What PPMs Do I Legally Have to Complete?
Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for your business is a top priority, for the sake of employees and customers alike. Whilst it is advisable to complete various PPMs for the longevity of equipment and facilities, there are also essential statutory PPMs that are mandated by law:
Fire safety
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
As per The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005, fire extinguishers must be serviced every 12 months. We conduct thorough inspections and replace all outdated units with fully serviced fire extinguishers from our in-house workshop; safely repurposing fire extinguishers to reduce unnecessary waste.
Fire Suppression Systems
Ansul units are a crucial piece of fire suppression equipment for kitchens. Any Fire Suppression Systems must be inspected at least once every 12 months. For many clients we inspect ansul units every 6 months or more. We complete thorough checks including cleaning the nozzles, checking the fuses, changing the link detectors and checking the gas levels. We also service regular sprinkler systems.
Fire Alarms
Fire alarms should be tested weekly according to the British Standard. We conduct fire alarm tests/inspections where these aren't managed and maintained by airports or train stations. For all our clients, we are on hand to fix any issues with fire alarms that fall outside of regular testing.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency Lighting/Escape Lighting, plays a crucial role during emergencies. Compliance with legal obligations mandates that this lighting is fully functional and undergoes inspection at least once every 12 months. Our thorough testing involves conducting 3-hour Emergency Lighting assessments, ensuring all lights remain illuminated throughout the test period. Any bulbs that fail to maintain sufficient brightness are promptly replaced, adhering strictly to the guidelines outlined in the British Standard 5266.
Fire Shutters and Fire Curtains
Under the Health & Safety At Work Act, British Standards 9999, Fire Shutters must be inspected at least bi-annually and batteries changed (where applicable). We primarily deal with reactive issues on Fire Shutters, however where requested we will complete full inspections as required.
Fire Doors
All fire doors should be inspected four times a year, every quarter. We carry out inspections including checking smoke seals are undamaged, checking for large or small gaps, inspecting closing mechanisms and ensuring that the fire labelling is clear and not defaced.
electrical safety
PAT Testing
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an efficient method of testing all the appliances within one store. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, states that all companies must inspect electrical appliances regularly. Our engineers are fully equipped with the tools and expertise to carry out this testing for your store.
RCD Testing
All RCDs (Residual Current Devices) should be tested by a qualified electrician at least 12 monthly with an RCD test instrument as per the British Standards 7671. Our professional electricians carry out testing for clients up to four times a year, ensuring that the fuse board is protecting appliances from dangerous excess current.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) (20%)
To comply with the the requirements of IEE wiring regulations, fixed wiring at sites should be tested at least every 5 years. For high risk areas, such as in airports, this can be a yearly requirement. We conduct annual 20% EICR tests for many of our clients, meaning that we inspect at least 20% of all installed fixed wiring at a site.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging camera tests are used to determine the balance of currents through a distribution board and detect any overloaded circuits. This is usually performed in conjunction with our EICR and RCD tests, as sites are legally required to perform thermal imaging on an annual basis.
ventilation Systems
Dust Inspections
Exposure to dust can lead to a range of health issues. The Health and Safety at Work Act mandates that employers have a duty to manage dust levels at their sites. We conduct annual inspections and deep cleans to prevent excessive build-up, especially on hard to reach areas such as light fittings and transformers.
Heating Unit Inspections
It is advisable to book an inspection and clean of all heater units prior to the winter months to ensure they are operational.
AC Unit Inspections
The Health and Safety Act mandates that workplace temperature must be at a reasonable level. Therefore a well maintained Air Conditioning Unit is a must during the hot summer months. We conduct various services on AC units, from full strip downs and deep cleans to frequent minor inspections.
Kitchen Extract Ductwork Clean
We conduct full deep cleans of all components of your kitchen extract, including the hard to reach areas. Ensuring all extract systems are fully operational, and establishing a good kitchen environment.
Suspended Ceiling Inspections
Suspended ceilings should be regularly inspected according to British Standards. We carry out Bi-annual inspections to ensure that there is no wear and tear, structural defects or excessive dust build-up.
