Adopted 23 March 2026

Perranporth Skatepark Risk Assessment based on design layout
Location: Ponsmere Skatepark, Perranporth

  1. General Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Hazard Potential Risks Likelihood Severity Risk Level Control Measures
Falls from Features Injuries such as cuts, bruises, sprains, fractures, or head injuries due to falls from ramps, ledges, or bowls. Medium High Medium-High – Encourage safety equipment to be used at all times
– Regular inspections to ensure surfaces are smooth and damage-free.
Collisions Between Users Riders colliding with one another, especially during peak times or in confined spaces. Medium Medium-High Medium – Signage to encourage respect of other park users
– Educate users on skatepark etiquette.
Improper Use of Features Misuse of equipment by inexperienced users (e.g., attempting advanced tricks beyond their skill level). Medium High Medium-High – Offer training or beginner sessions.
Debris or Surface Hazards Rocks, litter, or damage to the skatepark surface causing trips, slips, or loss of control. Medium Medium Medium – Regular cleaning and inspections by Grounds Staff.
– Ensure quick repairs for damage like cracks or chips.- Bins and recycling provision.- Signage – no steel pegs allowed, no glass, no litter
Slippery Conditions Wet or icy surfaces increasing the risk of falls or loss of grip. Low-Medium Medium Medium – Drainage installed.
Spectator Injuries Non-users being struck by skateboards, bikes, or scooters. Medium Medium Medium – Create designated spectator zones (terracing and seating on upper level).
Overcrowding Increased risk of collisions and improper use of features due to too many users. Medium Medium Medium – Where possible, monitor capacity during peak times.
– Where possible, consider staggered sessions or supervised usage during busy periods.
Equipment Damage Broken skateboards, bikes, or scooters causing additional risks to users and others. Low-Medium Medium Medium – Encourage users to check their equipment.
– Provide an area for repairs or maintenance assistance.
Weather Exposure Heatstroke, dehydration, or sunburn in hot weather; hypothermia in cold weather. Low Medium Low-Medium – Install shaded seating areas.
– Will provide access to water fountain/and or mobile cafe
Vandalism Graffiti, damage to features, or broken glass creating hazards for users. Low-Medium Medium Medium – Redirect CCTV by Texaco garage in direction of park
– Encourage community engagement to reduce vandalism.- Daily inspections by Grounds team.

Identified Hazards – Features:

    • Quarter pipes and Ramps (Features 01, 02, 03)
    • Risk: Falls due to loss of balance, insufficient skill, or collisions.
    • Likelihood: Medium
    • Severity: Medium-High
    • Control Measures:
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
      • Ensure surface is free of debris to maintain grip

Flat banks (Features 04, 09, 11, 13)

    • Risk: High-speed impact, loss of control while transitioning between features.
    • Likelihood: Medium
    • Severity: Medium
    • Control Measures:
      • Provide space for spectators away from flat bank areas.
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.

Ledges (Features 05, 06, 10, 12, 15)

    • Risk: Risk of injury from sliding off or improperly executing tricks.
    • Likelihood: Medium
    • Severity: Medium
    • Control Measures:
      • Inspect ledges regularly for smoothness and structural integrity.
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.

Hipped Driveway and Manual Pad (Features 06, 08)

    • Risk: Tripping, loss of control, or collision with other users.
    • Likelihood: Low-Medium
    • Severity: Medium
    • Control Measures:
      • Signage to respect other users
      • Install a fence or netting around the perimeter to prevent stray boards.
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use

360° Rollover (Feature 07)

    • Risk: Loss of balance or falling off the edge.
    • Likelihood: Medium
    • Severity: Medium
    • Control Measures:
      • Install a safety sign to warn users of its height.
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use

Hubba Ledges (Features 12, 15)

    • Risk: Slipping or improper landing causing injury.
    • Likelihood: Low-Medium
    • Severity: Medium
    • Control Measures:
      • Regular maintenance to ensure no cracks or loose components.
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use

Taco (Feature 16)

    • Risk: Speed mismanagement leading to collisions or falls.
    • Likelihood: Medium
    • Severity: High
    • Control Measures:
      • Encourage wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
      • Install clear signage to state conditions of use

General Risks:

  • Collisions Between Users:
    • Encourage respect for other park users
    • Signage installed explaining conditions of use
  • Weather-Related Hazards:
    • Risk of slippery surfaces when wet.
    • Drainage installed to prevent water pooling.
    • Grounds team to inspect regularly.
  • Spectator Safety:
    • Designate spectator zones away from high-risk areas like ramps and banks.
    • Use fencing or barriers where necessary.
  • Surface Maintenance:
    • Cracks, chips, or debris can increase risk of injury.
    • Grounds team and SWPSI to undertake regular inspections and maintenance.

Emergency Measures:

  • Signage has emergency contact numbers and nearest A&E locations.
  • Train volunteers in basic first aid if applicable.

Risk Levels Summary

Feature Likelihood Severity Risk Level
Quarter pipes Medium High Medium-High
Flatbanks Medium Medium Medium
Ledges Medium Medium Medium
Hipped Driveway Low-Medium Medium Medium
360° Rollover Medium Medium Medium
Hubba Ledges Low-Medium Medium Medium
Taco Medium High Medium-High

This risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in usage or design.