Fire Lighting Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Instructor experience/qualifications — Ensure all instructors leading the activity have adequate fire lighting and safety training, such as bushcraft or outdoor survival certifications. Regular refreshers in first aid and fire safety should also be mandatory. Always verify qualifications before allowing anyone to instruct fire lighting.
• Participants with additional needs — Ensure all participants’ additional needs are addressed, including physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Adjust the activity accordingly, provide extra supervision, and use adaptive equipment or methods where necessary. Ensure support staff are available if required.
• Inadequate supervision — Maintain a suitable adult-to-participant ratio and ensure all adults are actively supervising, not distracted by other tasks. Have regular check-ins during the activity to ensure participants are following safety protocols. Pre-activity planning should assign clear supervisory roles.
• Fire damage to clothing or gear — Ensure participants keep their gear and bags at a safe distance from the fire, and regularly remind them not to place anything too close. Supervisors should inspect the area frequently to ensure all personal belongings remain safe from heat and flames.
• Chemical burns — Ensure that participants do not use any chemicals to start or accelerate fires. Only natural materials like tinder, kindling, and wood should be used, and leaders should enforce this rule to avoid accidents.