School Parade or March Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Banners, poles and props — Use rounded tips and securely capped poles, fix banners to prevent whipping, keep pole length appropriate to crowd density, hold at shoulder height away from faces, and remove any damaged prop immediately from the line on a marshal’s instruction.
• Noise exposure from bands and PA — Cap sound levels to safe limits, orient speakers away from ears, rotate proximity to the band for classes, issue ear protection for sensitive pupils, and rehearse a short “sound off” signal so the PA and music can be silenced instantly when required.
• Inclusion and additional needs — Provide shorter loops, rest options and quiet holding areas, assign buddies or support staff, ensure wheelchair-friendly surfaces and gradients, supply visual schedules, and confirm accessible toilets and transport throughout the route.
• Slips, trips and uneven surfaces — Pre-walk the entire route to mark potholes, cambers and kerbs, set a slower cadence through hazard zones, instruct participants to watch footing and use secure footwear, and sweep or cordon debris or wet leaves immediately with updates to marshal briefings.
• Litter, confetti and waste underfoot — Restrict confetti to designated zones with biodegradable product, prohibit glass, station bins at intervals, deploy sweep teams during and after the march, and record post-event hazards so the route is left safe and promptly returned to normal public use.