| To ensure food safety, does your vehicle meet the following structural standards: | | |
| Are walls, floors, work surfaces etc easy to clean? | ☐ | 11 |
| Is there adequate ventilation? | ☐ | 11 |
| Is there adequate lighting? | ☐ | 11 |
| Are there adequate supplies of clean water? | ☐ | 12 |
| Do you have a wash hand basin for personal hygiene? | ☐ | 12 |
| Do you have soap and hand-drying facilities at the wash hand basin? | ☐ | 13 |
| Do you have a separate sink for food/utensil washing? | ☐ | 13 |
| Are there adequate facilities for waste water, food and refuse disposal? | ☐ | 13 |
Yes No Page no
4
Yes No Page no
8
8
9
9
10
11
## Yes No Page no
| Electrical safety | Yes | No | Page no |
| Does your vehicle meet the following safety standards for electrical safety? | ☐ | ☐ | 17 |
| Is the RCD in place? | ☐ | ☐ | 18 |
| Do the plugs and sockets on the generator/mains supply comply with BS4343? | ☐ | ☐ | 18 |
| Does the van have enough socket outlets to avoid the need for adapters? | ☐ | ☐ | 18 |
| Has the fixed installation been checked by a competent person? | ☐ | ☐ | 19 |
| Has the portable equipment had a ‘PAT test’ by a competent person? | ☐ | ☐ | 19 |
| Chemical safety | Yes | No | Page no |
| Have you carried out an assessment of the chemicals you use? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| Have staff been trained in their use? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| Do you have the appropriate protective equipment? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| First aid | | | |
| Do you have a first aid kit? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| Do you have an accident book? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| Are you aware of the need to report certain injuries? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| Emergency contacts | | | |
| Do you provide staff with a mobile phone? | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| Manual handling | | | |
| Have you carried out an assessment of manual handling? | ☐ | ☐ | 21 |
| Toilet provision | | | |
| Is there a toilet/portaloo available close by for staff to use? | ☐ | ☐ | 21 |
| Finally you have to decide how to control these risks eg LPG – regular maintenance by a competent person, cleaning chemicals – the use of a safer alternative, or when not possible personal protective equipment. | A storage compartment for the LPG must be:\n\n• constructed of materials having at least a half hour fire resistance\n\n• sealed to prevent gas gaining access into the unit\n\n• of sufficient size to store all LPG cylinders including spares and constructed so that access can only be obtained from outside the unit |
| The following information covers the more common hazards associated with mobile vehicles and details the precautions necessary to help control the risks. | • provided with ventilation openings at both high and low levels\n\n• secured to prevent tampering\n\n• used only for the storage of LPG cylinders, reducing valves etc and not for any other purpose eg storage of batteries\n\n• provided with a suitable means of securing the cylinders in an upright position |
| Please note, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Act 1992 you must record any significant findings of the assessment when you employ five or more persons. | • located such that possible accidental damage eg in the event of a road traffic accident, is minimised\n\n• suitably labelled for LPG storage\n\n• kept free of all sources of ignition in the compartment and sources of ignition must be a minimum of one metre from any cylinder. |
| A leaflet entitled Five steps to risk assessment provides further information and is available from the food and safety team on 01603 212747. | |
| 7. LPG | |
| In mobile catering units where LPG is used, all gas cylinders should either be stored in a safe place external to the vehicle, or, be housed in a compartment completely separate from the rest of the unit | |
===== PAGE 15 =====
Where separate storage compartments are not available, LPG cylinders may be kept outside the unit providing:
- the cylinders are secured to prevent tampering and in a position where it cannot easily be damaged
- the cylinders are stored with the valve upright
• they are stored more than 1 metre away from the unit or any source of ignition.
• all flexible tubing is kept to a minimum
- pipework passing through the wall of the vehicle should be protected against abrasion damage by rubber grommets.
All appliances using LPG should be fitted with an accessible shut off valve or tap on the pipework immediately before the appliance.
### 7.1 Ventilation to the vehicle
Permanent ventilation must be provided at both high and low levels to the vehicle which must not be obstructed by stored items. The minimum area of total fixed ventilation should not be less than 4000mm2.
### 7.2 Pipework and fittings
All pipework should be as short and accessible as possible and supported as required. Where practicable the pipework should be made of a suitable metal. Suitable metals for pipework are solid drawn copper tube, steel tube or stainless steel tube, used with suitable fitting and jointing compound.
