FEA highlights vital equipment safety

In response to the upcoming sentencing relating to the tragic death of a foodservice equipment technician, the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is highlighting the importance of ensuring that all parts of the supply chain are aware of, and complying with, their responsibilities for ensuring the safe installation, use and maintenance of foodservice equipment.

The FEA points out that a commercial kitchen can be a dangerous place and every member of the chain must take responsibility for their actions within it. Thus, once the parameters of the required equipment have been established, it is the responsibility of the supplier to understand the customer’s brief and help to meet legal obligations. This involves ensuring that all required certification and labelling are carried out correctly, as well as adhering to the specific installation requirements of the manufacturer.

It is then purchaser's responsibility to ensure that the equipment is installed by someone appropriately qualified and regularly maintained thereafter. They should also be aware of any product recalls or updates and action them accordingly. Once equipment is installed, any member of staff that works with it should be properly trained to use it safely and carry out basic everyday maintenance tasks.

“The tragic death of the technician has brought the issue of safety standards surrounding foodservice equipment into sharp focus,” says Andy Threlfall, technical and policy director of the FEA. “The FEA will continue to work to provide support, advice and training to its members. Our aim is not only to help them to meet their legal responsibilities, but also to help them make their business a safe working environment for employees and any technicians or specialists undertaking work for them.”

If anything goes wrong at any stage each person in the chain could potentially face to prosecution if legal requirements have not been correctly met.

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