Firstly: Graham, my apologies, RBs = 'Representative Bodies', aka Unions!!! It's because these talks haven't been completed yet that I can't go into too many details.
The detection situation is that there are HD in all kitchen areas, but doors are often wedged, or smoke drifts to the corridor when someone enters/leaves the kitchen thereby activating the alarms away from the kitchens. The Trust cannot are aware of the range of additional ventilation systems (including those which are linked to toaster switches that isolate power supplies if the vents are turned off) but simply cannot afford to install scores of such units
Some larger premises have a time delay system & double knock. Others do not. But any actuation - even if it triggers a staff search is still considered a disruption, as the 'response team' will be diverted from doing their usual day job. Again, with NHS finances tighter than a drum, upgrading a fire detection system to allow a time delay in small and medium sized sites is not seen as value for money (to be fair, if you had to decide to distribute cash between additional surgical operations, or allowing staff to eat toast, what would you do??)
The issue is a 24hr problems but the consequences (esp disruption) are greater at night. The main kitchens may be closed and there are fewer staff, so bringing in a sandwich maker or traditional toaster - and using it in an unauthorised location is seen as a perk of the night shift.
Management have tried the 'carrot' approach with warnings and a largely ignored communication strategy, but now I believe there is no alternative than the 'stick' approach of an outright ban.
Whilst unauthorised toasters represent a medium increased risk of fire (cleaning, crumbs,PAT testing etc), this current project is 99% a disruption prevention exercise. The Trust have no cash or management appetite (sorry!!) to spend any money on changes to procedures, extra staff (for response teams), fire safety infrastructure or ventilation etc.
So whatever anyone suggests on here, unless it's free, it will not be considered. What I am interested in is if anyone else has had any experience in such a ban. From internet searches, there have been a few that have reached the media, and I guess many more that haven't.
I have to admit, taking into account the history and efforts made by the management in these matters, I reckon if you can't get through a shift without toast, then maybe you need to seek help, Crackers anyone?