Cooking on Open Fire Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Safeguarding — Ensure that all staff and volunteers are vetted and have undergone safeguarding training. Keep clear records of who is supervising which group, and maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios. Ensure children know who to approach if they feel uncomfortable.
• Poor group management — Establish clear rules and roles before the activity begins. Divide participants into manageable groups with specific responsibilities to avoid chaos around the fire. Leaders should use consistent communication and check-in frequently to monitor group behavior.
• Participants with additional needs — Assess the specific needs of participants with disabilities or additional needs before the activity. Provide personalized support, ensuring they have appropriate access and safety accommodations, such as extra supervision or specialized equipment.
• Burns from improper fire extinguishing — Ensure participants understand how to fully extinguish a fire before leaving the area. Use water to douse the flames, stir the ashes, and repeat the process to ensure no embers remain. Designate a leader to check the area before leaving the site.
• Sudden flare-ups — Monitor wind conditions and educate participants on the risk of flare-ups. Always control the amount of wood added to the fire to prevent it from growing uncontrollably. Ensure participants stay a safe distance from the flames and avoid leaning over the fire.