Minimum steps (HSE)
Identify hazards, decide who could be harmed and how, then remove or control the risk
Who needs one
Employers, schools, care providers and venues have legal duties; at home it is still good practice
Review
Regularly, and after any change to the room, equipment or users
Template
Our free sensory room risk assessment template

There is no single law for sensory rooms. General health and safety law applies. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must, at a minimum, identify what could cause injury or illness (hazards), decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk), and take action to eliminate the hazard or, if that is not possible, control the risk. If you run a school, nursery, care home or venue, this applies to you. At home there is no legal duty to write a risk assessment, but the same steps are a good habit.

Other rules may apply depending on your setting, including fire safety rules for non-domestic premises, electrical safety, building regulations for building work, and safeguarding policies. Check with your local authority, your insurer and your own organisation's health and safety lead.

What should a sensory room risk assessment cover?

Walk through the room with the users in mind, then think about each area below.

Electrics and equipment

  • Use equipment designed for the purpose and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Keep cables short, covered and out of reach. Use cable management where you can.
  • Have fixed wiring and installations done by a competent electrician.
  • Make sure plugs, sockets and extension leads are not overloaded.
  • Check equipment regularly for damage and keep a record of checks.

The HSE has guidance on electrical safety at work and an FAQ on electricity at work.

Fixings and structure

  • Anything fixed to a wall or ceiling (swings, panels, bubble tubes, projectors) must be installed by a competent person to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Check the wall or ceiling can take the load before fixing.
  • Re-check fixings on a schedule.

Surfaces, padding and floors

  • Look for trip hazards, slippery floors, sharp edges and corners.
  • Consider padded flooring or wall protection where people may fall or bump into things. See flooring and padding.
  • Choose surfaces you can clean.

The HSE has information on slips and trips.

Lighting and light effects

  • Avoid flashing or strobing lights, which can be unsafe for people with photosensitive epilepsy. The Epilepsy Society lists flashing lights or moving patterns as a possible seizure trigger for some people.
  • Keep the main light controllable and make sure the room is not left in the dark when it needs to be checked.
  • Avoid hot lamps in reach, and keep UV and laser-style effects away from eyes. Follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Water, bubble tubes and cleaning

  • Bubble tubes and other water features hold water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling, treating and cleaning, and for what to do if one leaks.
  • Keep water away from electrics and make sure the base is stable.
  • Plan regular cleaning of surfaces, soft furnishings and shared items.

Supervision and users

  • Decide who supervises and how many people can use the room at once.
  • Think about users who may mouth objects, climb, run, throw or be at risk of falls.
  • Consider medical needs, such as epilepsy, and have a plan.
  • Agree how a person asks to leave and how staff respond.

Emergency and access

  • Check the exit route is clear and doors can be opened quickly.
  • Make sure staff know what to do in a fire or other emergency. For non-domestic premises the "responsible person" has duties under fire safety law. See GOV.UK on workplace fire safety.
  • Plan wheelchair access, hoist use and safe moving and handling.

Infection control and hygiene

  • Choose wipeable surfaces and washable covers.
  • Clean shared items between users.

How do you write a sensory room risk assessment?

The HSE explains the basic approach on its risk assessment pages and has templates and examples. A simple structure for a sensory room:

  1. List the hazards in each area above.
  2. Say who could be harmed and how, for example users, staff and visitors.
  3. Rate the risk (low, medium or high) by how likely and how serious it is.
  4. Write down the controls you have or will add.
  5. Name who is responsible and by when.
  6. Record, share and review the assessment.

Our risk assessment template follows this layout and is written for sensory rooms.

Who should review your room?

  • The people who use it, or their families and carers, who know what works
  • Staff who supervise it, who will notice practical risks
  • A competent installer or electrician for fixed equipment
  • An occupational therapist, where the room is part of a person's care plan
  • Your health and safety lead or insurer, in a school, care home or venue

What checks are needed before use?

Before anyone uses the room:

  • Test all equipment and switches
  • Check fixings, padding and flooring
  • Make sure cables and plugs are in good condition
  • Confirm instructions are available and staff know how to use the equipment
  • Check the exit route is clear and any emergency plan is in place
  • Agree the rules for use and display them where users can see them

Then schedule regular checks, for example weekly visual checks and a termly or annual formal review, and record them.

What about ligature, restraint or de-escalation rooms?

Rooms used for people at risk of harming themselves or others need specialist advice. They should be designed with the relevant professionals and follow your organisation's policies. See de-escalation rooms.

Do I need a risk assessment for a sensory room at home?
There is no legal requirement at home, but writing one is still good practice, especially for fixed equipment, swings or water features.
Who is responsible for sensory room safety in a school?
The school, as the employer or responsible body, with named staff responsible for the room day to day. Check your own policies and ask your health and safety lead.
How often should I review a sensory room risk assessment?
Regularly, and whenever the room, equipment or users change. Many settings review at least once a year.
Can flashing lights be unsafe?
For some people, flashing lights or moving patterns can trigger seizures. Avoid strobing effects unless you know they are safe for all users.
Who should install ceiling-fixed equipment?
A competent installer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Check the structure can take the load.
Is there an official standard for sensory rooms?
We are not aware of a single UK standard that covers sensory rooms. General health and safety, electrical and fire rules apply, plus the manufacturer's instructions for each item.

Sources