Risk Assessment & Policies
Business: Hobby Hub
Activity: Hire of medium-sized room for hobby groups and social events
Location: The Boatyard, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, BS20 7DF
Assessor: Alex Thomas
Date: 12 January 2026
Review Date: Annually or after any incident
1. Slips, trips and falls
Hazards: Wet floors, wet decking outside, trailing cables, bags/equipment on floors
Who may be harmed: Customers, visitors, staff
Control Measures: Floors kept clean; clear walkways; cables secured; hirers advised to keep belongings tidy. Slippery decking signage.
Risk Level: Low
2. Fire Safety
Hazards: Fire from electrical equipment, blocked fire exits
Who may be harmed: All occupants
Control Measures: Fire exits marked/kept clear; alarms/extinguishers maintained; hirers informed of exits; hirers to leave doors unlocked at all times when using the venue; no naked flames unless agreed; use of lighters by hirers during crafts or other is at their own personal risk.
Risk Level: Low
3. Overcrowding
Hazards: Too many people, restricted movement in emergency
Who may be harmed: Customers, visitors
Control Measures: Maximum capacity set at 25 people only; furniture arranged to allow clear exits; hirers manage numbers and communicate these to Hobby Hub.
Risk Level: Low
4. Manual Handling
Hazards: Moving tables, chairs, equipment
Who may be harmed: Staff, customers
Control Measures: Lightweight furniture; ask for help if needed; no heavy lifting required of customers or staff
Risk Level: Low
5. Electrical Safety
Hazards: Faulty equipment, overloaded sockets
Who may be harmed: Customers, visitors, staff
Control Measures: Fixed installations maintained; hirers ensure their own equipment is safe; no socket overloading
Risk Level: Low
6. Behaviour of Attendees
Hazards: Disorderly behaviour, alcohol-related incidents
Who may be harmed: Customers, staff, visitors
Control Measures: Hirers responsible for their own behaviour; venue terms and conditions provided; hire may be ended if there is inappropriate behaviour.
Risk Level: Low to Medium
7. First Aid / Medical Issues
Hazards: Minor injuries, sudden illness
Who may be harmed: Customers, visitors
Control Measures: First aid kit available; emergency procedures in place; emergency services contacted if required
Risk Level: Low
8. Hazard: Alcohol consumption on premises
Hazards: Slips, trips and falls; Impaired judgement leading to accidents; Inappropriate or disruptive behaviour; Safeguarding concerns
Who may harmed: Customers, visitors, staff
Control Measures: Temporary measure: Hirers may bring their own alcohol where agreed. In the future, alcohol is to be supplied by venue only; Alcohol is ancillary to the event; Alcohol limited in type and quantity; No supply to under-18s; ID checks where required; Alcohol served during licensed hours only; Zero tolerance to drunken or aggressive behaviour; Venue staff/DPS may stop alcohol service at any time
Risk Level: Low
Additional Notes:
- Hirers must ensure activities are suitable for the space.
- Specialist or high-risk activities must be discussed and agreed in advance.
- Assessment reviewed after incidents or significant changes.
Alcohol Policy (Venue-Supplied Alcohol Only)
Alcohol may only be supplied by the venue and only where approved in advance as part of an event booking.
All alcohol provision operates under the venue’s Premises Licence and the authority of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
1. Scope of alcohol provision
- Temporary measure: Hirers may bring their own alcohol where agreed. In the future, alcohol is to be provided solely by the venue.
- Alcohol is ancillary to the event and must not be the main focus.
- The venue does not operate as a bar.
2. Types & quantities
- The venue determines:
- the type of alcohol available
- the quantities provided
- how alcohol is served
- Spirits and high-strength alcohol may be restricted or excluded.
3. Service & supervision
- Alcohol will be:
- served by the Hirer or a member of venue staff
- made available under venue knowledge / supervision
- Self-service by customers is not permitted unless explicitly agreed in advance.
- The venue reserves the right to:
- limit consumption
- refuse service to any individual
4. Age restrictions
- Alcohol will not be supplied to anyone under 18.
- Valid photo ID will be requested where age is in doubt.
