Wookey Hole Caves - Photo Gallery

Schools Tours Risk Assessment
Updated April 2007
Pupils to be adequately supervised by party leader. One adult admitted free of charge for every ten pupils for adequate supervision of pupils throughout tour of the caves and mill.
Significant Hazards	Groups of people who are at risk from the significant hazards identified	Existing controls or note where the information may be found. Risks which are not adequately controlled & the action needed
Coach Park	Visitors	Coaches park adjacent to the River Axe. The water is only a few inches deep but there are vertical banks several feet high. Party leaders should supervise children as they leave the coach.
Public Road	Visitors	Route from ticket office to caves path crosses a narrow public road. Children should be supervised at the roadside safety barriers.
Cave Path	Visitors	The caves are approached by a 300-metre path with a wooded slope on the right hand side. Children should not climb on the fence.
Cave Area Radon Gas in Caves	Staff and visitors	Some traces of radon gas are normally present naturally in caves and mines A large fan and ventilation grilles ventilate Wookey Hole Caves. Radon readings are very low and risk during a 40-minute tour is infinitesimal.
Rock fall at cave entrance	Visitors	Limestone caves and cliffs are inherently stable but some precautions are taken: Covered waiting area provided at entrance of the cave. Chain to prevent public access to the cave until guide leads them through. Metal grating above side of walkway to prevent rock fall access from the side.
Slippery walkway at entrance to caves	Staff and visitors	Entrance area swept daily to clear leaves and debris, etc.
Slippery and uneven floors in cave	Staff and visitors	Teachers/group organisers should advise pupils to wear sensible footwear for cave visit. Verbal explanation of low rock formation and uneven surface given by guides prior to cave tour. Maintenance work and repair undertaken to uneven floors
Low rock formations	Staff and visitors	Verbal warning given before low rock formations during the tour.
Use of flash photography in caves causing temporary loss of vision	Staff and visitors	Flash photography prohibited, verbal warning by guide before tour and written sign at entrance to caves.
Rock fall in caves	Visitors	Caves examined on a regular basis by consulting Geologist Tell tale plates placed to detect rock movement.
Underground river rising in public areas of cave.	Staff and visitors	The underground river occasionally rises a few inches above its normal level following heavy rain. Ample warning is given. Buoyancy aids located near water areas.
Minor injuries	Staff and visitors	First aid kits available at cave entrance and exit. Staff trained in first aid. Pupils' behaviour supervised to reduce the risk of injury Telephones sited throughout the caves for communication or to summon help.
Uneven Steep Steps	Visitors	Handrails provided. Guidance given by cave guide. Pupils to walk slowly and not push and bump each other
Vertigo over bridge area	Staff and visitors	Alternative route for those who ask not to walk in bridged area of caves.
Lighting failure	Visitors	Emergency lights activate immediately, 8 hours duration Emergency phones sited throughout the caves for communication Cave guides carry torches on all tours.
Restricted accessibility for some disabled	Visitors	Visitors advised on an individual basis of suitability and access to caves depending on disability. Caves not suitable for wheelchair access
Valley and Ravine Path alongside canal	Visitors	White demarcation line outlining path edge. Life belts sited along canal path. Members of staff trained in first aid. Path lit during wintertime and evening when light is low
Water features in valley	Staff and visitors	Metal grille over areas that lead underground to prevent visitors falling in.
Bridge from path to mill	Staff and visitors	Non-slip grips provided on bridge.
Mill Building Power cuts	Staff and visitors	Visitors directed by staff to areas of building with natural light or to the nearest exit.
Fire	Visitors	Strict fire policy and procedures in place. Mill has fire alarms throughout. Staff trained in evacuation procedure to nearest assembly point. Regular fire drills carried out.
Visitor viewing area to papermaking	Staff and visitors	Rails and fencing provided to prevent visitors falling into papermaking area.
Bumping into mirrors	Staff and visitors	Children to be supervised and guides provided to monitor maze area.
Wet floors in mill	Staff and visitors	Spillage cleared up immediately and wet floor sign placed over wet area
For individual attractions staff should refer to the additional sheets provided.

Call our information Line on: 01749 672243 or email:witch@wookey.co.uk