Music Lessons Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Fire evacuation from instrument-dense rooms — Keep exits and aisles clear, park large items away from doors, and post a simple plan that leaves instruments behind. Rehearse a quiet, swift exit at the start of term and keep the register ready to take to the assembly point for roll-call.
• Slips, trips and falls around kit — Clear walkways before each session, rack cases on shelves, and route cables at the room perimeter under covers. Place bags along one wall, position stands inside row footprints, and run a 30-second floor check before ensembles start or change over.
• Percussion impact and flying fragments — Match sticks and mallets to heads, fit cymbal sleeves and felts, and enforce controlled stroke heights. Position shields for the loudest instruments, and prohibit stick tricks or throwing anywhere in the teaching space.
• Instrument and mouthpiece hygiene — Assign personal mouthpieces where possible; otherwise clean, disinfect and dry between users per maker guidance. Enforce hand hygiene before/after use, issue labelled swabs/brushes, and avoid sharing reeds or lip products.
• Allergens and irritants (rosin, sprays, valve oils) — Store resins, oils and sprays in a ventilated cupboard, choose low-odour products where feasible, and keep safety data sheets accessible. Ask students to report skin or breathing symptoms promptly and avoid airborne sprays in small rooms.