School Parade or March Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Manual handling of banners and instruments — Teach neutral posture and hand positions, size loads to age and strength, swap carriers at planned intervals, use harnesses or slings where suitable, and pre-position heavier items at staging points so long carries and awkward turns are avoided.
• 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.
• Costume and footwear hazards — Require supportive, secure footwear and prohibit long trailing fabrics, secure capes and accessories, test visibility in masks or headpieces, provide pins and tape for rapid fixes, and bar mid-route costume changes that reduce mobility or vision.
• Low light and visibility — Prefer daylight timings, equip lead and tail groups with high-visibility vests and baton lights, install temporary lighting at staging points, require reflective elements on costumes, and cancel or reroute if lux levels fall below safe movement thresholds.
• Emergency reroute or evacuation — Prepare alternate routes and shelters, brief a universal “stop, face-in, listen” command, maintain emergency-vehicle access, authorise a single decision-maker to suspend, reroute or abandon, and use runners to relay orders if electronic comms fail.