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.
Allerdale Borough Council
