This document forms a record of the assessments of hazards and risks associated with the delivery of the 'forces' lecture. It has been drawn up in accordance with guidelines set out by the UK Health and Safety Executive.
Falling/Tumbling |
Children are pushed on a low level trolley to demonstrate the actions of forces. Children stand/walk on a large lever mechanism. |
Finger/Foot Trap |
Lever Mechanism and Ropes & Pulley system. |
Collision/Impact of Moving Parts |
Lever Mechanism, Ropes & Pulley system and vehicle. |
Muscle/Back Strain |
Ropes & Pulley system |
Friction Burns |
Ropes & Pulley system |
Crowding |
Accidents caused by junior audiences moving around. |
Audience |
Children aged from five to thirteen. Adults. |
Participating Audience |
Children aged from five to thirteen and/or adults selected from audience. |
Participating Staff |
Trained adults and/or children over 13 |
An operating arc of approximately 5 metres is imposed between the audience and the equipment and, for approximately two metres along the length of the ropes. Children are only permitted within these areas by invitation.
As we believe that safety is an active part of all procedures rather than an imposition on them, the implementation of safety standards and procedures are not only practiced but indeed passed on to the junior audiences. As safety equipment is used the reasons are often discussed with the children first.
If equipment has been set up but the lecture is not in progress (such as break times), children are denied access to the equipment and measures are taken to disable it.
Falling/Tumbling |
Trolley height is less than 30cm. A child sits on the trolley wearing a BS approved cycle helmet as well as skateboard knee and elbow protectors and is pushed (or pulled) to demonstrate the action of a force on an object. At one point a child is invited to jump from a chair onto an empty (drinks) can whist wearing the above safety equipment. Due to the increased co-ordination required by the targeted jump, smaller children will only jump whilst holding the lecturers hand. Falling from the lever mechanism is prevented by direct supervision. Children who are lifted on the short end of the lever are raised to a maximum 30cm off the ground with an adult assistant directly attending them throughout the experiment. When working on hard-standing additional fall protection is in place through provision of a crash mat. The child who walks along the length of the lever faces a maximum distance of 110cm to the floor and is always held (usually by the hand) by the lecturer whenever the child is moving. Owing to the one to one supervisory contact, independent movement is effectively prevented. |
Finger/Foot Trap |
Finger trapping can occur with ropes that have spliced loops and/or carabinas or pulleys. The danger is pointed out to the children before pulling begins and each joint and pulley is also checked thoroughly before any pulling begins. Foot traps could occur around the lever however the design of the equipment specifically excludes the possibility of such an injury extending beyond slight bruising. Additional protection stems from complete supervision of the children in this area. |
Collision/Impact from Moving Parts |
The moving parts of the lever are identified to the children. Owing to controlled and supervised access, and operation of the equipment, any such injuries are avoided. The dangers of injury to the foot from a falling pulley block are pointed out to the children. Before pulling, each pulley is checked to ensure there is adequate clearance. When the vehicle is to be moved, it is only carried out by an authorised driver under the direction of the lecturer who acts as a Marshall. Prior to starting the engine, all children are moved well away from the path of the vehicle and any attached equipment, with particular attention paid to trailing ends of any attached ropes. Vehicle speed is limited to 2 mph. Where the vehicle is to be moved on or off the school site when children are present, playground supervisors are asked to marshal the children. The vehicle head and side lights are switched on as are the hazard warning lights. Vehicle speed is kept below 5mph and the windows of the vehicle are opened to enable the driver to hear verbal instructions or warnings. |
Muscle/Back Strain |
The first pull of the lecture takes place between two children. Using these children as examples all the children are shown how to pull safely and effectively on a rope. This instruction is checked and reinforced throughout the lecture. |
Friction Burns |
The children are taught about the thermal effect of friction. Gloves are issued to the children who may be in danger of sustaining such injuries. |
Crowding |
To prevent children from injuring themselves and/or others and to prevent uncontrolled access to the lecture equipment, lectures are not undertaken if there is insufficient supervisory control. If behaviour subsequently proves to be a problem, additional controls are sought or the lecture is terminated. |
At the time of writing, all hazards have been identified and procedures are in place to ensure safe operation.
Complacency can often compromise good safety procedures and familiarity can sometimes bring about a blindness to potential hazards. For this reason we welcome safety suggestions from any observers