Health and safety

Risk assessment guidelines & code of conduct for schools and groups visiting the Zoo

General
We have put together the following guidelines in order that everyone has an enjoyable and interesting day. We undertake to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of our visitors.

• Please note that these are only guidelines, and we encourage you to conduct your own risk assessment by requesting a free pre-visit ticket by calling 0117 974 7369 or emailing education [at] bristolzoo [dot] org [dot] uk

• Group organisers should undertake to ascertain the supervisory requirements of the group that they are bringing on a visit. Groups of students that are inadequately supervised are a nuisance to other visitors, the staff and the animals and can be a danger to themselves and others.

• Regular safety inspections are carried out and risk assessments conducted covering all areas of the Zoo.

• We hold a current Fire Certificate, and equipment is regularly checked and maintained.

• Our insurer is OBE International Insurance Ltd, policy no. 58589A03, and the limit of liability is £10 million.

Out and about in the Zoo

Lost children
Zoo responsibilities:
• Report the name and description of the lost child to the main office
• Zoo office staff are trained to deal with lost children.
• Tannoy announcements will be made throughout the zoo to find supervisor.
• All staff are approachable for help.
School responsibilities:
• Make sure an adequate number of responsible adults are present to supervise children.
• Arrange meeting points throughout the day.
• Advise children to go to the main office if they become separated from their group.
• We advise that each child has a sticker displaying their teacher's name and a contact number for the school.

First aid
Zoo responsibilities:
• The First Aid Point is situated next to the Main Office in the centre of the Zoo. If closed, go to the Main Office.
• There is a protocol to ensure that there are always sufficient trained first-aiders on site.
School responsibilities:
• Anyone on regular medication should carry it with them or a supervisor should store medication and know how to administer it.

Trees & rocks, fences & barriers
School responsibilities:
• Supervision in the zoo should be sufficient to prevent children from climbing on trees or rocks
• We recommend that visitors do not shelter under trees during stormy weather due to the risk of a lightning strike.
• For the safety of animals as well as visitors barriers must not be crossed.
• Do not let children touch electric fences.
Zoo responsibilities:
• Warning signs displayed on electric fences.

Lakes and water
Zoo responsibilities:
• Barriers and warning signs, and buoyancy aids are in place around lakes.
School responsibilities:
• Supervision in the zoo should be sufficient to prevent children from playing near water features

Playground
Zoo responsibilities:
• The playground is suitable for children up to 12 years old.
• Notices are displayed on the equipment to show appropriate age use.
• The equipment is regularly maintained and safety checked.
• The ground surface is designed to limit injury if falls occur.
School responsibilities:
• Children should be supervised at all times.

Café and shops
Zoo responsibilities:
• Hygiene regulations are adhered to.
• Pre-packed picnic boxes and ‘goody’ bags can be ordered prior to the visit.
• Only food purchased in the café can be consumed in the café, apart from during the winter months when ‘indoor picnicking’ is available (please call to check booking arrangements.)
School responsibilities:
• Children should be supervised at all times.

Animals
Zoo responsibilities:
• Appropriate signs are located at enclosures.
School responsibilities:
• Explain appropriate behaviour around animals prior to the visit.
• Do not allow children to make loud noises at the animals, or bang on enclosures.
• Do not allow children to feed the animals, or drop rubbish into animals’ enclosures.
• Do not touch, run towards, corner or make loud noises near wild animals.
• Ensure children wash their hands before eating.

Twilight world
School responsibilities:
• This exhibit has a low level of lighting – allow time for eyesight to adjust at the entrance and walk carefully.
Zoo responsibilities:
• Levels of lighting are being reviewed to improve safety

Zoo vehicles
School responsibilities:
• Be aware that vehicles and trolleys are used throughout the zoo for operational purposes.
Zoo responsibilities:
• Speed is 5mph
• Only competent and trained drivers are allowed to drive within the Zoo grounds

Animal Escape
Zoo responsibilities:
• Security of enclosures is tightly controlled.
• In the unlikely event that a dangerous animal escapes there is a trained team to lead the recapture.
• All staff are aware of the protocols concerning leading visitors into safe areas.

Animal handling and classroom activities

Q. Does animal handling carry a risk of infection?
Zoo responsibilities:
• All animals are regularly health checked by the Vet.
• There are husbandry rules for caring for animals that all staff adhere to.
• Some animals will be shown to younger children and others who are vulnerable but they will not be allowed to touch them. This includes reptiles.
• Hand-wash is available after every session and all children shown how to wash their hands.
• Booking forms include questions about any specific medical conditions, allergies or special needs that the zoo should be alerted about.
School responsibilities:
• Teachers to ensure that there is no eating or drinking allowed in the classrooms.
• Children should be discouraged from putting their fingers in their mouths or near their eyes during the session.
• Hand washing should be supervised.
• Teachers are responsible for identifying children who are more at risk – those with low immunity, allergies or other special needs.

Q. Are animals likely to cause injuries to children?
Zoo responsibilities:
• Education Officers will explain appropriate method of handling animals before proceeding.
• Care is taken to ensure that animals are handled in rotation, to avoid stressing animals by over-handling.
• Sufficient animals are available for the number of groups booked.
• Suitable species are chosen for handling.
• Animals have a period of adjustment during which they become used to being handled before being presented to visitors.
• Only those children who show they are willing and confident (by raising their hands) will be given animals to handle.
• Education Officers will remove animals if they are showing signs of agitation.
School responsibilities:
• Children should refrain from making loud noises and moving around during handling sessions.

Q. What if a member of the group has a panic attack because of an animal phobia?
School responsibilities:
• Those with phobias should make this apparent on the booking form prior to handling session.
Zoo responsibilities:
• Education Officers will choose animals on the basis of the information supplied regarding phobias.

Q. During education sessions a variety of props such as skins, bones and preserved animals are used – could these be a danger to groups?
Zoo responsibilities:
• Clear instructions are given to the children by the Education Officer before an activity starts.
• Children are asked to move carefully round the room.
• Clear instructions are given on how to handle props to avoid injury from pointed edges, sharp surfaces, slippery materials etc.
• Education Officers ensure that props chosen are appropriate to the group.
School responsibilities:
• Teachers need to include information on any allergies, medical conditions or special needs in advance on the booking form provided.
• Teachers need to support the instructions given by the Education Officer, by stopping children (and if necessary removing them from the classroom) if they are endangering themselves or others.