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Hospital’s brew-haha over staff tea breaks
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| RULING: Staff should use official beverage points |
HOSPITAL staff are being banned from having "unofficial" brew-ups in a bid to save power.
The storm in a teacup has erupted at Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, where staff face a crackdown on the use of kettles, fridges and microwaves.
But the move has angered unions, who say the power used by such appliances is "a drop in the ocean" compared with the rest of the hospitals' utility bills.
Last year, the trust used £1 million worth of electricity. But John Cawood, head of estates at the trust, has warned that could rise to £1.4 million if usage stays the same.
"Many departments are using individual kettles, fridges and microwaves, often based in offices. To reduce our costs, this will not be allowed and will help to reduce our energy consumption," he told staff in an internal newsletter.
He added: "Staff should use dining rooms, beverage areas and rest areas around the hospital if you have a kitchen or rest area, then please use this one area."
Graham Parish, of Unison in Dorset, said: "I suspect the kettles and microwaves meant staff were staying at their desks working while they had a snack or a cup of tea. If they have to go to the canteen, it increases the amount of time away from the desk, so what the trust saves on electricity, it might lose in terms of staff productivity.
| “There is an ongoing campaign of good housekeeping within the trust to reduce our energy consumption, not only for the environment but also as part of continuing efficiency savings across our hospitals. The campaign aims to offset the increase in energy costs we are incurring." | | Hospital spokesman |
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"In a hospital, electricity costs are going to be high because of lighting and heating. You've got to keep the place at a proper temperature. I don't know how much of that electricity is used by microwaves and kettles, but I suspect it's a drop in the ocean. I hope they have made some real evaluation."
A hospital spokesman said: "Encouraging the removal of kettles and toasters within offices and wards has been ongoing for some time following advice from the fire service that these items can be a risk.
"There is an ongoing campaign of good housekeeping within the trust to reduce our energy consumption, not only for the environment but also as part of continuing efficiency savings across our hospitals. The campaign aims to offset the increase in energy costs we are incurring.
"A number of technical solutions have been introduced, such as intelligence hospital corridor lighting, which alone should save 50 per cent of energy compared to manual lighting systems.
"We are also looking at energy saving issues around computers. Together with reducing the number of domestic products used in individual areas, we are making a real difference to our energy consumption."
At the moment, almost a third of the trust's energy comes from green sources.
7:00am Thursday 17th July 2008
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CommentPosted by: DemonDiva, Kinson on 7:56am Thu 17 Jul 08
Whilst it sounds ridiculous, and I agree that any savings made would be totally out of line with the amount of work time lost, I have to agree to a degree.
My daughter came home from work yesterday and mentioned that she had been totally fed up with the number of fire alarms going off yesterday in Poole Hospital - all of them because of toasters.
Whilst it sounds ridiculous, and I agree that any savings made would be totally out of line with the amount of work time lost, I have to agree to a degree.
My daughter came home from work yesterday and mentioned that she had been totally fed up with the number of fire alarms going off yesterday in Poole Hospital - all of them because of toasters.
Posted by: Sarah, Bournemouth on 8:32am Thu 17 Jul 08
They're lucky to have a 'real' cuppa - we have to put up with the brew that comes from our coffee machine - and I'm sure it's not healthy. For goodness sake, these doctors and nurses work hard, why can they not have a drink when they need one?
They're lucky to have a 'real' cuppa - we have to put up with the brew that comes from our coffee machine - and I'm sure it's not healthy. For goodness sake, these doctors and nurses work hard, why can they not have a drink when they need one?
Posted by: palexgo, earth on 8:42am Thu 17 Jul 08
This article completely fails to identify the real problem. The hospital is on an industrial tariff which is based on maximum consumption. So if everyone switches on a kettle at 10 a.m. the consumtion level suddenly rockets but only for a few minutes. Nevertheless, the hospital will have to pay for a much higher demand. This has been a problem in a lot of public service institutions for decades. Needless to say its not a problem in the private sector.
This article completely fails to identify the real problem. The hospital is on an industrial tariff which is based on maximum consumption. So if everyone switches on a kettle at 10 a.m. the consumtion level suddenly rockets but only for a few minutes. Nevertheless, the hospital will have to pay for a much higher demand. This has been a problem in a lot of public service institutions for decades. Needless to say its not a problem in the private sector.
Posted by: laurie marsh, australia on 8:49am Thu 17 Jul 08
Saving power?
Penny wise, Pound foolish!
Fire risk?
Seems reasonable!
Which is the real reason?
Hospitals get regular checks from the Fire Dept. So why has this issue taken so long to get raised?
