Cooking on Fire Risk Assessment Template
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for cooking on fire in forest schools settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.
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What this covers.
This template focuses on typical risks and controls for cooking on fire in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Builds practical skills and confidence by teaching safe fire-starting techniques using natural materials and tools.
- Encourages responsibility for cleanliness, hygiene, and preparation of ingredients.
- Promotes healthy relationships with food through shared meal experiences.
- Links fire, fuel, and environmental awareness through natural resource use.
- Develops teamwork as children take turns managing cooking stations or food items.
Typical hazards & measures
- Tripping around fire — Logs or mats provide stable, evenly spaced seating. Children are taught to walk, not run, and always step out and around the circle. Children keep the cooking area tidy and help create clear walkways. Fuel is stacked to one side, and unused gear is put in a designated safe zone.
- Inexperience using cooking tools — Tools are introduced one at a time. Children practice with adult supervision and reflect on technique. Skills are built progressively with positive feedback.
- Hot equipment, food, or embers — Demonstrate safe handling techniques before use, including wearing heat-resistant gloves or using cloths. Position kettles, pans, and utensils securely to prevent tipping or dropping. Use tools such as long tongs for placing food into the fire and allow skewers or food to cool before handling. Test temperatures with the back of the hand and supervise closely, providing adult assistance for heavy or awkward items.
- Unsafe entry into fire zone — Fire circle rules are practiced: children enter only when cooking, stay low, and leave immediately after. Observers sit behind the boundary until it's their turn.
- Food poisoning — Children are taught to store, prep, and cook food hygienically. Cold food is kept chilled, hands are washed before handling, and a thermometer is used to check safe cooking temps.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Cooking on Fire to begin immediately.
- Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
- Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.
FAQ
Do I need an account to start?
You can begin filling out your risk assessment straight away. Create a free account if you want to save your work.
Can I download a PDF?
Yes - download a clean, professional PDF at the end.
Can I edit a saved assessment?
Yes, personal and unlimited members can edit saved assessments from the account dashboard.