3.1 Identify different hazards that may occur in a playwork setting

This guide will help you answer 3.1 Identify different hazards that may occur in a playwork setting.

Working in playwork means creating safe, engaging spaces where children can explore, play and grow. Hazards will always exist, but knowing what they are makes it easier to manage them. Hazards are anything with the potential to cause harm. These can be physical, environmental, chemical, biological or related to people and behaviour. Understanding hazards helps reduce accidents and protects both children and staff.

A hazard is not the same as a risk. The hazard is the actual source of possible harm, while risk describes how likely that harm is to occur and how severe it could be. Your task in this part of your learning is to identify hazards so they can be reduced or controlled in your workplace.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are often the most obvious. They relate to equipment, structures, play surfaces and the built environment. Many activities in playwork can involve climbing, running, craft activities and handling objects, which can cause injury if hazards are not managed.

Examples of physical hazards in a playwork setting include:

• Broken or damaged play equipment such as loose bolts, splintered wood or frayed ropes
• Sharp edges on furniture or play structures
• Slippery floors from spills, wet play or cleaning
• Poorly lit areas where obstacles are harder to see
• Loose mats or rugs that can cause tripping
• Inadequate surfacing under climbing frames or swings

A climbing frame with missing safety caps on bolts is a good example of a physical hazard. This could cause cuts or puncture wounds if a child brushes against it. The hazard here is the exposed metal. The risk would depend on how often children use that frame and how accessible the bolts are.

Environmental Hazards

Environmental hazards come from the wider surroundings. Some are linked to weather and natural elements and others to the condition of outdoor spaces and buildings. These hazards can change over time, especially in outdoor playwork or community play settings.

Examples include:

• Uneven ground, potholes or loose paving stones
• Ice, snow or frost on pathways and play areas
• Mud and standing water from heavy rain
• Excessive sun exposure during hot weather
• Poor ventilation in indoor areas leading to stuffiness or overheating
• Falling branches from trees in windy conditions

For instance, a play setting with a grassy slope may become slippery after rain. That slope is an environmental hazard because it creates a higher chance of falls and injuries.

Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards are present when children and staff are exposed to potentially harmful substances. This includes cleaning agents, solvents, paints and art supplies. In playwork, chemical hazards tend to occur through poor storage, handling or disposal.

Common examples are:

• Cleaning products left in accessible areas
• Paints or glues that release strong fumes
• Unlabelled bottles containing hazardous liquids
• Art materials that contain toxic pigments
• Fuel for garden tools or machinery stored near play zones

Even commonly used chemicals like bleach can be a hazard if a child opens the bottle and touches or swallows the contents. Proper labelling, storage out of reach, and safe handling procedures are important to reduce exposure.

Biological Hazards

Biological hazards involve contact with plants, animals, insects, microorganisms or bodily fluids. In playwork, these hazards appear in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Examples include:

• Animal waste in outdoor play areas
• Bird droppings on climbing frames or slides
• Pollen or plant sap that causes allergic reactions
• Stinging insects such as wasps or bees near play zones
• Mould in damp indoor spaces
• Contaminated water in outdoor play features

A sandpit that is not covered overnight could attract cats, leading to contamination by animal faeces. This is a biological hazard because it can spread germs and cause illness.

Electrical Hazards

Electricity can pose serious dangers if not used or maintained correctly. Playwork settings often have lighting, heating systems, and electrical equipment for activities.

Electrical hazards can include:

• Loose or exposed wiring
• Damaged plugs and sockets
• Overloaded power points
• Use of electrical items near water
• Lack of maintenance on portable appliances

If a child’s play session involves using an electric toy or tool, such as a plug-in keyboard, and the cord insulation is worn, this presents an electrical hazard.

Fire Hazards

Fire hazards may arise from materials, activities, or equipment that can ignite and burn. These risks exist in any building and are heightened if flammable materials are left unsecured.

Examples of fire hazards include:

• Unattended cooking or heating appliances
• Large amounts of paper or card stored near heat sources
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Blocked fire exits or escape routes
• Uncontrolled use of candles or open flames during craft projects

An example would be storing paint thinners next to a radiator. This massively increases the hazard of a fire starting.

Behavioural Hazards

Behavioural hazards stem from actions or reactions by children, visitors or staff. They may lead to accidents, confrontation or injury.

