You may like to look at this link. Actually for childminders but many of 
the hazards children find are universal to their environments. 
<http://www.lbcma.org.uk> look under new stuff- safety in the home. This 
section also contains links to other organizations involved in 
eliminating hazards.

The following is the safety check list I have to employ, although for a 
home based setting many of the features are probably equally applicable 
in a children's hospital.

For Lounges, Dining Areas, Sitting Rooms, Play Rooms

?       Heating Appliances - These need to be protected with fire guards or 
similar, including radiators unless they run at safe temperatures.
?       Glass - Safety or laminated glass is required for floor height windows 
or safety film used. Safety glass or safety film is also necessary for 
accessible glass doored cabinets, tables etc.
?       Cupboard/Drawer Contents - Check these are suitable for small children 
or secured with safety catches to prevent children’s access. Unsuitable 
contents might include alcohol, drinking glasses or plastic bags.
?       Electric Sockets - If these are not in use they should be protected 
with socket covers.
?       Tablecloths - Ensure these are not dangling where small children can 
pull them off together with the table contents.
?       Curtains/Blinds  - Check for dangling cords, children have been known 
to strangle themselves accidentally in these.
?       Floor Covering - These should be kept clean and be well fitted. This 
is to ensure hygiene and prevent tripping.
?       House Plants - Make sure any poisonous varieties, eg Dieffenbachia 
(dumb cane), are ‘up higher’ out of reach of children.
?       Playthings, toys and learning materials - These should be clean and 
unbroken, pens and crayons should be non toxic and with safety caps and 
all should be suitable for the age and stage of development of the 
children you intend to care for.
?       Equipment - This needs to be clean, safe and in good condition, e.g. 
highchairs should have a safety harness to prevent children falling out.
?       Electrical Appliances - Make sure these are safe from prying fingers, 
e.g. that a child can’t post their toast in the video slot.
?       Pets - These should be under control at all times and good natured and 
remember to a crawling child, cat biscuits look really tasty!
?       Trailing Flexes - Make sure these are not a hazard, or that children 
can’t pull a lamp down.

Kitchen
?       Glass - As for living areas
?       Cupboards / Drawers - As for living area, but also be aware of 
dangerous items including knives, skewers, string, cling film, freezer 
bags, washing powder and cleaning products.
?       Fire Blanket - These need to be sited appropriately to be useful, e.g. 
not over the cooker or other potential sources of fire, as if a fire 
occurs in these areas access to the fire blanket will not be possible. A 
large sized fire blanket can help smother flames if a child clothes are 
burning.
?       Electrical Socket - As for Living areas.
?       Electrical Equipment - This type of equipment should be kept out of 
reach and electrical leads should be short enough that children cannot 
pull appliances off work surfaces.
?       Fridge/Freezer - Make sure these run at manufacturers recommended 
temperatures, usually 4 -50c for fridge and -180c for freezer, to ensure 
food remains fresh.
?       Waste Bins - These should be maintained in a clean, hygienic way and 
should be kept closed.
?       Animal Litter trays - These are not suitable to have in areas to which 
a child might have access.
?       Kitchen in general should be clean and hygienic, fridge contents 
should be regularly cycled, with all food covered and raw meat stored 
below cooked meat to avoid contamination. There should be room for 
storing minded children’s food from home where appropriate. A gate or 
barrier to the kitchen may be appropriate in some circumstances to 
prevent children from accessing dangerous areas, e.g. a hot cooker.

Halls, Stair Wells and Landings
?       Stairgates - These should be correctly fitted in accordance with 
manufacturers instructions and appropriate for age of children you 
intend to care for.
?       Smoke detector - These must be fitted on every level and be tested 
weekly, batteries should be replaced annually, (write the date on the 
battery and in your books to help you remember and choose a memorable date)
?       Glass - As for living areas, glass panelled doors at the bottom of 
stairs may be hazardous.
?       Floor Coverings - These should be clean and securely fitted.
?       Banisters - Check that children cannot climb up or through handrails.
?       Doors - Closed where appropriate.

Bathrooms, Cloakrooms, Toilets
?       Cupboards - If contents are not suitable for small children they 
should be secured with safety catches. Unsuitable items include cleaning 
products, medication, razor blades, toiletries and cosmetics.
?       Equipment - Should be maintained in a clean and hygienic fashion. 
Useful items to have include, toilet seat, potty, step stool and 
changing mat.
?       These areas in general should be maintained in a hygienic condition 
and good hygienic nappy changing and disposal routines should be followed.

Bedrooms
?       Heating Appliances - As living area
?       Glass - As living area
?       Cupboards / Drawers - As living area, unsuitable items could include 
medications, toiletries and cosmetics.
?       Power Points - Socket covers fitted.
?       Equipment - Cots should be clean and in good condition and each child 
should have separate linen and bedding.

Gardens and Outside Areas
?       Washing Lines - Hanging lines and uncovered rotary dryers are a hazard.
?       Hazardous Plants - These might include poisonous plants, those with 
sharp edges as with some grasses or thorns. They should be away from 
areas where children play or have access to.
?       Play Equipment - This should be kept clean and in good repair, and 
regularly tested for faults. Large equipment must be secured according 
to  manufacturers instructions. For example swing frames should be 
concreted into the ground. Play equipment should be suitable for the age 
range of children you intend to care for. Sandpits and water must be 
covered to ensure hygiene and safety.
?       Security - Fences and gates must be secure, there should be no access 
for the children to tool sheds or garages. Greenhouses, steps, ponds and 
water hazards may need barriers to prevent children accessing them.
?       Pets and Wild animals - The garden or outside area should be free from 
animal waste and pets  cages/runs should be secure.
?       Equipment - Pushchair/buggies should be clean and in good repair, they 
should have full harnesses including a crotch strap, to prevent children 
wriggling out. Car seats and restraints should meet current British or 
European standards.

Tunja
<http://www.childminding-success.co.uk>


TAYLOR JACKIE (RCD) PAEDIATRIC TEAM LEADER wrote:
> Does anyone  happen to have a particular risk assessment tool for 
> looking at environmental hazards in areas catering for children?  I know 
> in the Salus H&S books there are checklists for general ward areas, and 
> possibly departments, but I ?m not sure if there are any assessment > tools for children?s areas.  This is in relation to child protection, > but encompassing child safety.