How the Powerhouse Museum conforms to the DET Risk Assessment Guidelines

We make every effort to provide a safe and comfortable environment for students and teachers to learn in. We strongly encourage teachers-in-charge to make us aware in advance of any issues that could impact upon student welfare while at the Museum. It is expected that visiting teachers will keep students under direct supervision at all times, within the following student-to-supervisor ratios:

Museum staff engaged in child-related employment is screened to cover the requirements of the Child Protection Policy. The Department of Education and Training has registered the Museum as a child-related employer for the purpose of employment screening.

+Access to the Museum

To view a location map, visit the Venue Information page.

Chartered buses Drop off groups on Harris Street, Ultimo. Coach parking is available on Darling Drive, Darling Harbour.

State Transit Authority buses Many buses run along George Street. Get off at Hay Street from where it is a ten minute walk to the Museum. Route 501 stops outside the Museum.

Train Central Station is the closest railway station to the Museum. It is a 15 minute walk from the station to the Museum.

Light rail Get off at the Haymarket stop. It then takes only a few minutes to walk to the Museum, via the covered walkway.

Monorail Get off at the Powerhouse Museum Station and follow the covered walkway to the Museum.

+Arrival

Schools should plan to arrive on time as all groups are met by education staff, and program events must start promptly. If you are delayed please contact the Museum’s booking office on (02) 9217 0222.

From the Museum forecourt on Harris Street please take the external metal steps down to the group entrance on level 2. Please make sure every student is accounted for before proceeding to the reception desk. Stroller, wheelchair and ramp access is via the main entrance on the forecourt.

+During the visit

On arrival your group will be briefed about the exhibition areas and assisted with any other details.

Teachers should keep students adequately supervised at all times and take head counts at regular intervals. Students should be reminded

• not to run
• to  keep near handrails and take care while using stairs, escalators or ramp (the lift is out of bounds)
• to remain behind safety barriers and yellow lines
• not to touch any objects or electrical equipment.

Flash photography, laser pointers and pens in the exhibition areas are not permitted. Please bring pencils instead. If you wish to take photographs, you must complete a permission form. Ask staff at admission.

+Museum facilities and services

Cloaking Bags cannot be taken into the Museum. As cloaking facilities are limited, make sure your group brings only lunches or small bags. Ensure hats and other loose items are stored in bags to avoid lost property. The Museum takes all care but no responsibility for student belongings left in the cloaking bins and it is recommended valuable are not brought on the excursion.

Toilets Toilets are located on levels 4, 2,1 and in the Grace Bros Courtyard.

Food and beverage These are available at the Café Loco in the Grace Bros Courtyard on level 1.

Powehouse Playground This new outdoor playground area is in the Grace Bros Courtyard on level 1. It has the state-of–the art equipment and is paved with soft-fall rubber floor materials. Teachers must supervise students at all times.

Lost property Report any lost property to staff at the reception desk or Museum security.

+Occupational health and safety

Fire exits and evacuation The Museum has clearly marked fire exits, complies with all Fire Control regulations and has emergency evacuation procedures in place.

First aid First aid facilities are available in various locations within the Museum and museum staff with formal first aid training are available to provide first aid assistance.

Public liability insurance The Museum has the appropriate Public liability Insurance in place to cover injury and damage.

Further details For details please download the Risk Assessment Table or contact the Museum on (02) 9217 0222.