SAFETY ADVICE TO SCHOOL TEACHERS PLANNING A TRIP TO RHONDDA HERITAGE PARK
The following advice describes risks that may be associated with visits by school and educational groups to Rhondda Heritage Park. Teachers and group leaders are welcome to undertake familiarisation tours and undertake their own risk assessments free of charge by prior arrangement. Please contact us on 01443 682036 or e-mail reception@rhonddaheritagepark.com.
Prior to Arrival
Children and party members to be advised of the following:-
Wear sensible flat-soled shoes.
Be aware of uneven ground and do not run.
Do not stray from the group.
Do not enter areas, which are not for public access.
Do not climb on machinery or onto roofs or buildings.
Please be respectful of the historic items on display.
Please respect other visitors to Rhondda Heritage Park and do not behave in an unruly manner.
On Arrival
Groups arriving by coach or mini bus are advised to alight directly outside the Visitor Centre, which is on the immediate left on entering the Car Park. (Please see below for re-boarding advice).
Group leader to report to reception on arrival and state name of school/organisation and number of adults and children in party.
Reception will advise of the next step, which may be to escort your group to an area where bags may be left or where you will be taking lunch.
For the tour you will be divided into maximum group sizes of 28 - and you will accompanied by a guide for the colliery surface and underground tour - please adhere to your guide's advice and remain in the group. There are, however, a number of free flow areas and visitors are requested to behave in an orderly fashion at all times for their own safety and the safety of others. Sensible footwear is advised.
The Black Gold Tour
The full tour consists of 3 audio-visual shows and a tour of pithead buildings including the Lamp Room. Travel in the 'cage' to pit bottom for your underground tour and take an exciting simulated ride back to the surface on a 'journey' of coal 'drams'.
School and group visits should be aware of the following risks:-
- Dark and low light whilst the audio-visual shows are running and underground.
- Moving machinery in one of the shows (all fenced and guarded).
- Strobe lighting effects in one show which may affect those with epilepsy.
- Loud noises and bangs at certain points in the audio-visual shows, underground and on the simulated ride.
- Uneven ground and trip hazards, especially underground.
- Limited roof heights underground in certain places, you will be issued with helmets prior to this part of your tour. This is more a risk for adults than children.
- Some people (children and adults) can find the cage and underground tour claustrophobic. If a party member is affected please advise your guide immediately who will make arrangements to have that person safely escorted to a point where they can meet with the rest of the party later.
- The simulated ride is not recommended for pregnant women, those with back complaints or heart problems. Height restrictions of 1.1m are in place which may affect younger groups. It is possible to still take the tour and not participate in the ride. Ask your guide for advice.
General Safety Advice
In the Event of a Fire ! All Areas
- assembly point - car park at front of visitor centre
- never use lifts in the event of a fire
- take notice of location of fire escape routes which are clearly marked throughout the site
- do not attempt to fight a fire - allow trained personnel to deal with the situation
- fire alarm sound is that of a siren
- if you see a fire report to a member of staff who will decide the necessary action and/or evacuation procedures
Underground (guided)
Follow the advice of your guide. In particular,
- keep to centre of dram tracks
- wear your helmet (to avoid bumping head on side of arched road ways)
- do not allow yourself to be separated from the group
- in the event of an emergency inform your guide who will summon help via two way radio or the knocking wire system which runs through the roadways - do not activate this yourself.
Simulated Dram Ride (guided)
- remain seated in the dram at all times
- do not unlock safety bar whilst the ride is operational
- summon attention by raising your hand - your guide will be in attendance
- your guide will tell you when it is safe to lift the safety bar and leave the dram ride
Energy Zone Play Area
This highly popular area allows children access to play equipment.
All play equipment installed is tested to EN1176 standard.
Teachers and group leaders are requested to oversee that their group play in a safe manner and use equipment properly for the safe play of all children.
Please be particularly aware of different age groups who may be using the area and the effect older children may have on the play of infants and juniors.
Do not allow children to climb over fences or to climb the trees that are in this area.
All Areas
- do not touch working machinery
- do not enter areas which are for authorised personnel only (ie kitchen, plant and boiler rooms, cleaning stores etc).
- be careful of areas with uneven ground (especially underground)
- wait for lighting to return after audio visual shows have finished before leaving buildings.
First Aid
In the event of an accident First Aid may be available through the group's own First Aid practitioner. First Aid equipment is available at Rhondda Heritage Park and may be obtained by contacting Reception. First Aid trained staff are also employed at Rhondda Heritage Park.
Special needs
We try to accommodate the requirements of children and adults with special needs.
Hearing loops are available in the audio visual shows for those with hearing impairment.
Wheelchair access is possible with assistance, even underground. There is lift access to the restaurant, art gallery and conference room on the first floor of the Visitor Centre. If your group has particular needs it is advisable for the group leader to make a familiarisation visit beforehand.
On Leaving
Please rejoin your coach or mini bus where it is parked in the car park. Do not board outside the Visitor Centre as the coach doors (unless left hand drive) are on the opposite side of the vehicle and this can cause children to be in the roadway whilst queuing to board the coach. Please advise your driver accordingly.
On leaving please ensure your group do so in an orderly fashion and cross on the zebra crossing to the car park. Supervised crossing is strongly advised particularly for young children.