Classroom Risk Assessment Template for Australia

A classroom risk assessment is a fundamental safety document that you must complete to identify potential hazards and implement control measures in educational environments. Under Australian law, particularly the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, educational institutions have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. This assessment helps you systematically evaluate risks ranging from physical hazards like furniture and equipment to environmental factors such as lighting, ventilation, and emergency access routes.

When do you need this document?

You need to conduct a classroom risk assessment before the start of each academic term, when introducing new equipment or activities, following any incidents or near-misses, and whenever there are significant changes to the classroom layout or usage. The assessment is particularly crucial when setting up specialist learning areas like science laboratories, art rooms, or workshops where students may use tools or chemicals. You should also complete a new assessment when accommodating students with specific needs or disabilities, as this may introduce additional considerations for safe access and evacuation procedures.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must demonstrate a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control implementation. The document should clearly identify who is responsible for each control measure and establish review dates to ensure ongoing effectiveness. You must consider both immediate physical risks and longer-term health implications, including ergonomic factors for students who spend extended periods in the classroom. The assessment should address emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points, and ensure that all identified risks are either eliminated, minimised, or appropriately managed through administrative or personal protective measures.

Legal requirements in Australia

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and supporting regulations, educational institutions must implement risk management processes that are suitable for their specific circumstances. The Education and Care Services National Law requires that educational settings maintain environments that protect children from harm and promote their safety and wellbeing. Your risk assessment must comply with relevant Australian Standards for workplace safety and may need to address specific state-based educational regulations. The assessment should be conducted by competent persons with appropriate training in risk management and must be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains current and effective. Documentation must be maintained as evidence of compliance and made available for inspection by relevant authorities.