Maintenance Log

It's inevitable that equipment in your kitchen will break down at some point and repairs will need to be made. Perhaps the reasons why businesses should make a record of maintenance is not so apparent. Here are a few reasons why...

• Your record will demonstrate to enforcement officers that you look after your equipment. For example, on the day of your food hygiene inspection your dishwasher is not reaching the correct temperature due a fault. If you can show that you have placed a call-out for a repair and you have implemented alternative controls, such as a two-stage wash by hand, this will not be an issue.
• If an equipment fault causes physical contamination of food (e.g. a stray bolt), your maintenace record can help you locate the source and resolve the problem.
• Some equipment, such as extraction fans, will require routine maintenance. Your maintenance log can serve as a reminder.
• The maintenance log can flag persistent problems, allowing equipment to be replaced or repaired before a serious food safety issue arises.