Plants - Risk Assessment

The Primary Science Advisory Service (PZAZ) provides a comprehensive risk assessment for Year 3 lessons on plants, emphasizing the importance of health and safety during practical activities. Teachers are encouraged to consult the CLEAPSS or SSERC websites for detailed guidance on handling hazardous substances and conducting experiments safely with children. It's important to note that PZAZ is not responsible for the consequences of individuals using their resources, which include lesson plans and risk assessments, and they do not accept liability for injuries or damage that may result from such use.

The risk assessment identifies a low risk profile for the lessons but acknowledges potential hazards such as allergic reactions to plants, cuts from scissors, slips from spilled liquids, skin punctures from holly leaves or bamboo skewers, and the harmful nature of swallowed lime water. To mitigate these risks, several controls are suggested: excusing pupils with plant allergies, careful supervision of scissor use, thorough hand washing after handling plants, mopping up spills immediately, cautious handling of holly leaves, adult-only handling of lime water, and trimming bamboo skewers to remove pointed ends. Lime water is the only chemical used, and its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be attached to the risk assessment. Additionally, the disposal of waste materials should be carried out according to the appropriate method indicated in the assessment.