Maybe "they" are using the second reason to add some muscle to the first!
Saving power?
Penny wise, Pound foolish!
Fire risk?
Seems reasonable!
Which is the real reason?
Hospitals get regular checks from the Fire Dept. So why has this issue taken so long to get raised?
Maybe "they" are using the second reason to add some muscle to the first!
Posted by: APMF, bournemouth on 8:50am Thu 17 Jul 08
I was a RGN at the Royal Bournemouth for many years. The reason I was forced to give up my career was that I along with many others was forced to change the hrs I worked from eight hr to to twelve hr shifts. Being a single mum and having a young family made this impossible for me. During many of my shifts staff were unable to leave the ward to go to the canteen as there wasn't enough cover left for the patients. The only way to snatch a drink or something to eat was to use the facilities on the ward. This situation has not changed. No doubt staff will face disiplinary action if the simply leave their post when it's time for their break. The trust want it all ways, staff who are dedicated and give that little bit extra, but wont give themselves. Nearly all nurses end up working over their set hrs and do not get paid for this. If the trust want to penny pinch from the backbone of their hospital maybe the nurses should start working to rule. This might make the pen pushers start to appreciate their employees with a little bit more respect.
I was a RGN at the Royal Bournemouth for many years. The reason I was forced to give up my career was that I along with many others was forced to change the hrs I worked from eight hr to to twelve hr shifts. Being a single mum and having a young family made this impossible for me. During many of my shifts staff were unable to leave the ward to go to the canteen as there wasn't enough cover left for the patients. The only way to snatch a drink or something to eat was to use the facilities on the ward. This situation has not changed. No doubt staff will face disiplinary action if the simply leave their post when it's time for their break. The trust want it all ways, staff who are dedicated and give that little bit extra, but wont give themselves. Nearly all nurses end up working over their set hrs and do not get paid for this. If the trust want to penny pinch from the backbone of their hospital maybe the nurses should start working to rule. This might make the pen pushers start to appreciate their employees with a little bit more respect.
Posted by: janiestrong, Ferndown on 8:52am Thu 17 Jul 08
Maybe patients should get charged for not turning up for their appointments. The amount raised would be enough to pay for hospital utility bills alone!
Maybe patients should get charged for not turning up for their appointments. The amount raised would be enough to pay for hospital utility bills alone!
Posted by: Charlie on 9:21am Thu 17 Jul 08
I once worked for a very shrewd business man. I had to set up the office and the first thing he told me to do was get supplies for tea and coffee making. I asked what staff should pay per cup. He said "Nothing. If they go to the canteen, they'll queue for 5 or 10 mintes and spend 15 minutes drinking, then sroll back to their desks. It will also cost them 50p. If we allow them to make free tea and coffee as they want, they'll be happy it's not costing them anything and I'll get 20-30 minutes extra work out of them."
I once worked for a very shrewd business man. I had to set up the office and the first thing he told me to do was get supplies for tea and coffee making. I asked what staff should pay per cup. He said "Nothing. If they go to the canteen, they'll queue for 5 or 10 mintes and spend 15 minutes drinking, then sroll back to their desks. It will also cost them 50p. If we allow them to make free tea and coffee as they want, they'll be happy it's not costing them anything and I'll get 20-30 minutes extra work out of them."
Posted by: ALL SEEING EYE, WESSEX on 10:03am Thu 17 Jul 08
I have had to have many appointments at Poole Hospital recently and I find far too many receptionists employed. Sitting down waiting for my appointment I could see and hear the receptionists getting up and going for breaks, far more than they should be entitled to! No-one seems to be in control of them.
Here is one way to cut hospital bills, half the receptionists and get the ones left to do a days work and with a smile not a condescending scowl.
I have had to have many appointments at Poole Hospital recently and I find far too many receptionists employed. Sitting down waiting for my appointment I could see and hear the receptionists getting up and going for breaks, far more than they should be entitled to! No-one seems to be in control of them.
Here is one way to cut hospital bills, half the receptionists and get the ones left to do a days work and with a smile not a condescending scowl.
Posted by: Adrian X, Poole on 10:25am Thu 17 Jul 08
It could be an attempt to force people to use vending services in the hospital, thus generating more revenue for the hospital.
This is very unfortunate since vending machine coffee is usually whitened with a blend of partially hydrogenated vegetable fat and glucose syrup and is thus extremely unhealthy.
Having a microwave is important for those who require special diets for medical reasons. It may seem unbelievable but hospital canteens do not cater well for such needs. Coeliac disease which requires a gluten-free diet springs to mind. There are too many cases of provision not being made for these people in hospital canteens. Removing microwaves from offices will prevent them from bringing their own food and is just going to bring misery.
