Electricity and mobile or temporary catering operations

This page is a short stand alone article aimed at Mobile catering operations, while it draws on BS7909:2008 and BS7671:2008 it is not definitive.

Most of the text is for smaller stand alone operations, larger complex operations are mentioned but the expectation is for a professional electrician to design, install and test complex systems.

General:

The use of Electricity at work is governed by the statutory Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, these require that “Every work activity, including operation, use and maintenance of a system and work near a system, shall be carried out in such a manor as not to give rise, so far is reasonably practicable danger.” - EAWR 89 Regulation 4 (3)

All electrical temporary electrical systems must: be inspected after assembly at a new site or location (PUWER 98 Regulation 6) as their safety depends on the installation conditions. BS7909:2008 Completion Certificates or BS7671:2008 Electrical Installation Certificates may be issued. Care should be taken to ensure that “Efficient means, suitably located, shall be provided for protection from excess of current every part of a system as may be necessary to prevent danger.”  EAWR Regulation 11

It may also be a requirement of a licensed premises under a Licensing Act 2003 Section 182 public safety condition that temporary electrical systems comply with BS7909:2008.

All fixed electrical installations should be inspected in accordance with BS7671 IEE Regulations and should be periodically checked the IET recommends a routine annual check and a full inspection and test every 3 years for caravans and 6 month checks with annual testing & inspection for caravan parks and similar environments. Electrical Installation Certificates and Periodic Inspection Reports to BS7671 should be available for every mobile catering unit. (Trade associations such as ECA, NAPIT, or NICEIC also produce certificates based on BS7671). This inspection, should be done by a competent electrician.

The frequency of the tests is a matter for individual organizations but systems and equipment must be maintained “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable such danger” EAWR 89 Regulation 4 (2)

All electrical equipment should be tested regularly by someone competent to carry out a test.  Portable appliance testing (PAT) should be carried out on all portable appliances annually and 6 monthly for hand held devices in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

“Faults in plugs or cables and poor maintenance of heated food trolleys are the commonest factors leading to accidents.” HSE CAIS12 Maintenance priorities in catering

Maintenance priorities and timetables should follow Table 2 of the HSE Publication CAIS12 Maintenance priorities in catering: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cais12.pdf

All temporary electrical systems and generators should be managed and risk assessed

(as required by The Management of H&S at Work Regulations). It would be good practice to take into account the following: 

A)     The General Outline of the system should be noted ie the amount of power needed

B)     A person should take responsibility for the system – The Duty Holder

C)     The System should be planned

D)    A risk assessment should be undertaken

E)     The equipment should be checked

F)     The system should be set up and checked

G)    If changes to the system are needed they should only occur when isolated from the supply of energy and the system should be checked again

H)    Systems should not be left unattended, especially when using generators

I)      The System should be Isolated form the source of energy before removal and safely dismantled

J)      Problems should be noted and acted upon by competent people

Checking Sockets

When using socket outlets in other peoples premises the sockets should be checked before use by inspection of a current Electrical Installation Certificate or Periodic Inspection Report and or by using an appropriate test device:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/socket1.htm

Competent People, Inspections and Certificates

“No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such a degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work”  EAWR Regulation 16 

For individual traders, using a single phase generator in isolation from other electrical sources of up to 6KVA or using 13A socket outlets in a building (or other installed outlets for specific individual items of equipment), a basic risk assessment and inspection including checking of socket outlets should be sufficient, providing the equipment is PAT tested by a skilled person.

In most cases ordinary people following this guide and having taken steps to have their system tested, documented and explained will have: “adequate understanding of the system to be worked on and practical experience of that class of system” HSR25

There is no need to insist upon the introduction of a skilled electrician. (It is not necessarily reasonably practicable for every small business to consult experts every time when using simple systems) This can be done at longer scheduled intervals.

A single generator system separate from other electrical systems may not require the use of earth rods.

