Book Fair Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Electrical equipment use — Only PAT-tested equipment and hired tills. Use RCD protection for all temporaries, avoid overloading, and keep chargers on non-combustible surfaces. Position power supplies behind tables, deny pupil access, and isolate power quickly if faults appear.
• 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.
• Crowd density — Set maximum room capacity and one-way flow. Use timed entry or class slots, clear queuing lanes, and steward at pinch points. Brief staff on crowd cues, open overspill space if congestion builds, and keep aisles 1.2 m+ wide for wheelchairs and prams.
• Sharp tools during setup — Limit knife use to trained adults. Use safety knives with retracting blades, cut away from body on a mat, and store blades in a locked tin between tasks. Collect all wrap ties/staples, sweep the area before pupils enter, and account for blades at close-down.
• Fire load and ignition sources — Limit paper displays and keep them clear of lights and heaters. Maintain a 1 m buffer from exits, keep extinguishers visible, and brief staff on alarm points. Prohibit open flames, check emergency lighting weekly, and ensure vents are clear in marquees.