Book Fair Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Blocked evacuation routes — Mark all exits with compliant signs and hold doors open with approved retainers. Keep a 1.5 m spine aisle and prohibit parking of prams or stock in exit corridors. Assign a fire marshal to patrol routes and rehearse a simple sweep/roll-call procedure.
• Vehicle movements during delivery — Schedule deliveries outside pupil times and cone off loading zones. Use banksmen for reversing, set a 5 mph limit, and keep pupils behind barriers. Use trolleys with brakes, move loads via agreed routes avoiding steps and ramp edges, and suspend if crowds gather.
• Accessibility barriers — Ensure step-free routes, 1.2 m aisle widths, and quiet times on request. Provide a seated browse area and staff assistance for high shelves. Place signage at child and adult height, and offer large-print prices or QR menus. Reserve nearby parking/drop-off.
• 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.
• Allergies and sensitivities — Keep scented items, dusty second-hand books, and latex balloons off the stall. Provide good ventilation, label any craft materials, and keep hand-sanitiser fragrance-free. Hold tissues/wipes nearby and advise staff on how to respond to mild reactions.