Risk Assessment

Putting up and taking down the inflatable

What are the hazards?

Who might be harmed and how?

Likelihood

1 = not likely 2 = likely

3 = very likely

Level of harm

1 = minor injury

2 = moderate injury

3 = serious injury

Action that will be taken to prevent this hazard

· Inflatable is very heavy to lift and manoeuvre.

· Those who are transporting the inflatable, putting it up, or taking it down could injure their backs.

2

1

· Only trained staff will manoeuvre, setup and pack down the inflatable.

· Advice will be given on correct lifting procedures to prevent injury (using guidance from HSE or other sources).

· Long electric power cable.

· Those who are setting up other stalls at the event could trip on the cable.

2

1

· Secure the power cable to the ground as soon as it is laid down, and do not remove the tape until cable is due to be wound up.

· Damage to the electric power cable.

· Anybody who touches the damaged cable could be electrocuted.

2

2

· Unroll the electric cable, and check the full length of the cable, plus any plugs or sockets.

· Ensure that the power cable is plugged into power supply that has a trip switch OR use the power breaker supplied.

· Heavy duty stakes to be driven in using mallet, and removed at the end of the day

· Those banging in the stakes could hit their hands.

· Others in the area could be hit with the mallet.

2

1

1

2

· Hold the stakes halfway down when banging them in.

· Knock the stakes sideways using the mallet before trying to pull them out. Make sure the area is clear of other people.

· The inflatable is wet when it’s put away.

· Those rolling the inflatable up could be injured as it will be slippery and heavier if wet

2

2

· If possible, the inflatable will be dried out before it is packed away.

· Only trained staff will pack away the inflatable as per manufacture guidelines.

Using the inflatable(s): the inflatable(s) must be supervised by an appropriate number of responsible adults at all times

What are the hazards?

Who might be harmed and how?

Likelihood

1 = not likely

2 = likely

3 = very likely

Level of harm

1 = minor injury

2 = moderate injury

3 = serious injury

Acton that will be taken to prevent this hazard

· Adults or older users jumping on the inflatable.

· Adults and older users could jump over the sides of the inflatable.

· The seams of the castle could split causing it to deflate very quickly and injure those who are on it.

2

3

· The height restriction (varies dependent on the inflatable in use), and age restriction of 14 years (unless an adult grade inflatable), will be strictly enforced by those running the inflatable

· Larger users colliding with smaller users.

· Smaller users could be injured

2

3

· Users will be grouped by age / size and limited to an appropriate group size per session.

· Users jumping off or falling off the front of the inflatable

· Users could be seriously injured

1

3

· Crash mats will be put down in front of the Inflatable.

· At least one adult supervisor will be at the front of the inflatable at all times. They will ask users to move back if they come too close to the front of the inflatable.

· Users colliding with each other whilst on the inflatable.

· Users could be injured

3

1

· Those supervising the inflatable will ensure that users do not bump into each other or become overly boisterous.

· Sharp objects that could puncture the inflatable

· Users on the inflatable could be injured by sharp objects on the inflatable or if the inflatable suffers a puncture and deflates.

1

3

· The Inflatable will not be set up on concrete or gravel and will be checked thoroughly before it is used.

· Users will be asked to remove their shoes and any other sharp objects before they go on the inflatable

· Anchor points

becoming untethered.

· The inflatable could move or tip, causing injury to the users on it, or anyone standing near it.

1

1

· The inflatable will not be put up if the wind exceeds 24mph.

· The inflatable will be tethered securely to the anchor points

· Anchor points and other equipment around the outside of the inflatable (e.g. inflation fan).

· People could trip over any of these items and injure themselves

1

1

· Those setting up the Inflatable will mark off the inflation fan area with fencing, hazard tape or cones.

· Inflation fan on ground near the Inflatable

· People could trip over the inflation fan and injure themselves or cut off the power and cause the deflation.

1

3

· Those setting up the inflatable will mark off the blower area with fencing, hazard tape or cones.

· Inflatable gets wet.

· Users might slip and injure themselves.

2

2

· The inflatable will not be used if it rains and will be dried completely before being used.

· Food and drink will not be allowed on or near the inflatable.

· Using a petrol/diesel generator (the inflatable is electrically powered as standard however if generator can be used if mains electric is not available.

· If other appliances are run from the generator there could be a reduction in power to the inflatable which could cause it to deflate.

· The generator could catch fire, injuring those near it.

2

3

· No other appliances will be plugged into the generator

· People going on the inflatable after the event has finished and it is no longer being supervised

· People could disregard the guidelines for safe use of the inflatable and injure themselves or others. If they were injured, there may not be anyone nearby to help them.

2

3

· The inflatable will be supervised all the time that it is inflated and will be taken down as soon as possible after the event has finished.