CONTROL MEASURES TOP TIPS

Modified on Tue, 29 Jul at 4:02 PM

Control Measures Top Tips - 

 

Find below some tips and suggestions for common control measures for different hazards. This is a useful start to building your risk assessment. 

Remember that risk assessments should be unique and specific to each activity you run so these control measures will need to be adapted to take into consideration your activity type, attendees, the scale, the location and the frequency. 

 

Hazard 

Control Measure Tips 

General 

Manual handling 

  • Consider the setting up of decorations, tables or other equipment 
  • Is there a way to remove or limit the need for manual handling? 
  • Can you reduce the load? 
  • Always check the route ahead of carrying to make sure it is suitable and does not impact visibility or stability  
  • For large items ensure 2+ people are lifting 
  • Use safe lifting techniques and/or trolleys 

Crowd control 

For stalls: 

  • Consider how you will manage flow and minimize obstructions to thoroughfare 
  • Only 2 people behind each stall at all time 

Large events: 

  • Stewards and/or security – consider how many are appropriate for the size of your event, how they are identifiable, and their responsibilities. 
  • Cap ticket sales 
  • Managing entry and exit flow – what is the queuing system? 
  • Are there barriers to aid a steady flow? 

Trips: 

  • Consider how travel is coordinated and how participants are communicated with 

General 

Cash Handling 

All activities: 

  • If possible, use PDQ to minimize cash handling 
  • Ensure someone always stays with money 
  • Deposit money as soon as possible 
  • Follow Union cash handling guidance 

Driving 

Trips: 

  • All vehicles used for travel must have working seat belts, to be worn at all times.  
  • Drivers must carry a full driving license.  
  • Drivers to follow speed limits and rules of the road, be fit to drive (no alcohol/drugs, no driving while sleepy).  
  • Vehicles used must be in good condition and with valid MOT, road tax and insurance. 

Theft 

Events: 

  • Cloakroom and/or security at venue. 

Trips: 

  • Ensure accommodation/rooms are locked and encourage attendees not to bring high value items on the trip. 

Outdoor 

Extreme weather 

  • Cancel the event if extreme weather is forecast. 
  • Encourage attendees to wear appropriate clothing. 
  • Provide water stations and shaded areas for rest. 

Unsuitable ground / surfaces 

  • Inspections of grounds prior to activity. 
  • Appropriate footwear. 

Physical activity 

Exhaustion 

  • Ensure time is allocated for breaks.  
  • Provide water and refreshments. 

Poor / damaged equipment 

  • Check equipment regularly to ensure it is safe to use, especially if it is fixed outdoors e.g. football posts. 
  • Poor/damaged equipment will not be used.  

Inexperienced participants 

  • Briefing and monitoring by qualified/experienced instructor. 

Food & Drink 

Allergies 

  • Serve pre-packaged foods only which do not require temperature control. 
  • Ensure all items are individually packaged with allergens displayed or allergen sheets are marked correctly next to foods. 
  • Any home baked goods will be dry and able to be served at ambient temperature. 
  • Home baked goods will be labelled as such will all ingredients displayed. 
  • Collect information about attendee allergies upon sign up. 

 

Note: Allergies can be added as a separate hazard for non-food related activities e.g. facepainting, makeup, henna – controls may include attendees having access to ingredient lists, patch testing or bringing and applying their own makeup only. 

Cross contamination 

  • Individually package items  
  • Use different utensils per item 
  • Provide gloves and frequently wash hands. 
  • Clean surfaces and equipment with disinfectant.  

Alcohol consumption 

  • Sober stewards present 
  • Have water freely available e.g. jugs of water on each table 
  • Discourage overconsumption and ensure non-alcoholic options available 
  • Limit ‘free’ drink tokens available to maximum 2 per attendee 
  • Reference bar/restaurant policy to not serve intoxicated people 
  • No alcohol use prior to or during performance/physical activity 

Attendees 

Sensitive content 

  • Topics and content are communicated to attendees prior to the event e.g. in advertising of event, or in briefing at start of event.
  • Signpost who/where attendees can raise any concern and get support.  
  • Monitor Q&A sessions.  
  • Include a moderator to ensure content shared is appropriate and not offensive in any way. 

Welfare 

  • Signposting how attendees access support e.g. ensuring stewards are present and easily identifiable. 
  • Escalation procedure in the event of an incident or issue. 
  • Volunteers/Stewards - consider time for breaks/rest, briefing prior to event. 
  • Communication channels e.g. sharing committee member contact details or creating messaging group.  

External attendees 

  • Mandatory sign-ups and registration  
  • Briefed on emergency procedures 
  • Attendees indicated by a different colour wristband for example. 

Young persons (under 18s) 

Make sure you read our under 18s training resource

  • Track attendance e.g. registering attendees on arrival. 
  • No 1 - 1 supervision between volunteers and attendees 
  • No under 18s to participate in high-risk activity 

 

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