Health & Safety for Mobile/Temporary Premises
The proprietor of the food business needs to ensure the health and safety of themselves, employees and customers using the business. In order to do this, any hazards associated with the business must be identified and adequate procedures implemented to minimise any risks resulting from these hazards.
In simple terms:
HAZARD = the ability to cause harm.
RISK = the likelihood for harm to occur.
Hazards commonly associated with mobile/temporary premises are given below along with typical control measures.
Liquid Petroleum (Calor) Gas
Presents the hazard of fire and explosion.
Storage quantities should be kept to a minimum both in the unit and at the home storage point. Good ventilation is essential and all valves, pipelines and equipment must be maintained to prevent leaks. Changing of cylinders must be carried out away from ignition sources. LPG cylinders should be outside the vehicle/premises and the pipe work inside should be permanent copper pipe. A flexible hose is normally used to connect the cylinders outside. (Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974)
Catering Equipment e.g. grills, boilers, knives etc.
Present the hazards of hot surfaces, hot fats and oils, sharp edges etc. leading to cuts and burns. The use of such items must be restricted to persons who are able to do so safely and measures must be taken to ensure customers, particularly children, cannot come into contact with such equipment. (Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974)
Slips, Trips and Falls
The majority of accidents resulting in injury result from falling or tripping over.
Floor surfaces should be in good condition and kept clear of obstructions such as boxes, trailing cables etc. to avoid tripping. Spillages of liquids, dropped food etc. must be cleared immediately to avoid slipping. If your staff or the public need steps to gain access to the premises, then sound steps should be provided. (Health & Safety at Work Etc Act 1974)
First Aid
Suitable provision must be made for first aid. This will require the provision of a first aid kit on the vehicle and, depending on the location, require the operator to have knowledge of first aid. (First Aid at Work Regulations 1981)Electricity
Electricity either from the mains or portable generator has the ability to electrocute and cause severe burns. Electrical faults may also cause fires.
Any electrical equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure that leads are not cut or chafed and that casings are not damaged. Competent persons should inspect the equipment periodically to ensure that the earthing is still effective and the equipment is electrically safe. Do not try to repair electrical equipment yourself. (Electricity at Work Regulations 1989)
Cleaning Agents
Chemical cleaning agents are usually toxic if swallowed and some, such as oven cleaner, may burn the skin and cause breathing problems if the vapours are inhaled. Such chemicals must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and stored in their original containers with the labels intact. Personal protective equipment, such as goggles, gloves and aprons may need to be worn. Chemicals must never be transferred to unlabelled or incorrectly labelled containers such as lemonade bottles. Chemicals must be securely stored so that they do not fall into the hands of children. (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002)Lone Working
Working alone, particularly at night, presents the hazard of violence from attempted theft or drunken customers in addition to the possibility of accident or illness whilst alone. Where possible lone working should be avoided in high risk situations or adequate arrangements made to ensure the safety of staff, for example providing personal alarms and/or mobile phones.(Health & Safety at Work Etc Act 1974)
Accident Reporting
Certain accidents, such as those causing death, serious injury or requiring more than 3 days off work must be reported to the enforcing authority.
The operator must provide a means of recording accidents which is available for inspection. Reporting of accidents to the enforcing authority must be by the quickest possible means followed up in writing within 10 days. Ask for a leaflet if you do not know what incidents need reporting. (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995)
Training
All persons involved with the operation of the unit must be sufficiently trained to be able to carry out their duties in a safe manner and without danger to themselves or others.Manual Handling
Lifting food stocks, gas cylinders, water or waste containers etc. may result in injuries to the back, particularly slipped disc, torn muscles, crushing of fingers and toes, cuts and bruising. Any staff required to lift heavy items should be trained in the correct techniques and, if necessary, ask for assistance. Lifting should never be carried out above shoulder height or involve twisting of the back whilst lifting. (Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992)
For further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the Health & Safety Officer on the contact details below.
Related documents
H & S for mobile/temporary premises - printable version
Environmental Health Service Plan 2008/09
Related webpages
Food Business - Requirements for Mobile/Temporary Premises
| email: | envhealth@northshropshiredc.gov.uk |
|---|---|
| telephone: | 01939 238460 |
| fax: | 01939 238468 |
