Risk Assessment for Schools

Please use the below information to identify risks, estimate significance in terms of high, medium and low risks and see specify steps taken to minimise risks.  Please click here for a more in-depth risk assessment for you to download, or if you wish to use the outdoor play area, that risk assessment can be found here.  If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask. 

Although we feel our park is a safe haven for birds, animals and people alike set in the most natural environment allowed, our Policy is that children have adult supervision at all times because due to the nature of our park there are inevitable natural risks.

Natural Physical Hazards

Animal / Bird Bites

Care must be taken with all birds and animals, close contact with the animals and birds is an aim of the park, although none are of vicious nature we must respect them at all times. Safety barriers and warning signs must be observed for visitor’s safety. There is no animal or bird that would pass on any high risk diseases if a bite did occur. Treatment would be to wash area with clean water and place antiseptic cream on cut/bite.
Risk: Low / Medium

Ponds / Water Areas

Where there is any water extreme care must he taken especially with the younger children. The large pond at the park is fenced off with a bridge crossing it; please ensure children do not climb. The lake at the bottom of the park is a natural water way & not fenced off, at its deepest it is 6ft. Please note that fencing has not been placed around this lake for birds and visitors pleasure and necessity. There are several other small ponds around the park. A further new addition is the Penguin enclosure which has a pool of water for the birds to swim in.  This enclosure has a fence surrounding the area which is inhabited by the birds, which includes the pool.  There are deep water signs and signs asking not to cross the barrier, and as long as these rules are followed this body of water will not pose a risk.
Risk: Medium

Biological Hazards

Animal Waste

We try our utmost to ensure your contact with any animal waste is minimal; all waste is disposed of out side the perimeter fencing of the park. Our job is made harder by the birds & animals that have free roam of the park but the park is cleaned daily; all seating areas are washed down & large grass areas are swept every morning (in season). Hand sanitizers are placed around the park where handling etc are most common and at eating areas where washing facilities are not conveniently close. The hand sanitizers are alcohol based and kill 99% of bacteria.
Risk: Medium

Chemical Hazards

None: There is no risk of contact with any chemical hazard during your visit to the Park. Chemical usage is kept to a minimum in keeping with our aims and those which are used for cleaning etc are locked away at all times. If an area is being cleaned with a chemical during your visit it would not be left unattended. However if you came across anything unsatisfactory please report it immediately.
Risk: Low

Other Hazards

Please be aware that during the height of the season the park can become busy as with any popular tourist attraction, please ensure to have sufficient ratio numbers to lower the risk of lost children, however if this does happen we advise you to have a meeting place already agreed, perhaps the admission desk as this is where lost children are generally brought and we will keep them there until they are collected.

Electric Fencing

Some of our enclosures have electric fencing on the inside, which is out of the visitors reach when all safety precautions are observed.  There are some safety barriers which are away from enclosures which have electric fencing and signs are put up to make people aware of the fencing.  It is park policy to have children under adult supervision and it is important that children do not climb over safety fences or sit on them.  If they were to put their hand through the fence on purpose or from falling off a safety fence there is a risk of electric shock.
Risk: Low

Children’s Playground

Children must be supervised at all times and are the responsibility of the parent/guardian/teacher etc. We do not and are not required to supervise the play area. We check the play area twice daily, however if you find anything that concerns you please report it immediately as with the high visitor numbers damage can occur quickly.
Risk: Low / Medium

Emergencies and First Aid

First Aid treatment can be received at the admissions desk although treatment that can be administrated is very minimal. If an ambulance is required this is also the point to inform a member of staff who will phone the emergency service. The nearest hospital to Wingham Wildlife Park is Kent & Canterbury Hospital & emergency. If an accident does occur whilst on your visit please ensure to report it at the admissions desk however big or small.

Vehicles in Park

At times it may be necessary for vehicles to gain access to an enclosure during opening hours, we do our best to arrange this whilst closed but sometimes this is not always possible. Milk Floats are used by the animal keepers throughout the day but main use is before and after opening times, these travel at a very slow speed.

We hope this information will answer any concerns you may have and enables you to have a very enjoyable day with us and the animals here at Wingham Wildlife Park. Please contact us on 01227 720836 if you have any questions you wish to address before your visit. We would welcome any comments you have on how to improve your day with us.

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