Festivals & high holy days Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Safeguarding concerns — Ensure all staff and volunteers working with children or youth have appropriate background checks, are clearly identifiable, and are briefed on supervision ratios. Establish a safeguarding point with trained leads present, follow clear reporting procedures, and restrict unsupervised access to sensitive areas.
• Heat or dehydration during summer events — Provide shaded areas with gazebos, free water refill stations, encourage hats and sunscreen, schedule pauses in long services, and brief stewards to recognise signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration, with first aid cover ready for escalation.
• Temporary electrical supply for sound and lighting — Ensure all AV kit is PAT-tested, run cables overhead or in protective covers, waterproof outdoor connections, provide RCD trip switches, secure generators behind barriers, and keep a trained technician on standby with shut-off procedure rehearsed.
• Prolonged standing during services — Provide additional seating, arrange rest breaks, and allow participants to step aside when needed. Train stewards to discreetly assist those struggling, and ensure accessible seating is reserved for elderly and disabled attendees.
• Waste build-up and litter — Deploy bins every 25m with clear labelling for recycling, appoint waste volunteers for patrols, hire collection service for large volumes, and include clean-up time in event plan. Provide gloves and tongs for safe collection of sharps or glass.