Environmental Cleanup Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Tool use (grabbers, rakes, shears) — Issue age-appropriate tools with a short briefing on grip, approach and passing, keep tool tips down when walking, maintain a “tool arm’s-length” spacing rule, and store tools immediately after use to prevent stray hazards on paths.
• Needles and biohazard waste — Stop work and call the designated adult if needles or suspected biohazards are found, use approved sharps boxes and tongs only, never recap or handle by hand, and report to the authority for collection if outside trained staff capability.
• Sun exposure and heat illness — Provide shaded breaks, schedule water stops, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with consent, rotate tasks to reduce continuous exposure, and move groups to shade when heat stress signs appear so participation remains safe in sunny conditions.
• Supervision ratios and young volunteers — Set ratios by terrain and proximity to water or roads, place adults at boundaries and chokepoints, buddy pupils, and pause activities when visibility or control diminishes so engagement remains purposeful and safe for mixed ages.
• Insects, wildlife and bites — Identify likely nests or habitats, avoid disturbance, use repellent where appropriate, provide tick removers and first aid for stings, and instruct pupils to report wildlife rather than attempt handling so encounters stay respectful and safe.