Arcade Machine Warning
Mar 9, 2010
Do you have Arcade Machines, i.e. Toy Grabbing Arcade Machines?
If you do you need to be aware that some machines are not fitted with safety or toughened glass.
We are aware of a recent injury to a child playing, albeit recklessly, in a games room containing a Toy Grabbing arcade machine. He, unfortunately, ran into the machine shattering the glass which resulted in severe lacerations to his face.
The local Environmental Health Officer investigated the incident and advised that there was no specific legislation covering this type of machine and they felt it was just an accident.
Insurers however took a very different view and advised that the machines in the area should have been risk assessed and the type of glass in the machines ascertained. They hold the view that a machine with this type of glass should not be used in a games room environment containing children.
We would, therefore, strongly advise if you have arcade machinery that you risk assess the machinery and the environment in which it is positioned, and also specifically check the type of glass in the machines. Clearly if it is not safety or toughened glass you will need to take appropriate precautions or even go as far as to remove the machine from the area.
Mark Dalton, Wilby Risk Management comments, “Although there may be no specific regulations for arcade machines, the general duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999 would cover this type of equipment. Holiday park and campsite operators must be aware of the very wide range of risks present on their sites and make sure that the safety precautions in place are adequate”.
