Messy and Water Play Safety Toolbox Talk

This Toolbox Talk equips early years staff with practical, legally‑compliant steps to manage the unique hazards of messy and water‑based play. It explains how to choose safe, BS EN 71‑13‑approved paints and powders, maintain shallow basins, prevent slips, control Legionella, manage allergens and enforce rigorous hand‑hygiene.

Key actions include using non‑toxic materials, emptying and drying water containers after each session, immediate spill response, providing non‑slip footwear, storing chemicals securely and conducting a brief safety briefing with children. Supervisors must maintain constant adult presence, enforce no‑running rules and conduct a risk‑check before every activity.

Use this toolbox talk for:

• Planning daily messy and water play sessions
• Staff training on slip, chemical and drowning risks
• Induction of new practitioners
• Audit and compliance checks against COSHH and HSE guidance

For further detail see the HSE COSHH overview https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/ and the HSE swimming‑pool safety publication https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg179.htm. The full legislation can be accessed at Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

Fully editable and shareable — you can tailor the language, insert site‑specific details or embed it into daily briefings, induction programmes or safety meetings.

Compliant with: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, HSE Pub HSG179.