Standard 1
Creating and Maintaining Safe Environments
Guidance for Indicator 1.8
1.8A Template 1: Example Hazard Assessment Form
This form will be held in accordance with the data protection policy of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. The data entered will be used only for the purposes indicated on the form.  This risk/hazard assessment is part of the child safeguarding statement which can be accessed here www.kandle.ie 
ï	This risk assessment seeks to identify any potential for harm, as defined in the Children First Act 2015, to a child while participating in activities organised by the parish of ______________________________________ and to ensure that adequate procedures are in place to manage identified risks.
ï	It will be reviewed at least annually or as soon as practicable after there has been a new risk identified or any other relevant change.
ï	‘Risk’ in the context of this risk assessment is the risk of harm to children as defined in the Children First Act (2015).
Name of group/activity  	Date of risk assessment	Date of review  		 Person completing the hazard assessment 	Role			 Others attending planning meeting:  				
Identified Risks	Controls/procedures in place to manage risk	Persons responsible	
A child/young person could be harmed
if an unsuitable person was recruited as
a staff member or volunteer	Correct recruitment procedures are in place.
References are checked.
Garda Vetting is completed.
Code of Behaviour for Adults in place.
Induction to all policies and procedures.
	Parish Priest (PP)

In sacristy area before and after
celebration of Eucharist
- Risk of access to young people by
strangers, other adults	Safeguarding Policy and Procedures in place.
Supervision in Sacristy before and after Mass.
Ratios and supervision standards clearly stated.
Accident/Incident reporting procedures in place.
Complaints procedure in place.

	PP and Sacristan
	
Liturgical Celebrations such as First Communion, Confirmation
- Inappropriate Photography, Video, Mobile phone use

	Only designated photographers allowed.
Mobile phones to be turned off.
	PP

Attendance at Funerals during school
hours
- Access to young people by
strangers, other adults
	Permission sought from parent/guardian.
Organised accompaniment from school to Church and
back to school.

	PP
	
Abuse going unrecognised	Personnel who have a role with children attend Safeguarding Training / Information sessions.
Local Safeguarding Representatives in place.
Reporting procedures in place.

	PP
	
Staff/Volunteers not passing on
information regarding concerns or
taking appropriate action

	Personnel who have a role with children attend Safeguarding Training / Information sessions.
Reporting procedures in place.

	PP

Staff/Volunteers failing to report a
retrospective disclosure of abuse
	Personnel who have a role with children attend Child safeguarding training.
Reporting procedures in place.
Designated Liaison Person, Tusla and Gardai details displayed.
	LSR	
Staff/Volunteers not maintaining
appropriate boundaries or developing
inappropriate relationship with young
person.
	Personnel who have a role with children attend training
Code of Behaviour for Staff and Volunteers
Incident Reporting procedures
Procedure in place for handling allegations of abuse
against staff and volunteer
	PP	
Mandated Person not passing on Information 	Reporting Procedures in place.
Safeguarding Training for Mandated Persons available.
Designated Liaison Person details available widely for consultation.	PP	
A young person may be bullied during parish organised activities on parish premises or via social media

	Rules in place for use of Parish Facilities. 
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures in place. 
Ratios and supervision standards clearly stated. Accident/Incident reporting procedures in place. Complaint’s procedure in place.
Activity contact person for young people identified.
Designated Liaison Person contact details available.
	Activity Organisers 	
Activities/Outings
 A young person may be harmed if a group have failed to have in place robust processes for planning activities, trips and events at local, regional, national or international levels	Adequate number of supervisory adults present.
Adequate planning and preparation carried out by activity organisers.
Clear agreements on expectations and acceptable behaviour in place in advance.
Permission for participation in activity received from parent/guardian using joint consent form.
Information on particular medical conditions has been received and recorded by those organizing the outing.
Safety briefing held for adults assisting in supervision,
Safety instructions provided to young people by organisers.
Assurance obtained from Activities Centre being visited that staff are competent to instruct and lead participants of the group’s age range on the activity.
Appropriately stocked first-aid-kit and trained first-aider available,
Group should be easily identified – colour of tops etc,
Head count by a designated person to be carried out before departure, after various activities and before return journey. 
Young people made aware of action to take if separated from group. 
Supervisor(s) has fully charged and ‘in credit’ mobile phone and have emergency numbers.
Contact details for On-Site Security should be available. Insurance cover in place.
Current Driving Licence in place where required.  Condition of vehicle(s) checked.
Contact number of assistance in event of breakdown available.
 Safety belts to be always worn while being transported.
Safety belts should never be shared.
Weather conditions to be assessed prior to trip and appropriate procedures to be put in place re clothing, waterproofs, hats, sun cream etc.	Activity Organisers