Examples of behavioural hazards:

• Rough play that leads to falls or collisions
• Throwing objects in outdoor or indoor play areas
• Using equipment unsafely, such as climbing over barriers
• Aggressive behaviour during group games
• Distractions or lack of attention by staff supervising active play

If children use a climbing frame as a place to jump down onto hard ground, that is a behavioural hazard because repeated unsafe behaviour increases the chance of injury.

Procedural Hazards

Procedural hazards come from poor organisation or failure to follow workplace safety procedures. These hazards are often overlooked but can be just as dangerous as physical ones.

Examples:

• Lack of staff training on first aid or equipment handling
• No clear emergency evacuation plan
• Inadequate ratios of staff to children
• Missing risk checks before an activity starts
• Poor communication among staff during busy sessions

If a playwork session has no attendance register in place, the hazard is the lack of ability to confirm who is present during an emergency.

Hazards from Poor Supervision

This type of hazard is linked directly to staff presence and attentiveness. Good supervision prevents minor issues from becoming serious incidents.

Examples include:

• Leaving high-risk areas unsupervised
• Not monitoring children near water features
• Failing to spot unsafe use of equipment
• Distracted staff during high-energy games

If children are playing near an unfenced pond and staff fail to stay nearby, the hazard is the reduced supervision combined with a high-risk environment.

Hazards from Poor Building or Maintenance Standards

The condition of buildings and play structures affects safety. Neglect or poorly timed maintenance can create hazards.

Examples:

• Loose roof tiles that could fall
• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Rust on outdoor play equipment
• Damaged doors or locks
• Poorly maintained paths and car parks

If a play centre has peeling paint on walls, it could be a hazard if the paint contains lead. This may be rare today, but older buildings could still have such risks.

Hazards in Special Activities

Playwork often includes themed sessions or special events. These can introduce hazards not present in daily routines.

Examples include:

• Cooking sessions with hot stoves
• Use of glue guns in craft activities
• Handling animals during visits from farms or pet organisations
• Water play involving paddling pools or sprinklers
• Trips to local parks, woods or beaches

For example, children using glue guns need direct supervision to avoid burns and prevent the hazard from causing injuries.

Hazards Linked to Accessibility and Inclusion

Thinking about how all children use the space is important. Hazards can arise if areas or activities are not adapted for those with additional needs.

Examples:

• Inaccessible emergency exits for wheelchair users
• Lack of sensory-friendly spaces for children who need them
• Uneven ramps or surfaces for mobility equipment
• Poorly placed safety signs too high for some children to see

This can mean that some hazards affect certain groups of children more than others.

Hazards from Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment

Some playwork activities require staff or children to use protective gear. Not having the right equipment is a hazard.

Examples:

• No helmets or pads when using wheeled toys
• No gloves when handling soil or sand
• Lack of aprons during messy or paint-based play
• No eye protection during woodwork activities

In a woodworking session, failing to provide goggles can lead to eye injuries from dust or small debris.

Hazards from Poor Hygiene Practices

Hygiene hazards can cause illness and spread infections. They are common when equipment is shared or food is prepared.

Examples:

• Shared play objects not cleaned regularly
• Food handling without proper hand washing
• Dirty handwashing or toilet facilities
• Inadequate disposal of waste materials

A water play table left uncleaned between sessions could become contaminated, posing a hazard to children’s health.

Hazards from Lack of Signage

Signage helps warn of dangers or provide instructions. Lack or misuse of signs creates hazards.

Examples:

• No wet floor signs during cleaning
• Missing “Out of Order” notices on broken equipment
• Poor labelling of chemical containers
• No fire exit signs in visible locations

If children walk into a hall with a recently mopped floor but no warning signs, slipping hazards are more likely.

Final Thoughts

Hazards in playwork settings cover much more than broken equipment or unsafe surfaces. They include environmental, chemical, biological, behavioural and procedural dangers. They can arise from the building, the weather, the way people act, or from poor safety planning and training.

Identifying hazards means looking carefully at all aspects of the environment and activities, both indoor and outdoor, planned and spontaneous. It requires ongoing attention. Playworkers need to be alert and aware, noticing changes in conditions, materials, and behaviour. Spotting hazards early allows you to take action before anyone gets hurt. Recognising hazards is the first step in creating safe, enjoyable play for all children.