Popcorn Machine – Risk Assessment
Activity
Operation of electric popcorn machine for food preparation and sale
Persons at Risk
● Operator
● Assistants
● Members of the public (especially children)
● Event staff
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Hazard Assessment & Control Measures
1. Hot surfaces & hot oil
Risk: Burns from kettle, glass panels, or hot oil Who is at risk: Operator, assistants
Control Measures:
● Only trained adults to operate machine
● Warning signage: Hot Surfaces
● 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
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2. Electrical hazards
Risk: Electric shock, fire
Who is at risk: All persons nearby
Control Measures:
● 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
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3. Fire risk
Risk: Overheating oil or electrical fault
Who is at risk: All persons
Control Measures:
● Never leave machine unattended while switched on
● Do not overfill oil or kernels
● Fire extinguisher available (CO₂ or foam, depending on guidance)
● Keep flammable materials away from machine
Risk Level: Medium → Low
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4. Manual handling
Risk: Strains or injuries when lifting machine Who is at risk: Staff
Control Measures:
● Two-person lift for heavy machines
● Use trolley if available
● Avoid lifting when machine is hot
Risk Level: Low
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5. Slips, trips & falls
Risk: Trailing cables, spilled kernels or oil
Who is at risk: Staff and public
Control Measures:
● Secure cables with tape or cable covers
● Clean up spills immediately
● Keep work area tidy and dry
Risk Level: Low
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6. Food hygiene & contamination
Risk: Food poisoning or contamination Who is at risk: Customers
Control Measures:
● 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
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7. Public interference (children)
Risk: Burns or injury from touching machine
Who is at risk: Members of the public
Control Measures:
● Barrier or table separating public from machine
● Clear signage: Staff Only / Hot Surface
● Constant supervision Risk
Level: Medium → Low
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Emergency Procedures
● Switch off and unplug machine immediately if unsafe
● Burns treated with cold running water
● First aid kit available
● All incidents reported to responsible person
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Training & Supervision
● Operator trained in safe use of popcorn machine
● Responsible adult present at all times
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Assessment Review
● Review before each event or if equipment/location changes
