Schools Risk Assessment
About SEA LIFE London Aquarium
When pupils are enjoying a lesson it shows. It shows in their attention levels, in the effort they put in and the results they achieve. The education programme at SEA LIFE London Aquarium offers maximum educational value through unique and stimulating learning experiences.
About Merlin
Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, quality family entertainment. Now the world's number two visitor attraction operator, it aims to deliver unique, memorable and rewarding experiences to its 30 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and employees. Merlin has over 50 attractions, in 12 countries, across three continents - Europe, North America and Asia - and employs over 13,000 staff.
Legal requirements and attraction information
- Public Liability: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is covered by Public Liability Insurance to the amount of £5 million. The Policy is with ACE Europe (Policy No UKCANC33447).
- Local Enforcement Agency: Lambeth Council.
- Food Safety and Hygiene: N/A
- Attraction Staff / Staff identification: Attraction staff wear uniforms and name badges for easy identification. Full criminal record checks are carried out on all staff, including all first aiders.
- Security: The attraction has a dedicated security team who are able to deal with minor security issues on site. The operations team are also trained to deal with emergency incidents that may arise.
Risk Assessment
- Vehicle traffic: N/A.
- Weather protection / Sun safety: N/A
- Water: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is situated on the river Thames. Whilst there is no access to the river from the attraction, pupils/students must be supervised at all times before entering the building to ensure safety.
- Slips/ Trips/ Falls: The following hazards should be noted: steps and stairs, ledges surrounding displays, wet flooring, etc.
- High level areas: Whilst there are no high level areas, per se, those who suffer from vertigo may find Shark Walk uncomfortable.
- Strobe lighting: N/A
- Reduced lighting: Due to the theming of the attraction, there are certain areas that have limited lighting. Care should be taken to ensure no slips/trips or falls.
- Enclosed spaces: There are a few spaces that are smaller other areas in the attraction, i.e. Shark Walk and the Ocean Tunnel. These areas are open-ended on both sides and guests can walk through them at their own pace.
- Attraction specific risk: There are open-top tanks in the attraction, so we would ask that all guests refrain from touching the animals lest they slip, trip or fall.
- Door entrapment: We have finger guards on most doors inside the attraction, but would ask that extra supervision is given when using them.
- Duration: the time spent inside the attraction varies from group to group. Please expect to stay 1.5 hours minimum (without a tour/session)
- Soft play areas / Play equipment: N/A
Attraction arrangements
- Arrival arrangements: If you are bringing a group by minibus or coach and need to drop off and pick up your group, please note that space is very limited and you are required to book a coach-parking bay. This service is complimentary, but must be booked in advance by calling our Schools and Groups booking line on +44 (0)871 663 1679. Please note that you are only permitted to use a parking bay for 20 minutes whilst you drop off and then pick up your group and you are not permitted to stay whilst the group visits SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
- Parking: There are car parks located on the South Bank within a five minute walk of the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. These include Golden Jubilee Bridges, under Hayward Gallery and under the Royal National Theatre. These car parks all have disabled parking bays.
- First aid: SEA LIFE London Aquarium has a medical / first aid facility which is operated by a dedicated team of qualified first aiders.
- Emergency planning: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is developing a contingency plan in the event of an emergency. The emergency plan will be developed in conjunction with the local emergency services who will have regular meetings regarding emergency procedures. This will launch in 2011 (please call +44 (0)871 663 1679 for any further updates).
- Fire safety: In the event of an emergency please follow all evacuation procedures.
- Wheelchair access: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Due to safety restrictions, only 10 wheelchairs are allowed in the attraction at the same time. Wheelchair guests requiring the use of a wheelchair will have one on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
- Lost children: Please report to member of staff or security guard.
- Unruly children: We ask all teachers and group leaders to accompany children at all times in the attraction. If children are seen to be walking around the attraction alone, the Duty Manager will seek the teacher or group leader to accompany them. Staff will instruct children to behave where necessary.
- Age / height restrictions: There are no age or height restrictions for this attraction.
- Lockers / storage facilities: There are no lockers or storage facilities.
- Eating facilities: There are eating facilities outside the exit of SEA LIFE London Aquarium and inside County Hall. There are also several more food outlets in close proximity. There are several areas suitable for picnics.
- Welfare facilities: There are toilets on every floor, including disabled and baby changing facilities.
- Additional costs: There are retail facilities and picture opportunities where additional funds may be appropriate inside the attraction.
- Attraction signposting: We are signposted from London Waterloo train station for pedestrians.