PawSteps by Pets on the Green
A risk assessment isn't paperwork for its own sake — it's working out what could hurt someone, and doing something about it before it does. Work through the five steps; the maths is done for you.
Be specific. "Handling animals" is too broad. "Handling the royal python during a school visit" is a risk assessment you can actually use.
Tap everyone who could be. Remember anyone under 18, anyone with a disability or health condition, and anyone who doesn't work here.
A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. A risk is how likely it is to actually do so, and how bad it would be. Add one at a time.
The scoring — severity across, likelihood down
A risk assessment isn't done once. Review it regularly, and always after anything changes — a new member of staff, a new animal, a new way of doing the job.