Refurbishing an old property always comes with health and safety risks, but these concerns are increased for properties serving food. Kitchen refurbishments have a host of requirements to meet and potential problems to mitigate. Here we provide a brief overview of what you’ll need to know before undertaking your pub refurbishment project.
Legislative requirements
The food industry is controlled by many types of legislation. If you are not an expert or you are a new restaurateur, it can be helpful to work with an outside consultant. Here are two of the main requirements that will affect your refurbishment project.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points legislation (HACCP)
HACCP dictates safe food handling principles designed to prevent food hazards. The goal is to identify and monitor certain critical points, including procurement of raw materials, handling, distribution, and customer consumption. Especially vulnerable foods include dairy, juices, and seafood, but the safety measures put into place affect all areas of food production.
Many of the HACCP concerns are addressed through training and procedures rather than by physical design, but you’ll need to follow requirements for food storage and preparation areas.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Asbestos was widely used as a building material from the 1950s to the 1980s, but any building built before 2000 can potentially contain asbestos. If you suspect asbestos in your building, you’ll have to take precautions during the remodel.
You’ll also need to inform workers of the risk, and may need to pay for protective respiratory equipment depending on the potential for exposure and the concentration present. In 2010, the Three Crowns pub in Chagford, Devon was fined more than £34,000 for failing to provide adequate protection to workers removing asbestos. This was a wakeup call for remodelers everywhere to take asbestos seriously.
To avoid potential violations and fines, an asbestos evaluation can help you understand the risks and devise a mitigation plan. Oftentimes, it is less hazardous to simply cover over old asbestos tile flooring or asbestos wallboard than to remove it. The smartest decision you can make is to bring in a professional and follow their advice.
Lighting
Oddly shaped fixtures can collect dust and attract bugs. And poor lighting can lead to undercooked food and unsafe knife work. Your newly renovated space should be well lit, with modern, standardized fixtures.
Flow and traffic patterns
One big advantage of a major renovation is that you have control to change your kitchen layout. If there were always backups and problem areas, a new design can help workers move more efficiently and reduce certain types of risk.
Space is usually at a premium in commercial kitchens, but don’t let your layout be compromised by trying to cram everything in any way it will fit. This approach can lead to cross contamination issues and other problems.
Instead, devise an ideal layout plan, then walk through the space with equipment installers to see how they can help you make your plan a reality. Sure, you may have to compromise or cut some corners, but starting with the best possible plan will greatly improve your final result.
Ventilation
Everyone knows that kitchens can be broiling hot, but with proper ventilation this doesn’t have to be the case. Installing a high-powered, modern HVAC system and an efficient means to ventilate heat will help maintain safe temperatures for food handling and storage. It also means your staff will be safer and more comfortable.
Refurbishing an old pub can be a fun and profitable business venture. If you know and follow the regulations, you’ll avoid fines and end up with a high-functioning, efficient kitchen to serve all your new customers.
At MDHS Asbestos Consultants our expert team can ensure your property is free from the dangers of Asbestos, get in touch today by calling 0800 011 2962 or contact us online