown here.