Health & Safety in Bed and Breakfast Establishments
Introduction
This information produced by the Food and Occupational Health
Team provides guidance on the food safety and health and safety
requirements that apply to Bed and Breakfasts (B & Bs). This
information does not cover fully those B & B's that do evening
meal food preparation or that employ any members of staff.
For further information or advice please do not hesitate to
contact your Local Environmental Health Department. See also the
link to B & Bs relating to food safety below.
Health & Safety
The main legislation is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act
1974 under which a number of specific regulations are made.
3 or more letting rooms - the Local Authority are the enforcing
authority and an Inspector will carry out health and safety
inspections to assess compliance with the relevant legislation.
This visit will usually be combined with the routine food hygiene
inspection.
2 or less letting rooms do not come under the Local Authority
for inspection purposes due to their classification as a domestic
property for whom which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are
the enforcing authority.
Inspection Topics
As the Proprietor of the business you are legally required to
carry out a careful examination of what, in your business, could
cause harm to people. (i.e. risk assessments) This will include
identifying the hazards, and assessing the risks, deciding whether
the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be
done to prevent harm. These findings should be reviewed on a
regular basis.
The following are examples of the areas and questions you should
consider;
- Slips, trips and falls; Are the floor surfaces
of a suitable material.
- Are floor coverings securely fitted.
- Are trailing cables suitably secured.
- Are access and escape routes kept clear from
obstruction.
- Changes in level; i.e. step near a door or low
beams.
- Can they be highlighted or suitably signed in
any way to make residents aware of the hazard, or pointing these
areas out on arrival.
Lighting: Are there any areas where the lighting is poor and
could be improved.
Fire: If 6 or more letting rooms then a fire certificate is
required.
Consider possible ignition sources within the premises, are they
suitably controlled.
What are your emergency procedures for evacuation.
For further information contact the Fire Service on 01900
602543
Manual Handling: When moving equipment and laundry, can it be
done in a more appropriate or safer way, for example reducing or
sharing the load.
Cleaning Chemicals: Identify the cleaning chemicals that you
use, how they should be used and if any personal protective
clothing e.g. gloves are required.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation must be provided either by
natural means i.e. opening window or mechanical extract fan to any
bathrooms and the kitchen area.
Low windows: Suitably assess the position of any low opening
windows, where a young child may have access then consider the use
of a restrictor on the window to prevent the child possibly
climbing or falling out. Where the bottom edge of an opening window
is less than 800mm from the floor then consider a barrier across to
prevent any fall through the window.
First Aid: Adequate first aid provisions must be available along
with emergency contact details. Contact the Local Authority for
further information on the accidents or incidents which may be
reportable.
Electricity: Damage to electrical equipment and around 95% of
faults can be found just by looking, which you could do on a
regular basis if you have enough knowledge and experience to know
what to look for. Switch off, disconnect the plug and look for
signs of:
- Damage to the cable covering;
- Damage to the plug;
- Non-standard joint, i.e. taped joints in the
cable;
- Exposure of the coloured insulation wires;
- Equipment being used in unsuitable conditions,
e.g. wet environment;
- Damage to the equipment itself;
- Overheating (burn marks or staining);
It is recommended that an annual inspection is carried out as
follows:
- Remove the plug cover and check that;
- A correct rated fuse is being used;
- The cord grip is holding the outer part (sheath)
of the cable tightly;
- The wires are attached to the correct
terminals;
- There is no sign of internal damage, overheating
or entry of liquid, dust or dirt.
- These checks should be carried out for all
portable electrical appliances (kettles, lamps, alarm clocks,
heaters, toasters etc) and also any extension leads that are
used.
- Any multi adapters that are used should be
independently fused, and placed so as to prevent any damage to
them.
It is strongly recommended that these checks are documented.
Gas
Ensure gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe
condition;
An annual safety check must be carried out on each gas
appliance. This would include a gas central heating system and
boiler, and any gas fires available for use in any areas where
residents have access. Any other gas equipment such as a gas cooker
should also be on a service plan as recommended by the
manufacturer;
These checks must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas
installer
Keep a record (detailed inspection report) of each safety check
for two years.
Have the certificate on display or available for inspection.
Leaflets Available
An Introduction to Health and Safety.
Stating Your Business.
5 Steps to Risk Assessment.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
RIDDOR explained.
First Aid.
Maintaining portable Electrical Equipment in Hotel and Tourist
Accommodation.
Gas Appliances Get them checked , keep them safe.
Manual Handling.
Slips, Trips, and Falls.
An Inspector Calls.