Classroom Pets Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Heating, UV and electrical equipment — Mount heat lamps, UV units and thermostats outside reach with guards, route cables away from traffic, test RCDs, log weekly temperature/UV checks, and isolate power before maintenance so thermal burns, shatters or electrical faults cannot occur during lessons.
• Bites, scratches and stings — Handle only calm, appropriate species, teach scoop and support techniques, prohibit face-level holding, stop at signs of stress, provide gloves where justified, and clean and dress any break in skin immediately while documenting incidents and reviewing handling rules.
• Weekend and holiday care — Assign named carers in writing, provide a detailed care sheet with emergency contacts, verify consent and home suitability, supply transport carriers and feed, and require a Monday hand-back check with a brief welfare record and replenishment of consumables.
• Hand hygiene and cross-contamination — Install a sink or hand-sanitiser station beside the enclosure, display “before/after handling” prompts, supervise handwashing for younger pupils, and clean tables with separate cloths for animal activities so learning materials never contact unwashed hands or soiled surfaces.
• Cleaning chemicals and aerosols — Select pet-safe disinfectants, apply only when animals are removed or shielded, ventilate the area, avoid sprays near pupils, clearly label bottles, and keep all chemicals locked away from children with a COSHH-style sheet available for reference.