- Children must not handle or serve alcohol.
5. Behaviour & conduct
- Alcohol must be consumed responsibly.
- The venue operates a zero-tolerance policy toward:
- drunkenness
- aggressive or disruptive behaviour
- The venue may stop alcohol service immediately if behaviour becomes inappropriate.
6. Timing
- Alcohol will only be supplied during the licensed hours agreed for the event.
- No alcohol will be supplied after the stated end time.
7. Compliance & enforcement
- The venue and DPS may:
- monitor alcohol use throughout the event
- withdraw alcohol service at any time if conditions are not met
- Failure to comply may result in:
- alcohol service being stopped
- the event being ended early
- refusal of future bookings
8. Liability
- The venue retains responsibility for alcohol supply.
- Hirers are responsible for ensuring their guests comply with venue rules.
- The venue accepts no liability for incidents arising from failure to follow this policy.
Fire Evacuation Plan
1. Purpose: This plan sets out the procedures to follow in the event of a fire or emergency requiring evacuation of the Hobby Hub premises. It ensures that all occupants can leave the building quickly and safely.
2. Responsible Person: Responsible Person: Steven Fox | Deputy Alex Thomas
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Hobby Hub conducts the following
- A fire risk assessment this is reviewed regularly
- Regular maintenance of fire safety measure
- Ensure staff and regular users understand emergency procedures
3. Alarm / Fire Detection
- Hobby Hub is equipped with a smoke detector and/or heat detector linked to an audible alarm. If fire or smoke is detected, activate the fire alarm immediately using the nearest call point (if present) or by shouting “FIRE!” loudly.
- Evacuation begins immediately upon alarm activation — do not delay to collect personal belongings.
4. Evacuation Route - Primary escape route:
- Leave the Hobby Hub room via the internal door.
- Proceed along the internal hall to the main entrance door.
- Exit the building via the main entrance.
- Descend the front decking steps carefully.
- Assemble away from the building, next to the large planter and skip in front of Oceans Café.
5. Secondary / Alternative Arrangements
- There is no alternative internal escape route, but for those with limited mobility:
- If unable to use the steps, exit the main entrance and proceed along the front of the building to Oceans Café, where there is a decking ramp leading down to ground level.
- Assist any individuals with limited mobility as safely and promptly as possible.
⚠️ Note: The venue is currently not wheelchair accessible, and this is identified as a known limitation in the Fire Risk Assessment.
6. Assembly Point: Designated Assembly Point:
- Area next to the large planter and skip in front of Oceans Café, safely away from the building and out of access routes for emergency services.
- All persons must report there immediately and remain until accounted for and instructed otherwise.
7. Accounting for People
- The person responsible for the booking or leader in attendance must ensure all attendees are accounted for at the assembly point.
- Maintain a register or attendance list for groups to aid quick head counts.
- If anyone is missing, inform emergency services immediately — do not re-enter the building.
8. Calling Emergency Services
- Dial 999 and ask for FIRE.
- Give the following details clearly: “This is Hobby Hub, The Boat Yard, Portishead, BS20 7DP. We have had a fire alarm and have evacuated the building. The assembly point is near Oceans Café.”
- Only re-enter the building when the Fire Service has declared it safe to do so.
9. Fire-Fighting Equipment: Fire extinguishers are located: Inside Hobby Hub near the exit door and within the main room and the bathroom.
10. Visitors and Hirers
- All visitors and hirers must be made aware of the fire evacuation procedure at the start of each session or event.
- A copy of this plan is displayed near the entrance and within the Hobby Hub room.
- Hirers must appoint a responsible person for their group to lead an evacuation if required.
11. Fire Safety Maintenance
- Fire detection systems and alarms will be tested weekly or monthly depending on system type.
- Fire extinguishers will be checked annually by a competent contractor.
- Escape routes will be kept clear at all times — no storage or obstructions.
12. Review and Record Keeping: Evacuation plan will be reviewed annually, with on going risk assessments and equipment servicing.
13. Signage & Lighting: Fire exit signs and emergency lighting will be clearly visible and operational. Exit doors must remain open easily and without a key from the inside.