The power supply to commercial appliances requires specialist knowledge to work with safely and can pose significant risks to technicians and engineers. While it is a legal requirement that anyone working with gas appliances must be suitably qualified, there is no similar mandatory requirement for electrical engineers, nor do they need to be a member of a professional body.
Even with regulations and the work of these organisations, there have been several fatalities of technicians working in the foodservice sector.
The survey received over 100 responses from engineers working in various equipment sectors including refrigeration, warewashing and commercial catering. Around 20% of correspondents reported having no formal electrical qualifications or a documented safe system for working with electrical equipment.
Over 80% of the respondents reported having undertaken electrical training within the last five years, and nearly 70% reported having a documented safe system of working with electrical equipment. Over 60% expressed an interest in further training, and the majority of respondents considered themselves to have a good working knowledge of the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Paul Anderson, chair of the FEA, commented: "The report shows that the majority of electrical engineers are working hard to meet high standards and maintain a safe working environment.
“However it also underlines the importance that, as a minimum, anyone working with electrical equipment should undertake a recognised training and competence course, such as the City & Guilds accredited Commercial Catering Equipment Electrical Competency Course, which has been specifically developed for technicians.”
The FEA is encouraging any businesses that employ technicians with no formal electrical certification to provide formal training to ensure they understand the importance of promoting safe working practices.