Recently we shared how colleagues have been asked to move general appliances, like kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines to a designated fire hazard room where possible before Monday, 15th September.

One area that has already completed their move is Corridor 5 at HRI, which hosts our Discharge Team, Calderdale and Kirklees social services and Locala.

Discharge Co-Ordinator, David Weir, said: “We had six makeshift kitchens on Corridor 5, which were put in place to help manage social distancing during the pandemic.

“It was one of those jobs which could easily be put off, but we knew that a fire had broken out elsewhere in a makeshift kitchen, so we just knuckled down and got it sorted between us in about 10 days.

“Not having the time isn’t an excuse – after all, everyone is responsible for fire safety. We all pitched in to get it sorted quickly and to help keep everyone in Corridor 5 safe.”

Pictured are Discharge Co-ordinators, Sarah Grocott and David, Discharge Sister Christine Bentley, and Kirklees Council's Katie Dearden.

What should departments and areas do?

Please aim to move equipment by Monday, 15th September.

Where designated fire hazard room kitchens are available, please move general appliances to designated kitchen areas. 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. This item will then be inspected and then 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 on the wall.

Please contact our Fire Officers for any support and advice:

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

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