Book Fair Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Slips, trips and falls — Walk the route and remove hazards before opening. Tape down thresholds, use non-slip mats at entrances, and keep floors dry. Box stock under tables, not in aisles. Provide wet-floor signs and assign a roving checker to keep walkways clear throughout the event.
• Manual handling of stock — Provide trolleys, sack trucks, and team lifts for heavy boxes. Cap box weight to 15–20 kg. Train volunteers on safe lifting, rotate tasks to limit strain, and store heavier boxes at waist height. Use gloves and break down loads over more, smaller trips.
• Data handling at point of sale — Collect only necessary details on order forms. Store forms face-down, in a folder, and transfer promptly to a locked office. Do not photograph payment cards; use approved terminals. Brief staff on confidentiality and destroy forms when orders are fulfilled.
• Outdoor marquee and weather — Use rated marquee with ballast or stakes per manufacturer. Check gust forecast and suspend trading if winds exceed limits. Secure sidewalls, manage rain run-off, and provide slip mats at thresholds. Keep electrics off ground and have a warm/wet refuge plan.
• Unstable displays and shelving — Use purpose-designed book stands only. Weight bases with sandbags where needed, and keep displays below shoulder height. Secure freestanding units to a wall or tether point, and keep 1.2 m clearance. Inspect after restocking and remove any damaged units.