Risk management

General information

The National Museum of Australia environment

The National Museum of Australia (the Museum) is a major cultural institution charged with researching, collecting, preserving and exhibiting historical material of the Australian nation. The Museum focuses on the three interrelated areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, Australia's history and society since European settlement in 1788 and the interaction of people with the environment.

Established in 1980, the Museum is a publicly funded institution governed as a statutory authority in the Commonwealth Arts portfolio. The Museum's building on Acton Peninsula, Canberra opened in March 2001.

Access to the National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia has access facilities and wheelchairs available to visitors with special needs.

No special clothing or equipment is required on a visit to the Museum.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment rating

The National Museum of Australia has developed a Risk Management Plan to minimise all risks associated with its operation, particularly all risks associated with visiting its premises on Acton Peninsula. Taking into account the controls in place in the Risk Management Plan, a visit to the National Museum on Acton Peninsula has been assessed as a low risk for schools.

Risk management procedures

The National Museum of Australia has qualified first aid officers and a first aid room to attend to an injured or ill person. Fire and emergency procedures are managed by trained staff and tested regularly. In the event of an emergency a warning will be activated and all visitors to the building will be given clear instructions from fire/safety wardens. These trained people will supervise the evacuation of the building if necessary.

The National Museum of Australia carries comprehensive public liability insurance cover.

All staff and volunteers working with children have undergone a police security check through the Australian Federal Police.

Prior to the visit all schools will receive an email containing important information about their visit including a 'Museum Do's' list which outlines appropriate behaviour for students when visiting the Museum. This emphasises the fact that teachers have the duty of care for students when they are visiting the Museum and that all students should be in sight of a teacher or carer at all times.