Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues in East Hampshire are urged to make sure electrical installations and electrical equipment used in outdoor spaces are safe, ready for spring and summer.
Electrical safety advice for hospitality venues
East Hampshire District Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to raise awareness, reduce injury & improve safety at all outdoor hospitality spaces in the district.
Venues are urged to check their outdoor electrical equipment and make sure it is safe before outdoor spaces are used in the warmer weather.
Businesses are advised to carry out an electrical inspection of all existing electrical installations and appliances, to ensure everything is in good condition and suitable for use, particularly if it has been stored or not used for some time.
Only lights and heaters specifically designed for outdoor use should be used, and make regularly checks on equipment for damage or water ingress.
Any new installations must be compatible with existing equipment, with extra care to ensure electrical circuits and sockets are not overloaded.
Fixed installation and electrical appliances should be maintained in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Pubs, restaurants and all hospitality venues must prioritise electrical safety this summer
Councillor Angela Glass, EHDC's portfolio holder for Regulation & Enforcement said: “Businesses and organisations in the hospitality sector will be looking forward to the busy summer period.
"As they prepare for the arrival of warmer weather, people who run pubs with beer gardens, and other venues with outdoor spaces, should regularly check their electrics.
"It's their responsibility for making sure electrical equipment is in good condition and safe, and it's particularly important where equipment may have been in storage or unused for a long period of time.”
Electricity can kill – Prevent danger
Existing installations, including equipment connected to it, should be maintained to prevent danger. This means an appropriate visual inspection by a competent person and testing where required. By checking for visible signs of damage or defects most electrical faults can be managed economically.
Before using or installing outdoor equipment:
- Only select equipment that is suitable for outdoor use
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and retain for future reference
- Check that equipment is not damaged particularly if it has been stored from previous use.
- Ensure that existing electrical installations are in good condition and compatible with the equipment to be installed – including being able to handle 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 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.
- 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.
- Consider using extra low voltage or solar equipment to provide a safer installation
Further information on electrical safety can be found at www.hse.gov.uk.