 Note: A Generator should NOT be used as an addition to the use of sockets in a building as it could introduce a “charge” with out consulting an electrician to ensure earthing arrangements are adequate. A skilled person must assess the earthing arrangement in order to ensure that “precautions shall be taken, either by earthing or other suitable means, to prevent danger arising when any conductor (other than a circuit conductor) which may reasonably foreseeable become charged as a result of either the use of a system, or a fault in a system, becomes so charged…” EAWR Regulation 8

Where more than one operation is on the same site, generators over 6kva, more than one generator or socket outlets of 32A or over are used to supply more than one individual item of equipment a skilled electrician should inspect the system and provide a written certificate to BS7671:2008 or BS7909:2008 as appropriate.

A skilled electrician will usually meet the JIB requirements for approved electrician status (having passed the C&G 2391 or equivalent) and will probably be a member of ECA, JIB, NAPPIT, NICEIC, Temporary Electrical Systems Association or similar professional body.

A competent PAT tester will ideally have passed the C&G 2377 examination or equivalent.

Common Risks

This Guide focuses on three main areas:

Fire Risks, Contamination Risks and Electrical Hazards posed in mobile catering environments.

Fire Risks have long been associated with electrical systems: which was the main reason for the introduction of the IEE wiring regulations first edition in 1882. They fall in to two categories in this context, a) the risk from Fuel for generating Systems and b) the electrical system employed. “Nearly 2000 fires in 1991 were caused by faulty leads to appliances”  HSE HSG107 Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment

PME or TN-C-S Supplies

The Statutory ESQCR 2002 Regulation 9(4) prohibits PME connections to caravans

“Distributors must not offer connections to earthing terminals from PME networks for consumers’ installations in caravans or boats. The particular risk at these installations arises from the possibility of the supply neutral conductor becoming disconnected from earth, possibly causing the metalwork in the caravan or boat to rise to live potential (assuming that the caravan or boat does not benefit from an independent connection with earth). Persons entering or exiting the caravan or boat would then be at risk of electric shock.”

Mobile catering trailers or transportable metal units should be considered as caravans.

Using an extension flex to power such units must only be undertaken after, the socket outlet supply characteristics have been determined by a competent person.

Special earthing arrangements may be needed to facilitate caravans as per BS7671 section 708

Note: there is a distinction in BS7671 between caravans, caravan sites and mobile and transportable units. Caravans are usually under the control of ordinary people and need specific types of supply earthing arrangements; mobile and transportable units are often under the direct supervision of electrically skilled persons who can asses and monitor the risks of connecting to different supply types.

Generators

Generators need to be protected from inclement weather but have good ventilation at all times.  (See EAWR Regulation 6 Adverse or hazardous environments)

Generators should be sited away from the public and/or in a protective cage on a hard standing or firm ground. External plugs and sockets must be waterproof and the circuit breakers must work effectively.

Small Generators should be placed on a bund enclosure to prevent ground contamination in the event of fuel spill or mechanical failure; large generators often have bunds built in to the design.

Sufficient space and lighting must be around generators and switchgear to enable the prevention of injury to persons working on or near them (EAWR Regulation 15) 

A suitable (CO₂) Fire Extinguisher should be within 5m of a generator.

Suitable Environmental protection measures should be available (spill kit), to absorb any spilled fuel and the Environment Agency notified if a spill occurs.

Small generators should be fitted with a residual current device, all final circuits should be protected with a 30mA device.

The “T” or test button or an RCD must be pressed to check that it will operate every time equipment is set up at a new location. As RCDs are specifically provided to protect persons at work it is an absolute requirement that they are maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used. EAWR 4(4) “Regulation 4(4) is NOT qualified by “so far as reasonably practicable”  - HSE Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at work Regulations.

The generator must be sited to prevent exhaust fumes from contaminating food or affecting people. (PUWER 98 Regulation 4(1) and (2))

Generators should be sited away from any inflammables and fuel.

Fuel used for the generators must be stored in an approved container away from any ignition source and the generator itself. The safest form of fuel is LPG .It is recommended to use diesel rather than petrol to reduce the amount of fuel storage needed.

Suitable Environmental protection measures should be available, to absorb any spilled fuel and the Environment Agency notified if a spill occurs.

If possible, do not store oil (Diesel or Petrol) in significant risk locations (these can include within 50 metres of a spring, within 10 metres of a watercourse or 50 metres of a well or borehole).

Petrol generators can be converted to LPG.

Generators should not be re-fuelled whilst the generator is still running.