AHU/FCU/Grilles Clean
We will clean all Air Handling Units, Fan Coil Units and Ventilation Grilles, to ensure air flow is optimal. This includes cleaning away dust and grease, checking all the condensate pumps, electrical connections, fans and motors. We also inspect all of the pipe work and mechanical components for signs of oil/damage.
Lincat Canopy Filter Replacements
Similar to our other cleaning services, we will replace all Kitchen Canopy filters, clean/degrease the canopy baffle filter and replace carbon and grease filters.
Water Quality
Water Quality Inspections/Legionella Testing
Maintaining water quality is vital for preventing health risks, such as legionella - a potentially fatal bacteria transmitted through insufficiently heated water. We provide an Annual Water Quality Check, in accordance with the Water Quality Act, where we check the condition of all taps and sinks and check that the temperatures reach the required levels.
Boiler and gas
Boiler Services
Boilers should be serviced at least once every 12 months. This is crucial in ensuring boilers are safe and working optimally, avoiding potentially fatal defects. We replace elements and thermostats at every service and inspect for any defect or wear and tear.
F-Gas Inspections
For businesses with gas-powered refrigeration systems, we provide annual F-Gas inspections. These are mandatory inspections to check for proper operation and detect any leakages, in accordance to Local and FGas Regulations.
pest proofing
Pest Proofing
Regular area inspections are crucial in preventing unwanted pest activity. Issues such as gaps in sink sealant and holes in the walls can allow pests to enter and access food stores and other areas of your business. At BardenFM we carry out remedial work from inspections made by expert pest control surveyors. This can involve measures such as blocking up holes, installing bristle strips, and installing fly killer lamps to deter pests.
Catering regulations
Microwave Inspections
Retail units are required to arrange for microwave operation and electrical testing at least every 12 months. We offer comprehensive inspection and cleaning of microwaves. This includes testing for emissions and power use.
Catering Asset Servicing
To ensure all sites are compliant, we offer thorough inspections of all catering units at our client's sites, including dishwashers, microwaves, water softeners, tea boilers, panini machines, blenders, toasters, grills and more.
Oven Inspections
Retail units with ovens are required to arrange for testing and deep cleaning at least every 12 months. We offer comprehensive inspection and cleaning of all ovens, ensuring all components are fully functional.
Fryer Inspections
All deep fat frying equipment must be maintained on at least a three monthly basis, We inspect all components including wiring looms, we run various tests, and examine the frypots for signs of leaking.
ppms we recommend
Lightbox Inspections
We recommend inspecting light boxes to reduce downtime and fix any wear and tear. We will dismantle light boxes and fascia signs and inspect the internal components, assessing for any signs of damage (heat or mechanical).
Walk-in Unit Inspections
To ensure walk-in units are safe and in optimal condition, we provide regular checks. This includes inspecting the internal door release button, the heater mat, the strip curtains and the condition of the doors and frames. For Freezers we will check the fuse, check the vents of the Pressure Relief Valve and ensure that there is no ice build-up in the unit.
Drain Deep Cleaning
To prevent disruptive blocks and leaks, we conduct a pressure wash clean to all sink drains, all coffee machine drains and all pumps to ensure they are kept clear and free of debris.
Grease Trap Deep Cleaning
Grease traps are essential to protect drains from unwanted blockages. We provide a full grease trap strip down, clean out and overhaul every three months, as per manufacturers recommendations. We also supply and replace a drum of Biofax per visit, ensuring the grease trap is ready to go.
General Building Inspections
We inspect all floors, walls and doors looking for any signs of damage or hazards. This includes ensuring that any gaps have been sealed with fire retardant sealant.
Refrigeration Unit Inspections
We conduct a full strip down and deep clean of Refrigeration Units, including undercounter, langars and standalones. We also inspect the electrics, pipework and thermostats, and conduct a pressure test.
Adhering to legal requirements for Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) is crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant business environment. By conducting regular inspections and tests for fire safety, water quality, pest proofing, gas and boiler maintenance, electrical safety, HVAC systems, and general building inspections, you can ensure the well-being of your employees and customers. Remember to log all assets and schedule regular inspections, especially for heavily used equipment. Our team of specialized engineers is ready to fulfil all your business needs and help you achieve compliance.
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