Guidance Notes for Teachers
DIG has identified potential areas of risk to assist teachers in carrying out their own assessments. The information we have provided is by no means exhaustive and all teachers/group leaders are advised to make a free familiarisation visit.
When carrying out a risk assessment, it is imperative that teachers/group leaders give special consideration to the control measures they will undertake, such as providing adequate information, instruction or training to the appropriate people, identifying who takes overall charge in an emergency situation, and the ratio of pupils to adults.
Teacher/Pupil Ratio
DIG allows free entrance to accompanying teachers/group leaders in the following ratios: schoolchildren 1:6, special needs 1:1, groups 1:10. Any additional teachers/group leaders will be charged at the appropriate group rate.
Teachers/group leaders are reminded that while staff at DIG are located around the building and are there to help, it is the overall responsibility of the teachers/group leaders to ensure that the children under their charge are supervised at all times. We would like to remind teachers/group leaders to inform all persons in their party that smoking in the building is not permitted.
Facilities
Toilet Facilities are situated on the ground floor beyond the lift and locker room . These include male, female and disabled toilets. They will be accessible all through your visit.
Disabled Access
The whole of the main exhibition is on the ground floor and has been designed to be wheelchair-friendly. The lunch area and learning hub are situated upstairs and there is a lift to access these areas.
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Area
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Potential Hazard
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Risk
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Control Measures
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Briefing Hut
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Small space
Ventilation/heating
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Heat exhaustion
Potential fainting
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Limit numbers
Adult supervision
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DIG Area
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Rubber flooring
Objects in floor
Raised flooring/slope
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Harmful if eaten
Sharp objects
Loose objects
Children bumping into each other
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Adult supervision
No running or over crowding
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Study Zone
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Various interactive activities
Electric power sockets/computers
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Finger traps, trip and fall
Potential electrics shock
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Limit numbers
Adult supervision
No running
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Lab Works
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Various interactive activities
Electric power sockets/computers
Sharp protrusion from microscope
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Finger traps, trip and fall
Potential electric shock
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Limit numbers
Adult supervision
No running
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In the Field
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Various interactive activities
Sharp protrusion from exhibit
Electric power sockets/computers
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Finger traps, trip and fall
Potential electric shock
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Limit numbers
Adult supervision
No running
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Computer stations
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Seated area
Open space
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Falling off chairs bumping heads
Bump into/Push
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Ensure that pupils are seated correctly(or given alternative instructions)
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Ask the Archaeologist
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Nut Allergy
Handling objects
Hygiene hazard
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Allergic reaction or fit
Children not washing hands
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Environmental sifting activity has a hazelnut shell component. A nut-free alternative is available and staff will check with a group before beginning the activity.
Ensure clear instruction is given for handling objects |
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Lobby Stairs Toilets
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Stairs
Facilities on two floors trip hazard.
Hot water
Wet Floor
Toilet door locks
Doors
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Trips/slips/falls
Scalding
Trips/slips/falls
Small children may get locked in toilets
Finger Traps
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Pupils should be supervised at all times
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Mezzanine
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Glass on offices
Barrier ledge to lower level
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Fall/trip
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No running
Adult supervision
Teachers to ensure children remain at safe distance
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Garden
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Gates
Garden leads to road
Wet floor after rain or ice.
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Finger traps
Children could run into road
Trips and falls
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Adult supervision
Signs displayed
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Please Note:
All electrical equipment is regularly checked and PAT tested.
Activities that take place within DIG have been designed with full consideration of risks and are maintained as safe spaces for schools to visit.
All materials used in the design of DIG are safe for visitor contact e.g. paint finishes etc.
All materials used have been fire proofed.
DIG has a current fire certificate and regular fire service inspections are undertaken. There are established.
The centre is fitted with smoke and heat sensing systems that will trigger alarm systems to alert staff to evacuation.
The centre is equipped with regularly maintained fire-fighting equipment.
The uniformed Front of House team are in attendance and there is always a first-aider on site.
First Aid kit and accident book is available on site.
