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Safety Code Scout Interest Badge

From SCOUTS South Africa Wiki

Staying safe is an important part of Scouting—whether you’re hiking in the mountains, cooking at camp, crossing the street, or using tools at home. The Safety Code Scout Interest Badge encourages you to explore how accidents happen, learn practical ways to prevent them, and build the confidence to act responsibly in emergencies. Through hands-on activities, real-life investigations, and teamwork with your Patrol, you will develop the skills to make smart, safe choices and help keep yourself and others safe at Scouts, at home, and in your community.

Badge Requirements

Safety Code
Safety Code
  1. Home Hazards
    1. Design and use a safety inspection checklist (approved by your Examiner) to assess at least six areas of your home (kitchen, lounge, bathroom, bedroom, garage, garden).
      For each area:
      • Identify hazards
      • Explain why each hazard is dangerous
      • Describe a realistic plan for how the hazard should be corrected.
      • Explain the dangers associated with each of the following common household items, including how accidents can occur and what precautions should be taken to prevent them:
      • Candles
      • Christmas decorations
      • Flammable fabrics
      • Flammable liquids
      • Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
      • Oil lamps
      • Plastics and aerosols
      • Pressure stoves
      • Sunlight focused through glass or mirrors
  2. Emergency Shut-Off
    Locate your home’s main emergency shut-off points and demonstrate how to turn them off safely (or explain the process if a demonstration would be unsafe).
    For each of the following, explain when and why the shut-off might be needed:
    • Electricity mains
    • Water supply
    • Gas supply
  3. Electrical Safety
    Identify and explain the most common causes of electrical accidents in homes and describe the safety precautions needed to prevent them. Discuss with your Examiner and demonstrate at least five practical electrical safety measures, such as:
    • Checking cords, plugs, and extension leads for damage
    • Using multi-plugs safely and avoiding overloading
    • Keeping water and liquids away from electrical outlets and appliances
    • Using household appliances correctly and safely
    • Any other relevant safety measures approved by your Examiner
  4. Street Safety Observer
    Create a simple road safety checklist and use it to observe traffic and pedestrian behaviour. Spend a total of two hours at three different busy public locations (e.g., street intersections or traffic lights). Using your checklist, record at least five safe actions and five unsafe actions for each of the following categories:
    • Cyclists
    • Drivers
    • Passengers
    • Pedestrians
      After completing your observations, discuss your findings with your Examiner or Patrol and suggest at least three practical ways to improve safety at each location.
      Note: You must have an adult or another Scout with you while doing this activity. This can also be done as a fun Patrol activity.
  5. Everyday Safety
    Explain the common risks and ways to stay safe in the following everyday activities. Your explanations should show an understanding of the hazards involved and the practical steps needed to stay safe.
    • Cycling
    • Walking near roads
    • Travelling by car, taxi, bus or train
    • On a boat
    • Using power tools and machines at home or school.
  6. Outdoor Emergency Plan Create a safety plan for each of the following outdoor situations:
    • Camping Emergency – Explain what to do if an accident or hazard occurs while camping.
    • Hiking Emergency – Explain what to do during a hiking emergency and demonstrate understanding of the SCOUTS SA Emergency Hike Procedure.
    • Observed Emergency – Explain what to do if you witness an emergency situation that you cannot assist with directly.
      Each plan must include:
    • An analysis of possible hazards
    • Actions to minimise or correct the hazards
    • Clear reasons why the proposed actions are effective
      Present your plans to your Patrol or Troop, demonstrating practical understanding and preparedness, and discuss your plans with your Examiner.
  7. Veld Fire Safety
    1. Discuss with your Examiner the risks of veld fires when hiking or camping, including how they start, how to prevent them, safe campfire practices, and relevant local regulations.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the precautions needed to prevent veld fires during Scout activities, including ways your Patrol can help prevent veld fires during Scouting activities.
  8. Safety in Action
    Complete TWO of the following practical safety activities:
    • Home Safety Drill – Conduct a fire or emergency drill at home and record the time it takes everyone to exit safely.
    • Patrol Safety Audit – Conduct a “safety walk” with your Patrol, identifying hazards in your Scout Hall, campsite, or outdoor area, and suggest solutions.
    • Emergency Communication Drill – Practice how to alert others and contact emergency services in various scenarios (e.g. accident, fire, lost Scout).
    • Mini Safety Obstacle Course – Design a small obstacle course that teaches Scouts to identify hazards and practice safe actions (e.g. tripping hazards, crossing “roads,” handling tools safely).
    • First-Aid Station Setup – Assemble a simple first-aid kit or mini first-aid station and explain the purpose of each item.
    • Fire Extinguisher Practice – Demonstrate the correct use of a fire extinguisher under supervision (without discharge unless safe and approved).
    • Safety Poster Campaign – Create posters, infographics, or digital slides highlighting common hazards at home, school, or in Scouting.
    • Tool Safety Demonstration – Complete a small project using hand or power tools, demonstrating safe handling, proper protective gear, and storage.

Recommended Age Range: The Safety Code Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years, who should have a growing awareness of everyday risks at home, in public spaces, and during outdoor Scouting activities. The badge develops responsible decision-making, strengthens practical safety and risk-prevention skills.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed.

The ideal Examiner should be the Scout Group Leader, Troop Scouter, Assistant Troop Scouter, or another suitably experienced adult with a solid understanding of practical safety and emergency procedures. They should be able to guide Scouts through real-life scenarios, assess hazard-identification skills, ensure safe practices, and provide clear, helpful feedback.

Note to the Examiner:

  • This badge is intended to develop a Scout's ability to identify hazards, assess risks, and apply practical safety measures in everyday situations. The emphasis is on practical understanding and responsible decision-making rather than memorising facts.
  • Encourage Scouts to use real-life examples from their home, Scout activities, school, or community wherever possible.
  • Where a requirement asks a Scout to explain or discuss, they should demonstrate that they understand why a hazard exists, the potential consequences, and the practical steps that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk.
  • Practical demonstrations should be assessed on the Scout's ability to apply safe practices correctly and confidently, rather than on speed or technical perfection.
  • Encourage Scouts to think critically, ask questions, and demonstrate sound judgement when identifying hazards and proposing practical solutions.
  • Where appropriate, allow Scouts to complete practical activities individually or as part of a Patrol or Troop activity, provided each Scout can demonstrate that they have personally achieved the required outcomes.
  • Equivalent activities or local examples may be accepted where they meet the intent and learning outcomes of the requirement.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format




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