Safety Guidelines for Arcade Gaming Machines

Introducing arcade games to an event is a fantastic way to add excitement and entertainment. However, ensuring the safety of all participants while they enjoy these games is always of utmost importance.

At We Are Tricycle, we have endless experience in taking our arcade game machines to events of all descriptions, so when it comes to arcade machine safety, we're a company that knows what we're talking about!

Here are some of our essential safety guidelines to follow when hiring arcade game machines:

• Proper Installation and Setup: Ensure that all arcade machines, whether it’s a racing simulator or a dance machine, are properly installed and set up. This includes securing them in place to prevent tipping and ensuring all electrical connections are safe and up to code. You don't have to worry about this with us - we set up our arcade games for you, and ensure they all have up-to-date PAT certificates.
• Clear Space Around Machines: Maintain clear space around gaming machines, especially those that require physical movement like Batak Pro. This helps prevent accidents caused by tripping or bumping into the equipment.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Before the event, check each machine for any signs of wear or malfunction. Regular maintenance ensures they are in good working condition. All the arcade machines available with us are maintained to the highest standard for your peace-of-mind.
• Supervise Young Children: Always supervise young children when they are using arcade machines like Whack-a-Mole arcade game or Pluck A Duck duck grabber. Guidance is crucial to ensure they use the machines safely.
• Hygiene and Cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect the machines, particularly high-touch areas like joysticks and buttons on Pixel Play classic arcade games. All of our products are cleaned between rentals to ensure the best hygiene.
• Provide Safety Instructions: Display safety instructions clearly for each game. Instructions for motion-intensive games like motion simulator should include advice on secure seating and handling sudden movements.
• Crowd Control and Monitoring: Monitor the area around popular games, such as table football or table tennis, to manage crowds and prevent over-congestion, which can lead to accidents. At high-volume events, you may need to consider crowd barrier fences.
• Emergency Procedures: Have clear emergency procedures in place. Ensure your team knows how to shut down and safely evacuate the area in case of an emergency.
• Adhere to Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for each machine. This includes weight limits and age limits, as well as any restrictions for people with medical issues.
• Accessible Design: Ensure that the setup is accessible to all guests, including those with disabilities. This may involve adjusting the placement of machines to allow for wheelchair access.

:Safety should always be a top priority when incorporating arcade gaming machines into your events. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guests have a fun and safe experience. At We Are Tricycle, we are committed to providing not just entertaining but also secure gaming solutions for all types of events. For more detailed information, please refer to our arcade game FAQs.

Arcade Safety Starts with the Space Around the Machine

Safe use is not only about the arcade machine itself. Organisers also need to consider where people will stand, how players enter and leave the gaming area, and whether spectators could obstruct nearby routes.

This becomes particularly important when several arcade game machines are installed together. How to Place Funfair Rides Around the Site explores the wider principles of positioning entertainment within an event layout, while Event Planning and Logistics FAQs provides further planning guidance.

Electrical Equipment Needs Suitable Event Infrastructure

Many arcade machines require an electrical supply, so power should form part of the event plan rather than being arranged as an afterthought. The requirements depend on the individual equipment, power source and venue.

How Are Funfair Rides Powered? provides a broader introduction to event power, while Fairground Electrical Safety Regulations looks more closely at electrical safety considerations for fairground and event equipment.

Keep Cables and Connections Out of Visitor Routes

The position of electrical connections can be just as relevant as the location of the machine. Cables should be managed appropriately for the venue and installation so that the entertainment does not introduce unnecessary obstructions into routes used by players, spectators or staff.

Outdoor and temporary installations may introduce additional considerations, particularly when weather conditions can affect the event environment. How to Prepare Funfairs for Adverse Weather provides related guidance for organisers planning outdoor entertainment.

Some Arcade Games Create More Player Movement Than Others

An arcade cabinet operated mainly through buttons and controls presents a different use pattern from a game where participants move quickly or react physically. Space and supervision should therefore reflect the individual activity rather than treating every arcade machine identically.

For example, Retro Arcade Machine Hire has a different style of participation from Arcade Basketball Machine, Batak Pro or Dance Machine. reaction games provides further examples of entertainment built around rapid player responses.

Queues and Spectators Can Change the Gaming Area

A popular machine may attract more people than the active players alone. Friends watching, people waiting for a turn and groups comparing scores can all increase the space being used around the equipment.

How to Manage Queues at Funfairs provides useful guidance for handling waiting visitors. For busy events, queue busters & waiting area games can also help organisers think differently about entertainment around periods of waiting.

Accessibility and Suitability Should Be Considered Individually

Arcade games vary considerably in their controls, physical demands, dimensions and style of play. Organisers should therefore avoid assuming that every machine will be equally suitable for every visitor.

Disabled Accessibility and Inclusivity at Funfairs & Fairgrounds and Funfair Accessibility FAQs provide broader guidance on accessibility and inclusive event planning. Where suitability is uncertain, the requirements of the particular equipment should be checked.

Report Problems Rather Than Continuing to Use Faulty Equipment

If a machine appears damaged, develops an electrical or mechanical problem, or is otherwise not operating as expected, visitors should stop using it and inform the responsible event or equipment staff. Guests should not attempt to open, repair or alter arcade equipment themselves.

Health and Safety FAQs provides further information about the wider safety approach at events, while What to Do in a Funfair Emergency covers what visitors should do if a more serious situation develops.

Put Arcade Games into the Wider Event Safety Plan

Arcade gaming can form part of exhibition stand | branded games, company fun days | corporate events, office entertainment and many other event formats. The appropriate arrangements will depend on the machines, venue, audience and overall event setup.

Explore electronic & digital games and all products for related entertainment. You can also read How to Ensure the Safety of Your Guests at Your Funfair, continue through our Guides, or contact us about arcade and gaming equipment for your event.