Outdoor Events Risk Assessment

Primrose Weddings & Events Ltd  |  t/a The Harrogate Food & Drink Co.  |  Funky Fridays  |  Trufflehunters
Document RefRA-002
Issue DateDecember 2025
Last ReviewDecember 2025 — L. Aikman
Next ReviewDecember 2026
AssessorLinda Aikman
Applies toAll outdoor catering events — staff, visitors, contractors

Scope: All outdoor catering operations including food festivals, weddings, sporting events, corporate events, film & TV location catering, and hog roasts. Covers set-up, service, and breakdown phases.

Legislation: Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Food Safety Act 1990; Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Risk Rating = Likelihood (1–5) × Severity (1–5)  |  LOW 1–6 MEDIUM 7–14 HIGH 15–25

Hazards, Controls & Residual Risk

Hazard Who is at Risk L S Initial Risk Control Measures L S Residual Risk
Hot water boilers / hot liquids — burns and scalds to staff and customers Staff, public224 LOW
  • Boilers placed on stable, level tables capable of taking weight.
  • Gas lines correctly routed and stowed away from pedestrian areas to prevent tripping.
  • Careful handling of all hot liquids at all times.
  • No cross-traffic of staff in hot drink service areas.
  • Warn customers cups are hot; offer lids and trays. Staff trained in hot liquid handling.
122 LOW
External cooking equipment (ovens, grills, hog roasts) — burns and injury to staff and public Staff, public326 LOW
  • HAZARD signs placed around all hot cooking equipment.
  • Physical barriers used to keep public at least 2 m from cooking equipment.
  • Only trained, designated staff to operate cooking equipment.
  • Equipment not left unattended during operation.
  • Staff briefed on equipment hazards at start of every event.
224 LOW
Gas leaks / explosions from LPG-fuelled equipment Staff, public236 LOW
  • All gas connections leak-tested with soapy water before each event. See also RA-009 (LPG / Gas Safety).
  • Designated trained staff operate all gas equipment.
  • Gas turned off at cylinder when equipment not in use.
  • Public kept away from gas equipment and cylinders at all times.
  • Equipment maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and annual gas safety check on file.
224 LOW
Electrical cables and equipment — electric shock, burns, equipment damage Staff, public224 LOW
  • Cables routed away from water and pedestrian routes; secured where necessary.
  • All electrical equipment visually inspected before use for damage or defects.
  • All electrical equipment PAT tested annually. Current PAT certificate on file.
  • RCD protection used on all outdoor electrical connections.
122 LOW
Uneven or hazardous ground — slips, trips and falls Staff, public224 LOW
  • Site walk-through conducted before set-up to identify uneven surfaces, holes, or hazards.
  • Hazards marked and pedestrian flow directed away from uneven areas where practicable.
  • Staff and customers warned of specific ground hazards at each event.
  • Appropriate footwear required for all staff (no open-toe shoes).
111 LOW
Knives and sharp objects — cuts and serious injury to staff Staff236 LOW
  • All knives stored securely in knife blocks or roll when not in use.
  • Only trained staff to handle knives and sharp kitchen equipment.
  • Staff not to carry knives without a safe carrier or sheath; blade always pointing downwards.
  • Cut-resistant gloves available for high-risk cutting tasks.
224 LOW
Manual handling — lifting boxes, equipment, stock, tables; musculoskeletal injury Staff313 LOW
  • Manual handling awareness covered at staff induction. Correct technique demonstrated.
  • Heavy or awkward loads split where practicable; team lifts used for large items.
  • Sack trucks and trolleys provided for heavy stock movement.
  • Staff to report any manual handling concerns to event manager immediately.
212 LOW
Poor lighting during set-up, service or breakdown — trips, hidden hazards Staff313 LOW
  • Staff advised to stick to lit routes only in poorly lit areas.
  • Head torches / hand torches carried by senior staff at all events with late breakdown.
  • Event organiser contacted in advance if inadequate site lighting is expected.
212 LOW
Cleaning chemicals / COSHH — dermatitis, skin irritation, inhalation Staff133 LOW
  • COSHH assessment completed for all cleaning chemicals in use. Staff trained on safe use.
  • PPE (gloves, apron) provided and worn when using cleaning chemicals.
  • Chemicals stored securely in original containers with lids closed when not in use.
111 LOW
Broken glass — contamination of food, cuts to staff and customers Staff, public313 LOW
  • Glass-free policy in food preparation areas wherever practicable.
  • Broken glass swept up immediately and disposed of separately (not in general refuse bags).
  • Bin bags containing broken glass carried away from the body and clearly labelled.
  • Staff trained in broken glass procedure at event briefing.
111 LOW

Emergency Procedure