Where flexible hose is used, it is subject to the following restrictions:
• The length must not exceed 0.5 m.
- Its use is restricted to where it passes through walls and partitions.
- Its use is restricted to where temperatures are unlikely to exceed 50circC.
- It must conform to BS3212 or any other appropriate European Standard, be marked accordingly and be renewed every two years.
### 7.3 Appliances
Appliances such as grills, hot plates, ovens etc should be:
• securely fastened to the vehicle
- not in use while the vehicle is in motion with the gas supply turned off at the cylinder
manufactured to a recognised standard
• be installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers advice.
Every LPG pipe should terminate with a readily accessible shut-off valve or tap immediately before the appliance.
All valves and taps should carry a clear indication of the open and closed positions, or of the direction they must be turned to close them.
===== PAGE 16 =====
### 7.4 Flame failure devices
Wherever possible, flame failure devices should be fitted to gas appliances. This is to prevent a build-up of gas in the vehicle in the event of a flame being extinguished.
The fitting of flame failure devices is particularly important to appliances where the flame is not visible should it need to be extinguished such as ovens or on LPG operated refrigeration.
In the case of some older gas appliances it may not be possible to fit such devices. It is recommended that you provide written confirmation of this from the manufacturer or a Gas Safe registered gas fitter.
### 7.5 Maintenance of the LPG installation
It is a legal requirement that every employer or self-employed person ensure that any gas appliance, installation, pipework or flue installed in any place of work under their control is maintained in a safe condition.
While it is for you to decide how to maintain the LPG installation in a safe condition, you should note that effective maintenance usually involves an ongoing programme of regular/periodic examinations and remedial action as necessary. All such work should be undertaken by a competent person.
A suggested maintenance programme of the LPG installation should include the following.
## Daily checks
Before the installation is used, the cylinders, pipework, appliances, flues and vents, should be visually checked by a suitably trained person. Any suspected leaks should be traced by the use of a soapy water solution.
A suitably trained person should understand:
• the dangers associated with LPG
• how to trace leaks
• proper combustion
- danger of ineffective ventilation and flues
- action to take in the event of an emergency.
It is recommended that a record of all daily checks is kept, eg using a tick sheet which is signed by the person doing the checks.
## Inspection and test
At least annually (and more frequently according to use and experience) the installation should be tested and inspected by a competent person (Gas Safe registered fitter).
===== PAGE 17 =====
A satisfactory test certificate should be obtained and ideally kept with the vehicle until the next inspection and test.
When purchasing a mobile catering unit or following any alterations or repair works to the LPG installation it is recommended that the installation is inspected and tested.
### 7.6 Training
Anyone working in the mobile unit must be given adequate knowledge of the possible dangers associated with LPG and trained in the correct procedures for changing cylinders and the safe use of appliances.
### 7.7 Fire safety
All staff must be trained in the emergency procedures in case of a fire. Specific advice on fire safety should be sought from the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. As a minimum you should:
• train all staff and display written instructions of the action to be taken in the event of a fire
• where frying is undertaken provide a fire blanket
• provide a suitable fire extinguisher,
eg a 9kg dry powder extinguisher,
located in a readily accessible position.
### 8. Electrical safety
Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to local councils and the Health and Safety Executive. Around 30 of these are fatal. The main hazards associated with electricity are:
• contact with live parts causing shock and burns (normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill)
• faults which cause fires.
## Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Electricity at Work Regulations
1989 requires employers and those
self employed to provide and maintain
electrical equipment that is safe and
appropriate for use.
## Risk assessment
As part of your risk assessment you should consider the hazards associated with the electricity, decide who might be harmed, evaluate the risks and decide how to control them.
### 8.1 Reducing the risk
There are many steps you can take to reduce the risks arising from the use of electrical equipment. This information is listed below under the various different sub-headings that follow.
## Ensure the electrical installation is safe
- A competent person should install the electrical installation in a mobile catering unit.
===== PAGE 18 =====
- Plug and sockets on the generator or mains supply should comply with BS4343 to protect the connections from the weather and natural hazards.
- Provide enough socket outlets – overloading socket outlets by using adaptors can cause fires.
## Provide safe and suitable equipment
- The use of double insulated (class II) portable appliances is encouraged because they do not include metallic parts which can become live in the event of certain faults. These are often marked with a 'double-square' symbol.
- Choose equipment that is suitable for its working environment.
- Use proper connectors or cable couplers to join lengths of cable - taped joints are not acceptable.