Gloves should be used when handling petrol or diesel fuel they should be discarded and hands washed prior to returning to food based work or re-entering a food centered environment. Care should also be taken to ensure clothing is not contaminated with fuel oils.

Generators must not be overloaded by connecting appliances that require higher wattage than can be delivered. Generators must fit the size of operation.  “No electrical equipment shall be put into use where it’s strength and capability may be exceeded in such a way as may give rise to danger”  EAWR Regulation 5

Generators are also a noise source and can produce fumes. This must be borne in mind in the siting of the equipment. Most event organisers will require super silent diesel or LPG powered generators.

Consideration needs to be given to contingencies in case of generator failure, particularly in maintaining food safety temperatures.

Many events may supply power from centralised generator(s) together with a skilled electrician and charge for usage, they should provide individual traders with a separate, clearly labeled point of supply and isolation. (Information and Instructions PUWER 98 Regulation 8 and Isolation PUWER Regulation 19, EAWR regulation 12) Care should be taken to ensure that a fault in one operation does not affect others on site.  

Lighting

Sufficient Working, Safety and Emergency Lighting must be available (PUWER Regulation 21), the choice of lighting should take into account dangers from rotating machinery; lights for workers safety may be necessary to the rear of catering units. Fixtures must be suitable for the environment and external influences (IP44 outdoors)

Cables

Cables should be run so that they do not create a hazard (in particular a trip hazard) and are protected from all sources of damage.

If possible, cables should be routed clear of passageways, walkways, ladders, stairs, etc. They should not be passed through fire barriers without arrangements to preserve the effectiveness of the barrier.

Cables laid along floors should be arranged to cause minimum obstruction and should be secured in position if disturbance is likely.

Cables on the ground, which cross pedestrian and vehicle routes, should be protected from damage and ramped.

Overhead cables that cross pedestrian walkways should be at least 3.5 m above the ground. (BS7671:2008)

Overhead cables that cross routes over which vehicles might pass should be at least 6 m above the ground. (BS7671:2008)

Joints Plugs and Sockets must be safe and suitable for use “Where necessary to prevent danger, every joint and connection in a system shall be mechanically and electrically suitable for use” EAWR Regulation 10 (table 2 of BS7909:2008 provides a good guide to connector types and current ratings)

Cables for outdoor use should be of industrial grade BS7179 (HO7RN-F or equivalent) rubber, with a minimum voltage designation of 450/750V (heavy duty flexible as a minimum, as defined in BS 7540-1) and resistant to abrasion and water.

Note: BS6500 cables are for Domestic Duty and in particular PVC blue “artic” cables are not considered suitable for work environments outdoors. (See PUWER regulation 4) For information about the cables contact British Cables Association on 020 8941 4079 or techsec@bcauk.org http://www.bcauk.org and the IET Wiring matters article on cables for temporary installations: http://www.theiet.org/publishing/wiring-regulations/mag/2009/31-Cables.cfm?type=pdf

Hired Equipment

Equipment providers have a duty to ensure the equipment is safe and sufficient instructions are provided with the equipment this is required by:

The Supply of Machinery (safety) Regulations 1992, The provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Ventilation

Ventilation and heating systems should be sufficient, designed and installed by competent persons.

Reference:

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

HSR25 HSE Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at work Regulations 1989

HSG85 Electricity at Work Safe Working Practices

HSG107 Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment

HSE, Electrical Safety of Independent Low Voltage a.c. Portable and Mobile Generators and Connected Systems (OC482/2)

HSE CAIS12 Maintenance priorities in catering

BS7909:2008 The Code of practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes

BS7671:2008 IEE Wiring Regulations

    Section 708 Electrical installations in Caravan / Camping parks and similar locations

    Section 711 Exhibitions, shows and Stands

    Section 717 Mobile or Transportable Units

    Section 721 Electrical Installations in Caravans and Motor Caravans

BS7540  Electric Cables Guide to Use for cables with a rated voltage not exceeding 450/700V

BS7919, Electric Cables – Flexible Cables rated up to 450/750V, for use with appliances and equipment intended for industrial and similar environments

BS 7430:1998  Code of practice for earthing

IEE Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

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