3 August 2010
Head Chefs and Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) recently took part in a training session looking at safety in industrial kitchens. The event at the Langham hotel took place with attendants from many of the town’s big hotels. Former Head Chef and EHO John Demetriou hosted the event for many of the hotels he inspects, as part of his day duties.
The aim of the session was to look at how injuries could be reduced in the kitchen and the dangers of knives, blades on meat slicing machines, hot oils, cleaning deep fat fryers and the risks of getting hands trapped by rotary parts in mixers, were all considered in detail.
The event provided an opportunity for Council EHOs and head chefs to gain valuable knowledge. The event also looked at employers’ legal responsibilities to ensure equipment (ranging from knives to stoves) is suitable, safe and well maintained. Further discussion covered the need for proper instruction, training and supervision, safe operating and cleaning methods, adequate first aid provisions and accident reporting procedures. It is hoped such training will be repeated for other hotels west of the pier later in the year.
Eastbourne Borough Council Environment Portfolio holder, Councillor Steve Wallis said, “The Council is very pleased to be working in partnership with businesses. Such targeted Health and Safety events are an effective means to communicate key safety messages to help reduce injuries in the workplace.”
