School Library Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Data protection and privacy — Secure borrower systems with unique logins, lock unattended screens, shred sensitive printouts, store paper records in locked cabinets, provide private zones for sensitive conversations, and apply retention schedules to purge legacy data.
• Fire load and evacuation — Use flame-retardant displays, keep alarm points and extinguishers visible, maintain clear gangways and exits, unplug idle heaters, rehearse termly evacuation, and store bulk paper away from sockets and radiators to limit ignition sources and spread.
• ICT misuse and online safety — Enforce filtered, logged access, supervise use, display the acceptable use policy, require personal logins, provide privacy screens where appropriate, and route concerns quickly to safeguarding with evidence preserved.
• Inadequate supervision and behaviour — Zone quiet and collaboration areas, post clear conduct rules, maintain staff sightlines, intervene early on unsafe play, and record and review incidents so duty patterns and furniture layouts adapt to emerging behaviour risks.
• Lifts, stairs and accessible routes — Service lifts to schedule, test evacuation chairs, keep ramps and handrails clear, provide refuge points with two-way comms, and brief staff on assisting mobility users during drills without blocking primary egress.