Commercial coffee machines
If your coffee machine produces steam under pressure (such as an espresso machine or a higher pressure “Bean to Cup” machine) then its use comes under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.
If pressure equipment fails to operate correctly, it has the potential to seriously injure or kill people and severely damage property, as well as damage your business reputation. A pressure system is one that contains, or is likely to contain a relevant fluid over 0.5 bar.
Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace and safe work equipment. Following the coffee machine manufacturer’s instructions and health and safety guidelines can help prevent damage and injury.
Our safety guidance note tells you more about what you need to do.
Inflatable play equipment
Bouncy castles and other inflatable play equipment are very popular additions to events large and small. They provide entertainment for all ages. However, they do require to be managed safely to prevent accidents and serious injuries.
Since 2011, there have been more than 20 incidents across the UK involving bouncy castles where people have been injured – and killed – when inflatable play equipment were not properly managed or controlled.
The responsibility for ensuring the safety of users of inflatable play equipment rests with everyone involved. The owner of the equipment has a duty to ensure that it is certified by a competent inspection body, maintained in a safe condition, installed and operated in accordance with safety standards.
Event organisers must ensure that anyone supplying inflatable play equipment is competent, appropriately trained and insured. They must also ensure that the equipment itself is safety-certified and is operated by a competent person.
Our safety guidance note tells you more about what you need to do to ensure safe fun.
Spa pools and Hot Tubs
Spa pools in commercial premises
Hot tubs and spa pools can be the source of outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease, which can be fatal. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 that this risk is prevented.
The law requires you to have conducted a risk assessment and produced a written scheme of control for the spa pool. You can Find guidance on the HSE Website.
We have published the following guidance to help you comply with you duties and ensure the safety of your guests:
- A guidance leaflet for operators of spa pools in holiday accommodation. This explains your duties in more details and provides advice on the safe operation of spa pools.
- A self-assessment form. This can be used as a risk assessment and written scheme of control if you haven’t already completed one. This will help you identify any steps you need to take to improve control of your hot tub. You may have to carry out work to meet the standards set out in guidance.
- A model record sheet for routine monitoring and other checks.
Scandinavian hot tubs
A Scandinavian or Swedish hot tub is a typically a circular wooden tank containing water for bathing. The water is usually heated on demand using either an electrical heater or an external wood-fired boiler. These hot tubs are typically not aerated by air blowers or jets; any that are would have to be managed as spa pools because of the risk of Legionnaires’ Disease.
People can get skin rashes and infections from untreated and poorly-maintained Scandinavian hot tubs.
We have published a safety advice note to help you keep your guests safe, healthy and happy.
Hot tub hire businesses
If you hire out hot tubs you have a legal duty to ensure the safety of yourself, your employees, your customers and other persons using the equipment.
Our Questions and Answers guidance note tells you more about what you need to do to comply with the law.