We're ready for Summer, are you?

Hospitality venues should arrange checks for outdoor installations before the busy summer period begins.

With the warmer weather starting to make an appearance, pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues are being urged to make sure electrical installations and electrical equipment for use in outdoor spaces are safe.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with both representatives from the hospitality industry and local authority enforcement officers to increase awareness and to improve safety standards. 

HSE is stressing that venues should arrange for a competent person to carry out electrical installation work, only using lights and heaters specifically designed for outdoor use, and regularly checking equipment for damage or water ingress. The fixed installation and electrical appliances should be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

“The hospitality sector will be looking forward to an exciting and busy period, as it prepares for the spring and summer seasons, which will include major events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Those responsible for outdoor spaces will be planning to make use of them. It is important to make sure electrical equipment is in good condition, particularly as it may have been unused and in storage for a long period of time.”
John Rowe, HSE’s Head of Operational Strategy

Plugs and sockets

The information below is for the installation and use of plug-in electrical equipment. Anyone selecting, using, or maintaining such equipment should be competent to do so.

Before installing any outdoor equipment:

• Consider using extra low voltage or solar equipment to provide a safer installation
• Only select equipment that is suitable for outdoor use
• Check that equipment is not damaged particularly if it has been stored from previous use
• Ensure that the existing electrical installation is in good condition and compatible with the equipment to be installed.  This will include being able to accommodate the electrical load so that circuits and sockets are not overloaded
• Ensure that equipment is only connected to a socket protected by a suitable RCD
• Ensure that sockets are in good condition, suitable for use outside, if appropriate, and in a location where they won’t be accessed or damaged by customers
• Remove equipment from its packaging before installation
• Switch off the electrical supply before connecting

During installation and when using the equipment:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and retain for future reference
• Ensure that equipment is installed in locations where it will not be damaged and away from flammable materials and decorations
• Check frequently for any damage to equipment and replace failed lamps as appropriate
• Always switch off before replacing lamps and use the correct replacement lamp
• Keep equipment packaging for any future storage. If equipment is stored ensure that it is not in damp or excessively hot conditions

Any permanent fixed installation of equipment that does not require sockets, and the installation of sockets should be undertaken and thereafter maintained by a competent electrician. Source: HSE

Why should your business get PAT tested?

Under the Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations 1998, as well as The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, companies are required to ensure effective maintenance of electrical appliances. One of the best ways of meeting the requirements of these regulations is through a PAT testing regime.

PAT testing can help your business in many ways, including:

• Reducing the risk of fire and electric shocks on the premises
• Providing health and safety reassurance to staff, visitors, customers and suppliers
• Validating your insurance in case of an incident
• Providing an inventory of electrical equipment

Ongoing support

As a Stallard Kane Compliance client, you will have access to our Business Shield portal, where you will be able to use the E-logbook to store documents and certificates, and receive email alerts when anything is due to be renewed or re-inspected. There's the added benefit of being able to spread the cost of any of our services by direct debit, so you can ensure you're safe and compliant as soon as possible.

Get in touch today

Call us on 01427 420 404 or email pattestuk@skaltd.co.uk for more information.