Open Fire Risk Assessment Template
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for open fire in forest schools settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.
Begin straight away; create a free account later if you want to save.
What this covers.
This template focuses on typical risks and controls for open fire in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Supports outdoor cooking experiences and learning about heat and food safety.
- Improves understanding of thermal comfort and warmth in outdoor environments.
- Teaches the importance of boundaries and supervision in managing fire safely.
- Provides a focal point for community, reflection, and storytelling.
- Develops risk awareness and safe behavior in potentially hazardous settings.
Typical hazards & measures
- Scalds from pouring hot liquids — Use kettle with chain bung removal, gloves, stable surface. Pour at arm’s length, use cup raised. Only adults manage boiling water, children observe and help when cooled.
- Children cooking unsupported — Ratios of supervision based on age: e.g., 1:4 for older children. Children kneel when cooking. Adults always assist. Utensils long‑handled and safe distance maintained.
- Children with fear of fire excluded — Offer reassurance, one‑to‑one discussion. Alternatives close by (e.g., observation). Gradual approach if child wants to try later.
- Residual heat and re-ignition risk — Fully douse embers and ash with water, stirring to expose hotspots. Spread ashes thinly to speed cooling and supervise until cold. Carry out final safety checks, confirming no residual heat before leaving the site. Keep extinguishing equipment on hand until the fire area is safe.
- Burns from carrying hot pots or pans — Use heat‑proof gloves, pan grips, trivet surfaces. Participants announce “walking with pan.” Ensure route is clear, walk slowly. Only adults carry heavier items; children handled with supervision.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Open 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.