RISK ASSESSMENT – GREENACRES ANIMAL PARK

ANIMALS

It is widely understood that animals of all kinds may be carriers of infection, and this can be extended to the pets at home and also wild birds. There are no tests in the live animal to conclusively prove that it is free from infection, and therefore controls must be put in place to minimise the risk of visitors being contaminated.

·  on our premises the public will be most at risk when contacting animals in petting areas or during bottle feeding

·  touching gates or animal pens which may be contaminated with faeces

To control this risk, we have ensured that all areas accessed by the public are washed down prior to your visit, and that the public only have access to properly cleaned footpaths, and may not walk through any areas where animals may be grazing.

Animal contact is limited only to supervised petting areas where there are washing facilities including anti-bacterial soap. The public will be verbally instructed as to safety procedures before departing this area. No eating is permitted whilst handling animals, and as an extra precaution there are signs and verbal instructions to ensure that no pregnant women take part in the bottle-feeding, or touch any of our lambs.

Children under the age of two are also not permitted to feed the lambs, or touch the animals, because in our opinion they are not old enough to understand that they must not put their fingers in their mouths before washing their hands.

Eating Areas – Eating and picnic areas are away from animal enclosures, and children and adults are instructed to use our washing facilities prior to eating or drinking, and after touching animals. Picnic tables are provided under cover, and are cleaned daily.

Washing facilities – There are washing facilities right next to our animal petting area and lamb/goat bottle feeding area. There is a toilet block where the public may wash hands, and taps around the farm where footwear may be washed prior to departure. There are also hand sanitiser units around the Animal Park where hands can be washed without the need for water.

Information and signs – There is sign posting reminding visitors of the need to wash their hands regularly, and in particular after touching animals and before eating.

Supervision – is provided in contact areas with our animals. This is both to protect the animals, educate the children about the animals they are holding, and to ensure health and safety for the children and adults both during this experience and afterwards.

Livestock management procedures - are in place to ensure that animals who have just given birth, or just been born are kept away from contact areas. Any animals showing signs of ill health or stress are removed from contact areas. Animals and their environment are kept as clean as possible.

Manure and compost heaps – are away from areas visitors are expected to access, and the tools used on the farm are regularly cleaned.

TRACTOR TOUR

The main possible hazard from the Tractor Tour would be from children trying to jump from the trailer while it is in motion.

We feel it is very important for trailers to have proper seats for visitors and not bales of straw like so many attractions. As well as having seats, we have locked doors along the sides of our trailer, and ensure that an adult is seated at either end to ensure the children’s safety. Also on the return trip there is further information instructing everyone to remain seated until the trailer comes to a halt.

DONKEY RIDES – (Please note that we only offer donkey rides to children at weekends and during the children’s school holidays).

When giving donkey rides to children there is a possibility of the donkey mis-behaving or the child falling from the donkey.

Although the risk cannot be totally eliminated, we have done our very best to ensure safety.

Each child is fitted with a riding hat, and the donkey is led at all times by a suitably trained person.

PLAY AREA

The main hazard from the children’s play area is of children falling from the equipment and hurting themselves.

Our children’s play area all has safety surface, and is inspected on a daily basis for any loose nuts and bolts, or any defects.

FAIR RIDES

A potential hazard could be children running into the rides whilst in motion.

We have addressed this problem by erecting safety barriers around all

the rides, with locked gates which have to be opened by our trained staff before accessing the ride.

All the rides are inspected every 12 months by a suitably qualified engineer, and are issued safety certificates. We also inspect them ourselves on a daily basis, to check for any faults that may occur.

MINOR INJURIES

Although every precaution is taken, minor injuries can still occur through children falling over etc, and these can be dealt with by a suitably qualified member of staff in our ‘First Aid’ room. Anyone requiring first aid, should report to the entrance kiosk on the car park.