Candy Floss Machine Risk Assessment

Our candy floss machine is designed to provide fresh, delicious treats at children's parties, school fairs, corporate events, weddings and community celebrations. At Bounce Craze, safety is just as important as customer enjoyment, so every Fun Food hire is supplied with well-maintained equipment and clear operating guidance.

This risk assessment identifies the main hazards associated with operating an electric candy floss machine and explains the control measures used to minimise risks to operators, event staff and members of the public.

Activity

Operation of an electrically powered candy floss machine for the preparation and serving of candy floss at indoor and outdoor events. Equipment includes the heated spinning head, stainless steel bowl, electrical supply, sugar and serving sticks.

Persons at Risk

• Machine operator
• Assistants
• Members of the public
• Children
• Event organisers and venue staff
• Contractors working nearby

Hazard Assessment and Control Measures

1. Hot Surfaces and Heated Components

Hazard: Contact with the heated bowl, spinning head or internal components may result in burns.

Persons at Risk: Operators, assistants.

Control Measures:

• Only trained adults may operate the machine.
• Never touch the spinning head or heated bowl whilst switched on or cooling down.
• Allow the machine to cool completely before cleaning, transporting or storing.
• Heat-resistant gloves should be worn where appropriate.
• Keep warning signage visible if the machine is located in a public area.

Residual Risk: Low.

2. Electrical Safety

Hazard: Electric shock, damaged cables or electrical fire.

Persons at Risk: Operators, assistants, public.

Control Measures:

• All electrical equipment is PAT tested.
• Carry out a visual inspection before every use.
• Use only suitable power supplies and outdoor-rated extension leads where necessary.
• Protect cables using cable covers where they cross pedestrian routes.
• Keep plugs, sockets and electrical connections dry at all times.
• Disconnect the power before cleaning or maintenance.

Residual Risk: Low.

3. Contact with Moving Parts

Hazard: Hair, jewellery or loose clothing becoming caught in the rotating spinner.

Persons at Risk: Operators.

Control Measures:

• Tie back long hair.
• Remove loose jewellery where practical.
• Avoid loose sleeves or clothing.
• Never operate the machine without the bowl correctly fitted.
• Do not reach into the bowl while the machine is operating.

Residual Risk: Low.

4. Molten Sugar and Hot Candy Floss

Hazard: Splashes of hot melted sugar causing burns.

Persons at Risk: Operators.

Control Measures:

• Only add the recommended quantity of sugar.
• Do not overfill the spinner.
• Stand clear during startup.
• Use the correct serving sticks.
• Avoid leaning directly over the spinning head.

Residual Risk: Low.

5. Slips, Trips and Falls

Hazard: Trailing electrical cables or sugar spilled onto the floor.

Persons at Risk: Everyone nearby.

Control Measures:

• Route cables safely away from pedestrian areas.
• Use cable protectors where required.
• Clean sugar spills immediately.
• Maintain a tidy serving area throughout the event.

Residual Risk: Low.

6. Food Hygiene and Contamination

Hazard: Contamination of food products.

Persons at Risk: Customers.

Control Measures:

• Wash or sanitise hands before handling ingredients.
• Store sugar in sealed food-safe containers.
• Protect ingredients from contamination.
• Do not allow customers to handle ingredients or serving equipment.
• Clean the machine thoroughly between hires.
• Operators should avoid handling food if suffering from infectious illness.

Residual Risk: Low.

7. Public Access to the Machine

Hazard: Children or members of the public touching hot equipment.

Persons at Risk: Public.

Control Measures:

• Position the machine behind a serving table wherever possible.
• Maintain a clear separation between customers and the operating area.
• Never leave the machine unattended whilst powered.
• Supervise children around the serving area.
• Display "Hot Surface" warning notices where appropriate.

Residual Risk: Low.

8. Manual Handling

Hazard: Injury when lifting or transporting the machine.

Persons at Risk: Operators.

Control Measures:

• Lift using correct manual handling techniques.
• Seek assistance where necessary.
• Transport the machine securely to prevent movement during transit.

Residual Risk: Low.

Emergency Procedures

• Switch off and unplug the machine immediately if a fault develops.
• Do not continue using damaged equipment.
• Treat burns using cool running water and seek medical attention where appropriate.
• Record all accidents in the event accident book.
• Report damaged equipment before further use.
• Keep a suitable fire extinguisher available where required by the event organiser.

Training and Supervision

• Only competent adults should operate the candy floss machine.
• Operators should understand safe food handling procedures.
• A responsible person should supervise the machine throughout operation.
• New operators should receive instruction before first use.

Additional Safety Information

This risk assessment should be read alongside any venue-specific risk assessments and our general Health & Safety guidance. If you're hiring multiple attractions such as Bouncy Castles, Soft Play, or other Event Hire equipment, each attraction should be operated in accordance with its individual safety instructions and manufacturer guidance.

By following these control measures, the risks associated with operating a candy floss machine can be reduced to a low level, allowing customers to enjoy freshly made treats safely throughout the event.