Running a balloon company or being a balloon artist may not seem risky at first. However, in case things don't go as planned, remember that it's your livelihood or business that will be affected. Rest assured, much of it boils down to common sense. Taking care of health and safety is just one aspect of effectively managing a business.
In the UK, the law applies to all businesses, large or small. If you’re self-employed or an employer then you are responsible for the health and safety of your business. The law is in place to make sure you have a safe working environment and cut down the risk of you, your staff (if you have any) or your customers getting ill or injured.
You must consider and manage any risks both where you work or that may come in connection with what you do.
This is a straightforward process known as ‘risk assessment.' It involves thinking about what you do in your business that could harm people – you, your staff (if you have them) or your customers – and what you’re going to do to try to prevent it from happening.
Let's look at a few examples of potential hazards in the work place or when working onsite;
- Slips, trips and falls - ensuring that we keep floor areas clear. Remember any balloon shining products can make the floor slippery.
- Tools - keep tools tidy and clear tool boxes away so that they don’t become a trip hazard when working onsite.
- Ladders - ensure that ladders are in good condition and that they are fit for purpose. ALWAYS ensure that ladders are positioned in the safest way to complete the task.
- Electricity and cables - ensure that all equipment works properly and that electrical equipment is serviced and tested by someone with the correct skills and qualifications. Ensure that any electrical cables are not a trip hazard.
- Lifting and carrying - ensure that loads are not too big and use a trolly when possible to move loads around more easily.
- Balloons - Child and Pet Precautions: Balloons are not a toy. Uninflated or burst balloons can present a choking hazard and should never be left with children under the age of eight without supervision. Store balloons away from pets to ensure that they cannot get themselves tangled with balloon ribbons or accidentally ingest popped balloons or their decorative contents such as confetti, feathers, or other materials. If a balloon pops, clear away any broken balloons and any decorative contents (if applicable) immediately.
- Balloons and Allergies - most balloons are made of natural rubber latex and may cause allergies. Keep a sharp eye out for symptoms in case of allergies and seek immediate help.
- Helium- Inhaling helium can be dangerous and it is NEVER recommended. It can deprive your body of oxygen and can result in a fatality.
How do you relay important and relevant information to your customers?
Care Cards & Balloon Care Guide
Giving your customers information on preventative and risk reduction measures, along with how to care for their balloons can truly help, especially if something goes wrong!
I often see posts on Facebook where someone asks for advice on how to deal with a customer who has complained about a bad balloon experience. These situations can often be avoided if we the clients are supplied with a "Care Card" or a "Balloon Fact Sheet" at the time of purchase or when we are installing balloons for a client.
There are many things that we can include on our "Care Cards" or a "Enjoy your Balloons" fact sheet. I would recommend that you choose those that are most relevant to the types of balloons, and or decor that you are supplying.
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Here are some more great tips that you can share with your customers and on your website.
1. Balloons and Temperature: Don't leave balloons in a hot car - helium expands in the heat and this could cause your balloons to pop! We recommend that you use air conditioning in your vehicle when transporting balloons on a hot day. If balloons get rained on and start to droop, don't worry – they'll float again when dry. When helium-filled balloons are taken into the cold, they will temporarily deflate and will re-inflate again when warm.
2. RISK Balloons - Child and Pet Precautions: Balloons are not a toy. Uninflated or burst balloons can present a choking hazard and should never be left with children under the age of eight without supervision. Store balloons away from pets to ensure that they cannot get themselves tangled with balloon ribbons or accidentally ingest popped balloons or their decorative contents such as confetti, feathers, or other materials. If a balloon pops, clear away any broken balloons and decorative contents (if applicable) immediately.
3. Balloons and the Environment: At the end of a balloon's life, cut the end of the balloon with scissors to remove any air or balloon gas, then dispose of it in the bin. NEVER release balloons into the environment. ALL released balloons become litter. They can get caught up in trees or power lines. Remember - Don't Let Go, & Pin It and Bin It 😊
4. RISK Balloons and Allergies: Most balloons are made of natural rubber latex and may cause allergies. Please look out for symptoms in case of allergies and seek immediate help.
5. RISK Inhalation of helium: Inhaling helium can be dangerous and it is not recommended. It can deprive your body of oxygen and can result in a fatality.
6. Balloons and Ceilings: Lights, paint textures, irregular surfaces and even static can all pop balloons. If you are planning on placing your balloons on a ceiling, ensure that you test it first.
7. Latex balloons and Oxidization: Clear balloons become cloudy quickly when exposed to heat and sunshine. Coloured balloons will take on a velvety, matte appearance.
8. Balloons can Pop: While we use the highest quality balloons and take every precaution necessary with your balloons to ensure they last through your event, once the balloons leave our door or we have left the venue, they are out of our control.
You can certainly go into more detail if you plan to publish this information on your website. You could cover more information regarding balloons, different weather conditions, the environment and how to dispose of balloon weights - especially if they are filled with water or sand!
It is becoming standard practice for a venue to ask event vendors to provide risk assessments along with proof of their business liability insurance prior to working in a venue. Without either of these they will not permit you to work.
Writing a risk assessment involves identifying potential hazards, what the risk is and measures that you take to prevent or reduce any potential risk.
Here is an example of a simple Risk Assessment Chart with an example.
This is a Risk Matrix which gives you a guide to RISK Values.
To learn how to write a risk assessment check out my post Risk Assessments & Method Statements - https://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.com/search?q=risk+assessment
It is very important that we don't bury our heads in the sand when it comes to potential risks and that we learn to manage and control those risks in a professional manner. Many balloon businesses also offer prop hire and accessories that bring their own risks! It is essential that a balloon business carries a comprehensive Public Liability insurance and if a company employs staff they are required to carry Employee Liability insurance too! In the UK, I recommend www.BAPIAonline.com, who are an Independent Trade Organisation for the Balloon & Party industry!
Happy Ballooning!
Sue
Follow me @suebowler