Posted By Stuart Woolfries
Having a problem with microwave ovens and fridges and there cleaning in an office environment.

I understand that the ovens although located in the office were not paid for by the employer. Management agreed to take the equipment on to their rota for annual electrical testing but that was the only responsibility they would take. As far as I can ascertain the fridges were bought and provided by the employer.

There is around 100 office staff on site and all have access to the ovens and fridges should they wish to use them.

Is it sufficient for the users to ensure that the ovens are kept clean by users wiping down the inside after each use (they do not/will not use food covers when heating food!)? Should the ovens, and maybe the fridges, be professionally cleaned at any time?

Posted By Shelagh O'Sullivan
This is a welfare issue. Have each of the 100 employees been advised they must clean the toilet facilities after each use?

With that many employees, I think it would be prudent to make someone responsible and capable, on each shift/sitting, for ensuring kitchen equipment is cleaned, if professional cleaning is not a feasible.

Posted By Julie Geairns
Related to this point - is there a legal obligation on employers to provide a fridge and microwave for employees?

I've been in the workplace now for over 20 years and in each and every company I have worked for over that time there has always been a fridge provided for employees' use and a microwave (over the last 10-12 years).

However, I recently changed jobs and there is no fridge or microwave/oven provided for staff - despite there being a demand for them from staff.

I think the boss is afraid that if these facilities are provided staff will spend all their time eating and drinking!

Any help on this issue would be appreciated.

Thanks


Julie

Posted By David Thomas
Stuart
you have stated that the employer has taken over responsibility for electrical safety for these items, which will be the regular Portable Appliance Testing. However, with regards to the microwave(s) has he taken over responsibility for their radiation testing. Although in a properly run restaurant I ensure the two microwaves are each tested annually - if they fail they are out.

As to the cleanliness, I would have thought the regular office cleaners could easily carry out some form of cleaning on a weekly/monthly basis if incorporated into their contract. Alternatively, departments where these items are located could carry out some form of cleaning.

However, I note from your email address you are at a MOD location, so would all this be covered by Crown Immunity ??

regards
Dave