Risk Assessment for Home Recording Studio Serving School-Age Children
Business Name: [R&K Systems, Registered Address Camellia, Ridgeway, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DX]
Assessment Date: [25th June 2025]
Assessor: [David Knox, Business Owner]
Review Date: [25th June 2026]
Business Name: [R&K Systems, Registered Address Camellia, Ridgeway, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DX, Operating at the Source Studio, Concorde House, Exeter EX1 1EG]
Please refer to the separate Code Of Conduct
Assessment Date: [25th June 2025]
Assessor: [David Knox, Business Owner]
Review Date: [25th June 2026]
1. People at Risk
- School-age clients (children aged 5–18)
- Parents/guardians
- Studio owner/operator
- Any additional staff or volunteers
2. Hazards, Risks, and Controls
| Hazard | Risk | Persons at Risk | Existing Controls | Risk Level (L/M/H) | Further Action Required |
| Electrical Equipment | Electric shock, fire hazard | All | All equipment PAT tested annually, use of surge protectors, no exposed wires, childproof sockets. | Medium | Ensure up-to-date PAT testing log. Train staff in how to shut down power in emergencies. |
| Tripping Hazards (cables, instruments) | Falls, injuries | Children, adults | Cable management system in place, all wires taped down or routed safely, equipment positioned to avoid obstruction. | Medium | Regular checks before each session. |
| Steep Stairs | Falls, injuries | Children, Adults | Signs in place, guest supervised and assisted whilst using the stairs. | Low | Supervision when arriving and leaving |
| Sound Levels | Hearing damage from high volume | Children | Headphones with volume limiters, regular breaks during sessions, volume monitored by operator. | Low | Provide hearing protection information to parents. |
| Fire | Smoke inhalation, burns | All | Smoke alarms tested monthly, fire extinguisher available, fire exit route clearly marked and unobstructed. | Low | Practice fire evacuation drill annually. |
| Stranger Danger / Safeguarding | Child abuse, inappropriate behavior, grooming | Children | DBS checks for all staff, child never left alone with adult, parent/guardian must be present at all times, safeguarding policy in place. | Medium | Staff safeguarding training, sign-in/out log, camera monitoring (with parental consent). |
| Inappropriate content (lyrics/media) | Exposure to adult content or explicit material | Children | All materials vetted before use. Children encouraged to write and perform age-appropriate content. | Low | Maintain content policy document and inform parents. |
| Emergency Situations (injury, illness) | Delayed medical response | All | First aid kit available, studio operator trained in basic first aid, emergency contact details collected before session. | Medium | Keep emergency contact info updated and easily accessible. |
| COVID-19/Illness transmission | Illness outbreak | All | Hand sanitizer provided, surfaces disinfected between sessions, option for remote recording sessions. | Low | Continue to follow relevant public health guidance. |
| Data Protection | Breach of personal data (names, recordings, contact info) | Children, parents | GDPR-compliant policies in place, secure storage of recordings and contact info, parental consent forms for all recordings and photography. | Medium | Conduct annual data protection audit. |
| Access to the Premises | Children wandering, risk of leaving unsupervised | Children | Secure entry/exit, adult always present during transitions, no child left unattended. | Medium | Install door locks, buzzer/intercom system. |
3. Safeguarding Statement
Due to the presence of children, safeguarding is of the highest priority. All staff and volunteers will have enhanced DBS checks. A safeguarding policy is in place and reviewed annually. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times during sessions. View R&K Studios Safeguarding Policy
4. Parental/Guardian Consent
A consent form must be signed by a parent/guardian before any session. This form includes:
- Emergency contact details
- Medical information
- Permission to record audio/video
- Consent for supervised social media usage (if applicable)
5. Conclusion
With appropriate controls and vigilance, the home recording studio can provide a safe, creative, and enjoyable environment for school-age children. This assessment should be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes are made to operations or personnel.