Example Risk Assessment What are the hazards? Who might be harmed & how What are you already doing? Do you need to do anything else to control the risk? Action by: Action by when? Date completed: Aggressive Behaviour/Dog bite Very young children or other children at the business Very young children and all other children who may be at the property Pre assessment of dog before taking booking including trial acclimatisation – this should be documented. No child should be left alone with a dog. If a dog exhibits signs of aggression or anxiety it should be kept separate from children for the ENTIRE DURATION of the child’s stay. Separation of dog and children by using safety equipment (E.G. safety gate/stable door/closed door/cages etc.) Gradual familiarisation with children and any new dog. (Consider introducing dog to child if necessary on managed basis) Supervised access of children in the home with dogs by licence holder or responsible adult. Assess if any children at the property have any individual needs, (i.e. disabilities, learning difficulties) which may require a separate assessment and additional control measures. Dogs must be supervised when playing with toys if children are present. Educate children on correct behaviour around a dog.(E.G. teach child - not to chase dog, to leave dog alone when it goes into its crate, not to approach dog even if previously friendly) Dogs to go on leads if necessary – crates available for size of dog or other means of separating dog from children. Review risk assessment to ensure it is suitable and sufficient. Licence holder Staff Visiting parent of child child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Choking Children getting access to dogs toy Very young children and all other children who may be at the property Dogs toys to be kept separate from young children or other children who may be at the property No dog toys should be at the premise where there are small parts or damage which may injure a child. Ensure all dog food and dog treats are cleared away promptly to avoid a child picking them up and choking on them. Education of children not to touch or move dogs toys. Licence holder Staff Visiting parent of child child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit
Communicable disease Pets carry infectious diseases that can pass to humans Very young children are particularly vulnerable and other children who may be at the property All children to wash hands thoroughly if they have been in contact with a dog or the dogs toys etc. Children to avoid dogs licking their faces, face to face contact between the dog and child should be prevented. Strict cleanliness measures in place to prevent spread of infections. Clean touch points such as door handles/light switches etc. on regular basis with sanitizer Any dog toys provided must be able to be suitably cleaned at regular intervals. Education Anti-bacterial gel or wipes as well as hand washing Cleaning schedule Licence holder Staff Visiting parent of child child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Allergic reaction Children who may be at the property Pre check children at or visiting the property to see if they are allergic to dogs – it is recommended you document these checks and get a parent/guardian to sign. Licence holder will be aware of their own children but should ask parents/guardians of visiting children Any medication brought to the property must be kept locked away from the dogs and children. Medication should only be administered to a child by their parent/guardian If children are allergic but parents/guardians still want them to visit the business ensure that safe measures are in place for the child. (E.g. emergency contact numbers) Licence holder Staff Visiting parent of child child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Dog faeces contamination Children who may be at the property Ensure dog faeces is picked up on a regular basis and disposed of in an appropriate waste disposal facility. A separate area should be provided for exercising dogs away from children at the property. This should be appropriate to the If dogs are in the exercise area they should be monitored to ensure that faeces are cleaned up as soon as possible Licence holder Staff From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit
number and sizes of the dogs being boarded. Children not to play in dog exercise area Ensure dog is house trained Walk dogs on regular basis Visitors child Provision of food for dogs and/or children Children who may be at the property Dogs food and water bowls to be kept in area away from children. Feeding of dogs should take place away from children. Feed the dogs in separate parts of the home, as mealtimes are frequently a flashpoint for disputes. Dogs food in separate fridge or in sealed container on separate shelf. Children should be closely supervised when eating food or snacks and in an area away from the dogs Education Signage Licence holder Staff Visitors child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Chemical contamination Children who may be at the property Ensure any chemicals or medication etc is kept in a locked cupboard away from children - child proof locks should be fitted on all cupboards where chemicals or medicines are kept Licence holder Staff Visitors child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Dog taken ill Children who may be at the property Emergency arrangements must be in place to take care children at the property and other dogs whilst licence holder is having to take ill dog to vets etc Emergency numbers for :- Fit and proper person to take care of other dogs Other children’s parents to come and collect children Dog owners Licence holder Staff Visitors child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit
Child taken ill Children who may be at the property Emergency arrangements must be in place to take care of dogs or children if a child becomes ill suddenly. If own child is ill and needs care, have at hand other home boarders numbers that may be able to take bookings from you Emergency numbers for :- Fit and proper person to take care of other dogs Other children’s parents to come and collect children Dog owners Licence holder Staff Visitors child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Safety of children when exercising dogs E.g. child getting knocked over by a dog Children who may be at the property Exercise dogs away from the property only when other person is able to take care of children at the property or children are being carried in suitable pushchair or similar device. Walks to be staggered, with separate dogs at different times. Dogs left in secure room or cage whilst walk takes place of other dogs Licence holder Staff Visitors Child From now xx/xx/xx On day of visit Slips and trips Children who may be at the property General good housekeeping is carried out. All areas well lit. No dog toys, leads, bones etc. left lying about Areas near dog drinking bowls dried regularly to avoid slips Put sign in place asking visitors to wipe feet on mat etc. and don’t leave items lying about Licence holder Staff Visitors Child From now xx/xx/xx
Children at the home with individual needs (i.e. disabilities, learning difficulties) that may put them at risk with being with a dog Children at the home with individual needs that may put them at risk with being with a dog Assess if any children at the property have any individual needs, (i.e. disabilities, learning difficulties) which may require a separate assessment and additional control measures. Seek advice from parent/guardian regarding any behavioural traits of the child which may trigger adverse reaction in a dog (i.e. unsteady walking gait.) Put extra measures in place to protect the child Check with parent any individual needs that would need to be considered if the child was visiting the property Licence holder Staff Visitors From now on xx/xx/xx