One of the areas most taken for granted throughout the hospitality industry is that of lighting. Yet there are many separate issues with regard to the ambience of your premises and the working conditions that your staff are subjected to in the back of house.
The ultimate goal must be that all lighting is positioned so that people are not working in the shadows and that customers are never at risk of injury from obstacles not adequately illuminated.
In the kitchen, for example, natural light can very often be restricted, so strip-tube lighting is generally used. This must be fitted with a diffuser with ease of access for cleaning, as it can so often become a magnet for bugs and grease. Other issues that should be of concern include regular checking of both maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting. This measure should form an integral part of your fire safety regime.
It is also incumbent upon you to ensure there is secondary lighting for all escape routes in case of fire, and that there is emergency lighting available in the event of power failure.
Where public areas are involved, there should always be adequate ambient or artificial light and this situation should always be given care and attention through a simple walk-round inspection. Making this a regular part of the safety routine will quickly reveal any remedial work that is required, such as replacing bulbs or tubes.
Is my DJ OK to block the fire exit?
Q I have found a great DJ for my function room; he is very popular with the customers and has lots of lights, bells and whistles. My only concern is that he has so much equipment that he takes so much room and tends to creep towards covering the fire exit door behind him. I have had several words with him about this but he reckons it is OK because he is with the stuff all the time and can easily move it in an emergency. I don't want to upset him, but I still have concerns. What is you opinion?
A You are right to be concerned! You are right, he is wrong - end of story. All exits must be clear at all times. You, as licensee, have ultimate responsibility.
Customers say the football is too noisy
Q There was an interesting debate in the pub last night after the football shown on TV. I have customers who come for the match and also ones who do not. There was some 'friendly' banter about the noise levels and control over the volume. A couple of the local 'non-TV' customers were going on about the noise levels being too loud and unsafe for the hearing. It was all quite friendly but I wondered if you could point me in the right direction for advice?
A There are new noise at work regulations and indeed new guidance as given out by the HSE in April 2009. They are probably being a little over-zealous but you know your customers best, so let your common sense rule the day or for further guidance visit www.hse.gov.uk. If necessary you can always offer patrons and indeed your staff earplugs.
Staff won't wear ear protection
Q My staff don't want to wear the new ear protectors I have provided to comply with the Noise Regulations. Who would be at fault if they later made a complaint or an inspector saw this?
A You! Educate and seek the advice of your local health and safety officer from your local council, who will gladly provide you with information for your staff. They may also ask you to undertake a risk assessment. Be sure to get in touch with me should you need some help with this or anything else.