🧸 Little Linnie’s Soft Play – Risk Assessment
Business Name: Little Linnie’s Soft Play
Website: littlelinniessoftplay.co.uk
Assessment Completed By: Cherish Harding
Assessment Date: 7th April 2025
Review Date: 7th April 2026
1. Activity Overview
Little Linnie’s Soft Play provides mobile soft play hire for events such as birthdays, weddings, and community days. The equipment includes foam shapes, ball pits, slides, ride-ons, and padded flooring, all regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure the safety of children aged 0–5 years.
2. Hazard Identification and Risk Control
| Hazard | Who Might Be Harmed? | Risk Level | Control Measures | Residual Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trips & Falls | Children, Parents | Medium | Non-slip padded mats. Clear walkways. Supervision required. | Low |
| Unstable Equipment | Children | Medium | All equipment set on flat ground. Inspected before/after use. | Low |
| Overcrowding | Children | Medium | Clear rules on signage. Adult supervision encouraged. | Low |
| Cleaning Product Residue | Children | Medium | Milton spray air-dried. Non-toxic & COSHH compliant. | Low |
| Infection Transmission | Children, Parents | High | Thorough cleaning before & after. High-touch areas prioritised. | Low |
| Wooden Rule Board | Children | Low | Smooth, sealed edges. Positioned out of reach. | Very Low |
| Vinyl Peeling | Children | Medium | Inspected regularly. Any peeling repaired or removed. | Low |
| Weather (Outdoor Use) | Children | Medium | Avoid use in bad weather. Ground checks done on site. | Low |
| Manual Handling | Staff | Medium | Safe lifting techniques. Trolleys used. Avoid solo lifting. | Low |
| Child Leaving Play Area | Children | Medium | Boundary mats/fences. Parents advised to supervise. | Low |
3. Emergency Procedures
- First Aid: Parents/guardians are responsible for their children. Recommended a trained adult be present.
- Incident Reporting: All incidents are documented and reviewed post-event.
- Fire Safety: No heat or electrical equipment used. Exits kept clear.
4. Cleaning & Sanitation
Milton Antibacterial Surface Spray is used on-site. All items are wiped and air-dried before use. COSHH compliant and non-toxic for children.
5. Additional Safety Measures
- A wooden rule board is displayed with clear play guidelines.
- Vinyl graphics are inspected regularly and secured properly.
- Play is supervised at all times by the client or guardian.
6. Review & Monitoring
All equipment is checked before, during, and after hire. The risk assessment is reviewed every 6 months or after any incidents.
Risk Assement- Bouncy Castle
1. Hazard: Unstable surface / incorrect setupRisk: Inflatable could tip or collapse, causing injury People at Risk: Children, Supervisors Controls: Use on flat, soft ground (grass preferred) or securely weighted on hardstanding Anchored with pegs (min. 380mm steel stakes) or sandbags as appropriate PIPA-tested inflatable with valid inspection tag Regularly check anchors during use
2. Hazard: Overcrowding or misuse Risk: Collisions, falls, trampling People at Risk: Children Controls: Supervised at all times by a responsible adult Limit number of users- under 4's only- 1 at a time Same age/size groups only per session No flips, somersaults, or rough play
3. Hazard: Weather (high winds or rain) Risk: Lifting of inflatable or slips People at Risk: All users Controls: Do not use if wind exceeds 24mph (38km/h) — use an anemometer or weather app Cease use in heavy rain or if surface becomes slippery Deflate and secure unit if weather worsens
4. Hazard: Trip hazards from blower, cables, and mats Risk: Trips/falls near the unit People at Risk: Children, Adults Controls: Secure all cables with cable covers or anchor them away from traffic paths Position blower behind barriers or away from children Use safety mats at entrance/exit
5. Hazard: Electrical equipment (blower) Risk: Shock, fire, equipment failure People at Risk: Staff, children Controls: PAT-tested blower and extension leads Use of RCD circuit breaker Keep blower dry and ventilated Daily visual checks for wear/damage
6. Hazard: Unattended use or after hours Risk: Unsupervised use, injuries People at Risk: Children Controls: Inflatable to be deflated and secured when not in use No access to power or entrance when unsupervised