Posted By Eddie Wall
I have been asked to complete a risk assessment document for a creche and as this is new to me, I was wondering if anyone had any pointers on issues which may be specific to this type of work, i.e. things I should consider but may not actually think of.........

Posted By Clare Hazlewood
Hi,

our risk assessment for a College Nursery addresses the following issues:

Access & security arrangements (stopping the kids escaping / keeping unauthorised people out);
Emergency arrangements;
Hygiene during personal care and food handling activities;
Manual handling of kids (avoid if possible, by providing a safe means for the kids to climb up to nappy-changing areas etc);
Child protection / protection of staff from claims of abuse;
General infection control;
Manual handling of play equipment;
Slips & trips, indoors & out (particular hazards are wet/painty/sandy floors, plastic mats and toys on floors);
Musculoskeletal problems associated with staff using child-sized furniture;
Collision hazards (put yourself at child level and see what you could hurtle into);
Finger trap hazards in doors;
Electrical equipment;
Cleaning materials & equipment

Hope this helps
Clare