FEA launches recommissioning equipment guide

As foodservice industry plans for easing of lockdown, FEA warns appliances will need TLC

After a long period of being switched off, commercial foodservice equipment needs a bit of TLC before it can be up and running again. As foodservice operators start getting ready for life after lockdown, FEA has published a guide to recommissioning equipment. Called ‘Recommissioning Foodservice Equipment After Prolonged Closure’, it lists some of the key points to consider to ensure that commercial catering equipment is working safely and efficiently.

This new publication follows on from the FEA guide to decommissioning equipment, which was published as the lockdown began. “Foodservice operators are making plans for life after the lifting of restrictions,” says John Whitehouse, chair of FEA. “This guide will help them protect their appliances, hopefully avoiding any nastyequipment-related surprises when they start opening up.”

The new guide is available to download from the Covid-19 section of the FEA website, which is accessed via the information tab on the home page (fea.org.uk).

The advice covers a variety of specific areas, ranging from coffee machines and refrigeration to food waste systems and combi ovens. It also gives general pointers and tips that apply to the kitchen as a whole. The main general points to consider are:
• Clean and sanitise everything (equipment, surfaces, walls, floors, etc.) thoroughly before you start. (Caution: make sure the cleaners and sanitisers you use are suitable for the surfaces you are cleaning, e.g. stainless steel).

• If you’re unsure about any appliance’s operational status, get it serviced. Similarly, if anything doesn’t feel right – for example, a button that won’t push – then don’t force it, call an engineer.

• As much as possible, check everything is in good order (for example, do a thorough visual check) before switching on.

• Treat equipment as if it was new – follow the user manual, run through the start-up procedure, do a dry run, then start it up and run the machine.

• Note that many manufacturers will have instructions and advice online – if the answer isn’t there, give them a call.

• Gas equipment: check the appliance as well as the ventilation and interlock systems. If in any doubt at all, call in an engineer.

• Electric appliances: again, if they’re not working, and you’ve checked the supply is switched on and that they are switched on, then call an engineer.

• Water: for any appliance using water (beverage systems etc.) run water through the system to flush out any standing water. Thoroughly clean the system.

• Refrigeration: after cleaning, turn on and check that it reaches the correct temperature before loading.

• Warewashers: give them a run through on empty.

• Light equipment: where possible and safe to do so, dismantle and give the appliances a thorough cleaning.

• Grease management systems: recommission according to the manufacturer’s instructions. With external grease traps, if they were not emptied at lockdown than get in a contractor to empty them. Fill up bio dosing systems.

• Waste management systems such as FWDs: recommission according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• With all appliances, cupboards, etc., check for any presence of dust, insects, pests, etc. and act accordingly.
• Remove any results of pest control measures.

The guide also highlights the potential risk of legionella, pointing out that any equipment using water should have been flushed through two to three times per week during shutdown. If this was not done, the equipment should be checked and tested by appropriate, qualified personnel. (For more information visit hse.gov.uk/legionnaires).