Health & Safety
The following is designed to help teachers complete Risk Management statements for a Museum excursion.
Ideally teachers should visit the Museum prior to bringing their class to familiarise themselves with the Museum and its "hazards".
The Museum takes health and safety seriously and is a safe place to visit. Our policy is to identify, eliminate or mitigate hazards as they become apparent.
School visit safety guidelines |
| Conduct |
Students should be advised of the appropriate behaviour for a museum visit. In particular we suggest no running, pushing, leaning over balconies, yelling or other loud behaviour. Stairs, hard floor surfaces, and the corners of showcases and displays represent the most common hazards. |
|
Accompanying Adults |
The Museum requires that students be accompanied by supervising adults with the minimum ratio of of 1:3 for ECE, 1:6 Years 1-4, 1:6 for Years 1-4, 1:7 Years 5&6, 1:10 Years 7&8, and 1:30 for Years 9-13. Students are to remain in these groups with their accompanying adult at all times. Supervising adults should be advised of their responsibilities and the behaviour to expect from their students. Help these adults by advising them on how to make the visit an effective teaching / learning experience and what to do with “difficult” students. |
| Children |
Parents or guardians shall provide supervision and care for children under the age of 14 while attending the Museum. The Museum does not accept responsibility for any children left unattended. |
| Food and drink |
The consumption of food and drink in gallery spaces is not allowed at all and we ask that you strictly observe this rule as it is stated part of our conditions of entry. Our Security people will also be alert to this. |
| School bags |
Bags are generally collected and placed in the bag cages located beside the main entrance. Because space is limited we ask that if at all possible bags be left back at school or on the bus. Lunches can be stored in a single plastic bin which can be left in the bag cage or with Security. |
| First aid |
First Aid kits are held in the Security office, in each of the Children’s Discovery Centres and in the classroom. These are inspected regularly as part of the Museum safety programme. A room is available for students who become ill but they will need to have an adult remain with them. A staff member in each area is trained in First Aid. |
| Emergencies |
Emergency signals are by alarms and intercom. Museum staff are trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. Some displays have audible alarms triggered by intrusion or inappropriate use. |
| Security |
Security staff are patrolling the museum at all times. They are equipped with radios and are trained to deal with emergencies. |
| Surveillance |
Recorded video surveillance operates throughout the museum. |
| Telephones |
Telephones are available for emergency use in the security office, the Discovery Centres and at the Information Desk. |
|
