Pups in the Park Health and Safety Policy
December 2025
1. Purpose
Pups in the Park (PITP) is committed to preventing injury and ill health to volunteers, attendees, and members of the public. Although we operate in public spaces, we accept our responsibility to manage the risks created by our specific activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all PITP events, activities, and volunteer operations.
3. Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hazard | Something with the potential to cause harm (e.g., broken glass, heatwave). |
| Risk | The likelihood of that harm occurring. |
| Control Measure | Actions taken to reduce the risk (e.g., doing a litter pick, providing water). |
4. Guiding Principles
- Safety First: No event is so important that it should be run in unsafe conditions.
- Dynamic Assessment: Risks change (e.g., weather turns). Volunteers are empowered to stop activities if they become unsafe.
- Shared Responsibility: Safety is everyone's job, not just the organisers.
5. Policy Statements
5.1. Risk Assessments
- A written Risk Assessment must be completed for every event location.
- This assessment must be reviewed before the event starts (e.g., checking the ground for hazards on the day).
5.2. First Aid
- PITP will aim to have at least one designated First Aider/Medic present at every major meet.
- Medics will carry a fully stocked First Aid Kit.
- Medics must keep a log of any treatment given.
5.3. Medical Conditions
- We encourage attendees with serious medical conditions (e.g., Epilepsy, Diabetes, Severe Allergies) to inform the Head Medic upon arrival.
- Any medical information shared with volunteers is strictly confidential and used only to assist in an emergency.
- Attendees remain solely responsible for carrying and administering their own medication (e.g., EpiPens, Inhalers). Volunteers will not administer medication unless trained and necessary to save a life (e.g., assisting with an EpiPen).
5.4. Environmental Hazards (Weather)
- Heat: In temperatures over 25°C, "Fursuit/Gear limitations" may be enforced (e.g., mandatory headless zones, mandatory water breaks).
- Storms: Events will be cancelled if Met Office warnings present a danger to life or travel.
5.5. Public Interaction
We operate in shared spaces. Volunteers must monitor for hostile members of the public. De-escalation and disengagement is the priority. Police should be called if volunteers or attendees are threatened.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead Organiser: Is responsible for list specific duties related to this policy.
- Head Medic: Is responsible for list specific duties related to this policy.
- All Volunteers: Are responsible for understanding and adhering to this policy.
7. Procedures
7.1. Reporting an Accident/Incident
- Ensure the immediate danger is removed.
- Medic(s) provided necessary first aid. Call 999 if urgent.
- Complete the Incident Report Form with complete details of the Incident.
- Management reviews the log to see if procedures need changing to prevent recurrence.
7.2. Emergency Evacuation
- In the event of a major threat (e.g., fire, violent incident), volunteers will direct attendees to a pre-designated Muster Point away from the danger.
8. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or after any major incidents, by the Management Team to ensure it remains effective and fit for purpose. The next scheduled review date is December 2026.
9. Contact
For any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Management Team via safety@pupsinthepark.uk.