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Outdoor Electrical Safety in the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality sector, encompassing restaurants, pubs, cafes, and other similar establishments, thrives on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Beyond delectable cuisine and impeccable service, a vibrant ambience can significantly attract and retain patrons. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward outdoor dining and socialising spaces, often illuminated by lights or warmed with heaters to create an inviting environment. As these establishments extend their services outdoors, they must ensure their outdoor electrics are functioning properly and installed correctly to prevent health and safety problems. This blog explores the importance of outdoor electrical safety in the hospitality sector, offering advice to hospitality businesses seeking to improve their electrical safety standard.

The Benefits of Outdoor Electrics in Hospitality.

Outdoor spaces have the potential to create a unique and memorable dining experience. Well-lit outdoor areas with thoughtfully placed lighting fixtures- such as string lights suspended above a patio- can enhance the ambience and aesthetic value of the space. Outdoor heaters create a warm and inviting atmosphere regardless of weather conditions, attracting patrons in the cooler evenings. Restaurants and pubs with functional outdoor electrics can also extend their operational capacities by offering additional seating outdoors, which is financially beneficial. Additionally, practical outdoor electrics can power sound systems, lighting displays and other equipment required for successful events, making the venue popular for hosting gatherings and celebrations. While the benefits of outdoor electrics are clear, businesses must recognise the potential drawbacks, primarily that outdoor electrics are a health and safety hazard they must manage appropriately.

The Need for Better Outdoor Electrical Safety.

The safety of customers, employees, and the property itself should be the foremost concern of any establishment in the hospitality sector. Faulty outdoor electrics can lead to hazards like electric shocks, fires, and short circuits. By ensuring that outdoor electrical systems are correctly installed and regularly maintained, restaurants and pubs can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and provide a secure environment for everyone. Unfortunately, incidents occur where people are seriously injured or die due to faulty electrics. Therefore, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been working with local authorities to spread awareness about electrical safety standards in hospitality venues this summer. They recommend that "venues should arrange for a competent person to carry out electrical installation work, only using lights and heaters specifically designed for outdoor use, and regularly checking equipment for damage or water ingress" (HSE, 2023). Following their advice and complying with the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) - which outline the standard for fixed installation and electrical appliances- is essential for the success of any hospitality business because it will prevent accidents.

If you are a proprietor or overseer of a hospitality enterprise with current or prospective plans for outdoor electrical installations, adhering to the above recommendations is paramount. Incorporating all outdoor electrical systems, whether permanent or temporary, into your comprehensive business risk assessment is essential to ensure a secure operational environment.

It is advisable to consider adopting a robust health and safety management system to align your procedures and protocols with health and safety standards. In this regard, the expertise of RISG is invaluable. Renowned for specialising in health and safety consultation, RISG offers competent health and safety advice. Furthermore, they provide tailored health and safety management systems catering to your organisation's needs.

Should you seek to elevate your business's health and safety standards to excellence during the summer season, RISG is ready to assist you. You can access information on how RISG can enhance your business's health and safety framework by visiting our website.

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