- The supply cables to equipment should be of a flexible type, not rigid core, to avoid damage to the conductors.
- The ends of flexible cables should have the outer insulation sheath of the cable firmly clamped to stop the wires (particularly the earth) being pulled out.
## Reduce the voltage
One of the best ways of reducing the risk of electric shock accidents is to limit the supply voltage eg using 110V or lower equipment. Some fridges for example will operate on a 12V supply.
## Provide a safety device
Mobile catering units connected to the mains supply should be protected with an RCD (residual current device) having an operating current of 30mA and a disconnecting time of 40mS at an operating current of 150mA. Earth continuity throughout the supply installation is essential.
RCDs include a test button that should be operated each day prior to trading. If the RCD 'trips' it is a sign of a fault and you should consult a competent person immediately and have the electrical installation checked before using it again.
### 8.2 Carry out preventative maintenance
All electrical systems, including portable appliances (eg a kettle), transportable appliances (eg a cooker) and fixed installations (fuse boxes, cabling, spur outlets, etc.) must be properly maintained by a competent person. Although it is for you to decide how to maintain electrical systems, it is strongly recommended that a planned maintenance programme is formulated and implemented. A suitable programme would include the following elements:
## Fixed installation
- The fixed installation should be examined and tested periodically by a competent person. The competent person will advise on the frequency of further examinations and tests.
===== PAGE 19 =====
## Electrical equipment
- User visual checks – regular checks should be made by the user once they have received the appropriate training on how to recognise defects.
- Formal visual checks – similar to user checks but this should be carried out at programmed intervals by a person who has received appropriate training.
- Examination and testing (often called 'PAT testing') – proper inspection and test by a competent person will detect faults that visual inspections will not find, eg the break down of insulation. The competent person will advise on the frequency of such appliance testing.
## Keeping of records
Though it is not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended that records of the formal visual checks and the inspection and testing carried out by the competent person be kept. The records will help to demonstrate you are maintaining electrical systems.
## Generators
Mobile catering units frequently use single-phase generators, having an output not exceeding 10KVA, to supply power to various electrical appliances. British standard 7430 states it is often better to use these generators in an unearthed system ie an earth rod does not have to be connected to the generator for it to operate safely. The installation of an RCD is recommended.
Advice should be sought from a competent person regarding its installation.
## Competent person
A competent person is someone with sufficient knowledge, training and experience as to enable him/her to safely carry out work on an electrical installation or any electrical equipment eg an electrical engineer.
### 8.3 Additional information and advice
Further information and advice on electrical safety is provided in the following publications:
• 'Electrical Safety and You' (IND (G)231(L), available from your Environmental Health Department.
• Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment (HS (G) 107); available from HSE Books (Tel. 01787 118865).
• British Standard 7430 'Code of Practice for Earthing' is available from your County Library Service.
- BS 7671 – BS 7671:2001
Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition)
- Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, (Second Edition) IEE
===== PAGE 20 =====
### 9. Chemical safety
Many of the chemicals that are used within the mobile vehicle such as oven cleaners and degreasers are potentially harmful if not used properly.
Most proprietary cleaners provide information on safe use on the label but if in doubt you should obtain hazard data sheets on the various chemicals that you use from your suppliers. These will detail the safety precautions to follow, what protective equipment to wear etc.
You must then ensure that any person who uses these chemicals is instructed in their use and that the appropriate personal protection equipment is provided and used. Please note certain types of accident are notifiable and must be reported to the local environmental services department.
Examples of notifiable accidents include:
• fractures (other than fingers, thumbs and toes)
• amputation
- injury that results in a person being off work for over three days.
More information can be found on reporting injuries in the booklet entitled RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) which is available from Norwich City Council's food and safety team on 01603 212747.
### 10. First aid
A suitably stocked first aid kit must be carried on the vehicle at all times. The contents should be examined frequently and the container should be identified by a white cross on a green background. A list of contents can be found in Appendix A.
In addition it is recommended an accident book is carried and details of any accident recorded. The details recorded should include the person's name, address, nature of the injury and any treatment given.
### 11. Emergency contacts
Given the nature of how mobile vehicles operate it is very likely that you or a member of your staff may be on their own well away from any means of communication. This means that should an emergency occur such as a fire, they will be unable to summon help.
You should therefore ensure that some means of communication such as mobile telephone is available to raise the alarm if necessary.
