Fire Lighting Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Inappropriate extinguishing methods — Educate participants on proper fire extinguishing techniques, including the use of water, sand, or fire blankets. Supervision is necessary to ensure these methods are applied correctly to fully extinguish fires.
• Smoke inhalation — Instruct participants to stay upwind of the fire and avoid leaning directly over it. Keep fires small to reduce smoke output and provide brief instruction on the dangers of inhaling smoke. If someone is affected, move them to fresh air immediately.
• Poor group management — Begin with a clear safety briefing outlining behavior expectations and fire safety rules. Assign small groups with designated leaders, and check in periodically to monitor compliance. Reinforce safety protocols throughout the session and address any behavioral issues promptly.
• Burns from improper use of fire-starting chemicals — Only use natural fire-starting methods, avoiding accelerants or chemicals. Teach participants how to use tinder and kindling effectively, and closely monitor the use of all fire-starting tools to prevent accidents from misuse.
• Cold weather exposure during fire lighting — Ensure participants are dressed appropriately for the weather, provide hand warmers if necessary, and plan breaks near the fire to warm up. Monitor for signs of cold stress like shivering or confusion.