Popcorn Machine – Risk Assessment ๐ฟ
Clear, practical risk assessment for operation of an electric popcorn machine. Covers hazards, control measures, emergency procedures, training and review. Use this to keep operators, assistants, event staff and the public safe. โ ๏ธ
Activity
Operation of electric popcorn machine for food preparation and sale. Includes kettle heating, serving, cleaning and moving the machine.
Persons at Risk
- Operator
- Assistants
- Members of the public (especially children) ๐ถ
- Event staff
Hazard Assessment & Control Measures
1. Hot surfaces & hot oil ๐ฅ
Risk: Burns from kettle, glass panels, or hot oil.
Who is at risk: Operator, assistants.
- Only trained adults to operate machine.
- Warning signage: Hot Surfaces. โ ๏ธ
- Do not touch kettle during or immediately after use.
- Allow machine to cool before cleaning or moving.
- Heat-resistant gloves used where appropriate.
- Risk Level: Medium → Low.
2. Electrical hazards โก
Risk: Electric shock, fire.
Who is at risk: All persons nearby.
- Machine must be PAT tested.
- Suitable extension leads used (outdoor-rated if outside).
- Keep cables away from water and walkways.
- Switch off and unplug before cleaning or maintenance.
- Risk Level: Medium → Low.
3. Fire risk ๐งฏ
Risk: Overheating oil or electrical fault.
Who is at risk: All persons.
- Never leave machine unattended while switched on.
- Do not overfill oil or kernels.
- Fire extinguisher available (COโ or foam as appropriate).
- Keep flammable materials away from machine.
- Risk Level: Medium → Low.
4. Manual handling ๐๏ธ
Risk: Strains or injuries when lifting machine.
Who is at risk: Staff.
- Two-person lift for heavy machines.
- Use trolley if available.
- Avoid lifting when machine is hot.
- Risk Level: Low.
5. Slips, trips & falls
Risk: Trailing cables, spilled kernels or oil.
Who is at risk: Staff and public.
- Secure cables with tape or cable covers.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Keep work area tidy and dry.
- Risk Level: Low.
6. Food hygiene & contamination ๐งผ
Risk: Food poisoning or contamination.
Who is at risk: Customers.
- Hands washed before handling food.
- Gloves or scoops used for serving.
- Ingredients stored in sealed containers.
- Machine cleaned before and after use.
- No public access to food prep area.
- Risk Level: Medium → Low.
7. Public interference (children) ๐
Risk: Burns or injury from touching machine.
Who is at risk: Members of the public.
- Barrier or table separating public from machine.
- Clear signage: Staff Only / Hot Surface.
- Constant supervision by responsible adult.
- Risk Level: Medium → Low.
Emergency Procedures โ๏ธ
- Switch off and unplug machine immediately if unsafe.
- Burns treated with cold running water.
- First aid kit available on site.
- All incidents reported to the responsible person.
Training & Supervision
- Operator trained in safe use of popcorn machine.
- Responsible adult present at all times during operation.
- Supervision required when public are nearby.
Assessment Review ๐
Review this assessment before each event. Re-assess if equipment or location changes. Keep records of training, PAT tests and incident reports.