General appliances are items like kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines

Makeshift kitchens are areas where general appliances such as kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines are being used in offices and other areas which are not fire safe and they are not in a fire-resistant hazard room. This is currently a risk on the risk register. During Covid, areas were allowed to use general appliances in offices and other areas to lower the spread of infection. However, a decision been made to mitigate the risk.

We are asking colleagues to review their areas and put in place the actions below by Monday, 15th September.

To lessen the risk as much as possible, the following actions must be taken:

  • All departments and areas where designated fire hazard room kitchens are available should move general appliances from their makeshift kitchen areas to designated kitchen areas. All these appliances can then be safety located and be used within a fire hazard room. If you need support moving the equipment, please contact the Estates Helpdesk. 
  • Where no designated kitchen area (fire hazard room) is available, colleagues must ensure that any general appliances are:
    • PAT tested. Please note: colleagues must not bring in personal electrical equipment from home to use at work. This is against both the electrical and fire safety policies. You can request a PAT Test by contacting the Estates Helpdesk.
    • The appliance must meet British electrical safety standards. This can be identified on the plug by the BS Kitemark: or it will be marked UKCA or CE. If your appliance does not have any of these marks please inform the Estates Helpdesk. The item will then be inspected and a decision made.
    • Appliances must then be plugged into the wall only – you must not use an extension lead and adapter blocks are prohibited.
    • Please remember; when items other than fridges and freezers are not in use, they should be switched off at the the wall.

Please contact our Fire Officers for any support and advice:

Keith Rawnsley, tel: 07867 550332, Keith.rawnsley@cht.nhs.uk

Kumer Zaman, tel: 07787 220282, kumer.zaman@cht.nhs.uk