===== PAGE 21 =====
### 12. Manual handling
You must carry out a risk assessment of all manual handling operations associated with your mobile vehicle eg lifting water containers or LPG cylinders or manoeuvring the vehicle into place.
When possible you must introduce measures to either eliminate or reduce the amount of manual handling undertaken eg provide a trolley for moving LPG cylinders.
Where the risk cannot be eliminated or reduced then the staff must be given adequate instruction and training in manual handling.
### 13. Toilet provisions
Provision must be made for access to a toilet and the toilet must be kept clean and provided with the means to wash hands eg soap, hot water and towel (preferably disposable paper towels).
Where trailers operate from the same site throughout the day arrangements must be made for access to a toilet in nearby premises.
Toilets provided inside a catering vehicle must be suitable ventilated to the outside air. Entry to the toilet compartment must be through a ventilated lobby or from outside the vehicle.
A Portaloo or chemical closet should be provided if no alternative arrangements can be made.
===== PAGE 22 =====
## Appendix A Health and Safety (first aid) Regulations 1981
| First aid box contents | Numbers of employees |
| 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-60 |
| Guidance card or leaflet | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings | 10 | 20 | 40 |
| Sterile eye pads, with attachment eg standard dressing no. 16 BPC | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Triangular bandages (if possible sterile) | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Sterile coverings for serious wounds (if triangular bandages not sterile) | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Safety pins | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Medium sized sterile un-medicated dressings approx 10 cm x 8cm eg standard dressings No. 8 and No. 13 BPC | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Large sterile un-medicated dressing approx. 13cm x 9cm eg standard dressing no. 9 and no. 14 and the ambulance dressing no. 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Extra large sterile un-medicated dressing approx. 28cm x 17.5cm eg ambulance dressing no. 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| If tap water is not available, sterile water or sterile normal saline in disposable containers, each holding at least 300ml need to be kept near the fist aid box | 1 | 1 | 3 |
===== PAGE 23 =====
## APPENDIX B
## Where can I site my mobile vehicle?
There are likely to be trading restrictions in some areas of the Norwich City Council district and in addition to obtaining permission from the landowner you should contact the following prior to operating from your chosen location:
Norwich City Council, planning services – 0344 980 3333
Police Authority – 0845 4564567
Norfolk County Council, highways section – 0344 800 8009
The following areas in Norwich City Council's district are controlled for street trading under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
## Area designated as licensed street
All streets within the inner ring road. A street traders licence will be required to trade in this area. For more information and an application form please contact Norwich City Council (markets) 0344 980 3333. As detailed, Norfolk County Council must always be contacted regarding the possible siting of your catering vehicle; however, the following rules must be followed.
The county council as highway authority will not accept catering units directly within the live carriageway as this constitutes an obstruction to the safe and free flow of traffic. The county council has no powers to give consent or to charge for operating from a lay-by.
There should only be one vending unit on site at any one time, trading or non-trading.
The unit should be truly mobile ie self propelled or towable on its chassis. It must be removed from site daily when trading ceases.
The unit shall not conflict with any form of traffic regulation order, cause or give rise to road safety concern or cause damage to the traffic of the highway.
All waste, liquids etc shall be kept off the highway at all times and litter removed from the lay-by at the end of each opening period of business ie the vendor is to be responsible for all waste materials generated by the vending operations.
There must be no nuisance to adjoining landowners or persons.
===== PAGE 24 =====
The unit shall be sited behind the kerb line leaving at least 1.5m between it and the lay-by to provide a pedestrian safety margin. The above safety margin shall apply to any portaloo or waste containers. Should any damage occur to the lay-by eg HGV's overrunning onto the verge etc which could attribute to the vending operations or should the lay-by be required by Norfolk County Council or its representatives for highway maintenance or other purposes, the vendor will be required to vacate the site on a permanent or temporary basis. Likewise, in the event of any occurrence related to the vending operation which could be considered to be prejudicial to highway safety.
If the location is not within the highway limits the permission of the landowner will be required.
You are also advised that in all cases all locations (ie working/storage or static locations) are likely to need planning permission from the relevant local planning authority.
The following roads fall outside the control of Norfolk County Council – A11, A12 and A47. If you wish to operate from one of these sites you will need to contact the Highways Agency, Woodland, Manton Lane, Manton Industrial Estate, Bedford MK 41 7LW.
===== PAGE 25 =====
## APPENDIX C
Recommended cleaning procedure for water containers