It could be an attempt to force people to use vending services in the hospital, thus generating more revenue for the hospital.
This is very unfortunate since vending machine coffee is usually whitened with a blend of partially hydrogenated vegetable fat and glucose syrup and is thus extremely unhealthy.
Having a microwave is important for those who require special diets for medical reasons. It may seem unbelievable but hospital canteens do not cater well for such needs. Coeliac disease which requires a gluten-free diet springs to mind. There are too many cases of provision not being made for these people in hospital canteens. Removing microwaves from offices will prevent them from bringing their own food and is just going to bring misery.
Posted by: Adrian X, Poole on 10:32am Thu 17 Jul 08
And in any case, the food or beverage that someone consumes will use the same amount of energy to heat whether it comes from the canteen or a vending machine. Canteen food and vending machines need to be kept warm constantly so more energy is used.
Has the fact that physics teaching is in decline led to this? The hospital spokesman certainly has no understanding of the laws of physics! Perhaps the trust should insist on better qualifications for the jobsworths who make these rules!
And in any case, the food or beverage that someone consumes will use the same amount of energy to heat whether it comes from the canteen or a vending machine. Canteen food and vending machines need to be kept warm constantly so more energy is used.
Has the fact that physics teaching is in decline led to this? The hospital spokesman certainly has no understanding of the laws of physics! Perhaps the trust should insist on better qualifications for the jobsworths who make these rules!
Posted by: JJ, Wimborne on 10:46am Thu 17 Jul 08
I was employed in a senior management role as well as being "Nalgo" (as it was then) branch chairman in East Dorset NHS. Provided there is adequate local facilities for beverage preparation, the elimination of self-provided kettles etc is wise economically and on safety grounds. The main restaurant area at Royal Bournemouth is remote from many parts of the hospital. Return "journey time" can be as much as 15 minutes - plus time to be served and consume the beverage. It is all down to providing and maintaining good local beverage points. Which of course has cost and space allocation implications. There are no winners.
I was employed in a senior management role as well as being "Nalgo" (as it was then) branch chairman in East Dorset NHS. Provided there is adequate local facilities for beverage preparation, the elimination of self-provided kettles etc is wise economically and on safety grounds. The main restaurant area at Royal Bournemouth is remote from many parts of the hospital. Return "journey time" can be as much as 15 minutes - plus time to be served and consume the beverage. It is all down to providing and maintaining good local beverage points. Which of course has cost and space allocation implications. There are no winners.
Posted by: Badger, Poole on 10:53am Thu 17 Jul 08
[quote][bold]ALL SEEING EYE[/bold] wrote:
I have had to have many appointments at Poole Hospital recently and I find far too many receptionists employed. Sitting down waiting for my appointment I could see and hear the receptionists getting up and going for breaks, far more than they should be entitled to! No-one seems to be in control of them. Here is one way to cut hospital bills, half the receptionists and get the ones left to do a days work and with a smile not a condescending scowl. [/quote] Don’t be so ridiculous. How do YOU know that they were going for a break, let alone that they were taking [italic]'far more than they were entitled to![/italic] Perhaps they were going off to do some other work; reception staff don't [bold]just[/bold] meet & greet patients.
Were you there all day, did you see how long their shifts were?...and I bet you'd moan like mad if there was no-one there at the desk to book you in, arrange your next appointment etc.
You are yet another example of this country's favourite sport, knocking those in public service, whoever they are; healthcare or council staff, police officers or sportsmen (or national team managers)...some sad people just love to run them down. Go get yourself a life.
ALL SEEING EYE wrote:
I have had to have many appointments at Poole Hospital recently and I find far too many receptionists employed. Sitting down waiting for my appointment I could see and hear the receptionists getting up and going for breaks, far more than they should be entitled to! No-one seems to be in control of them. Here is one way to cut hospital bills, half the receptionists and get the ones left to do a days work and with a smile not a condescending scowl.
Don’t be so ridiculous. How do YOU know that they were going for a break, let alone that they were taking
'far more than they were entitled to! Perhaps they were going off to do some other work; reception staff don't
just meet & greet patients.
Were you there all day, did you see how long their shifts were?...and I bet you'd moan like mad if there was no-one there at the desk to book you in, arrange your next appointment etc.
You are yet another example of this country's favourite sport, knocking those in public service, whoever they are; healthcare or council staff, police officers or sportsmen (or national team managers)...some sad people just love to run them down. Go get yourself a life.
Posted by: Adrian X, Poole on 10:55am Thu 17 Jul 08
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles?
Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food?
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles?
Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food?
Posted by: HEATHER, POOLE on 11:59am Thu 17 Jul 08
Sorry Badger but I do agree to some point with All Seeing Eye. I had a very traumatic visit to the emergency clinic (due to my stand in GP missing something!). We had a very long wait and the baby was becoming more and more distressed together with his mother, my daughter. Throughout all our enquiries at the desk the receptionist was reading a book and basically could not care less, I was dashing back and forth to A & E to find a doctor. Next time I shall do what my own GP advised and dial 999 for a wonderful paramedic and do without a grumpy bored receptionist.
Sorry Badger but I do agree to some point with All Seeing Eye. I had a very traumatic visit to the emergency clinic (due to my stand in GP missing something!). We had a very long wait and the baby was becoming more and more distressed together with his mother, my daughter. Throughout all our enquiries at the desk the receptionist was reading a book and basically could not care less, I was dashing back and forth to A & E to find a doctor. Next time I shall do what my own GP advised and dial 999 for a wonderful paramedic and do without a grumpy bored receptionist.
Posted by: palexgo, earth on 12:19pm Thu 17 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Adrian X[/bold] wrote:
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food? [/quote] You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration.
What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.
Adrian X wrote:
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food?
You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration.
What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.
Posted by: PETE WOODLEY on 1:12pm Thu 17 Jul 08
[quote][bold]palexgo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Adrian X[/bold] wrote:
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food? [/quote] You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration.
What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.[/quote] Thats talking sense,probably the correct reason for the ban,it may sound too technical to a lot of people,but is the truth.
palexgo wrote:
Adrian X wrote:
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food?
You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration.
What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.
Thats talking sense,probably the correct reason for the ban,it may sound too technical to a lot of people,but is the truth.
Posted by: mossly, christchurch on 1:35pm Thu 17 Jul 08
Perhaps staff should be stopped from taking breaks at all.
Surely in life people shoild be entitled to some perks as long it is not abused. More cost effective for staff to sit at their desks and work whilst enjoying a few brews in the day than having to go to any canteen
Perhaps staff should be stopped from taking breaks at all.
Surely in life people shoild be entitled to some perks as long it is not abused. More cost effective for staff to sit at their desks and work whilst enjoying a few brews in the day than having to go to any canteen
Posted by: Mike Pickering, Bournemouth on 6:15pm Thu 17 Jul 08
Why not just have one person constantly circling the hospital with 1 huge urn of coffee, and one of tea, maybe even with a small microwave underneath ?
Im sure this used to go on in places of work.
Why not just have one person constantly circling the hospital with 1 huge urn of coffee, and one of tea, maybe even with a small microwave underneath ?
Im sure this used to go on in places of work.
Posted by: Terry Pardy on 8:36pm Thu 17 Jul 08
When I was at Bournemouth Hospital the huge lights under the arrival canopy were all on in broad daylight! If they want to save power they should turn them off first.
When I was at Bournemouth Hospital the huge lights under the arrival canopy were all on in broad daylight! If they want to save power they should turn them off first.
Posted by: 2Much, New Forest on 9:27pm Thu 17 Jul 08
[quote][bold]palexgo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Adrian X[/bold] wrote:
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food? [/quote] You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration.
What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.[/quote] I work in an office where you can make a drink whenever you want one..there certainly isn't a surge mid-morning. Do the nurses only drink mid-morning?
palexgo wrote:
Adrian X wrote:
OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food?
You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration.
What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.
I work in an office where you can make a drink whenever you want one..there certainly isn't a surge mid-morning. Do the nurses only drink mid-morning?
Posted by: hoppity, hamworthy on 7:57am Fri 18 Jul 08
[quote][bold]2Much[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]palexgo[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Adrian X[/bold] wrote: OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food? [/quote] You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration. What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.[/quote] I work in an office where you can make a drink whenever you want one..there certainly isn't a surge mid-morning. Do the nurses only drink mid-morning?[/quote] same for our rather than have structured tea breaks we just make our own tea and drink while we are working saves time and its better to have staggered than trying to ensure every one gets their entitled breaks
2Much wrote:
palexgo wrote: Adrian X wrote: OK JJ, but you do understand that the provision of an extra local beverage point is going to mean more energy consumption than allowing continued use of individual kettles? Do the beverage points have microwaves so that people can heat their own food?
You obviously haven't read, (or didn't understand), my previous post. This isn't about consumption, its about MAXIMUM DEMAND. The kettle consumption is trivial compared with lighting, pumping and refrigeration. What isn't trivial is that maximum demand suddenly increases mid-morning by 100s of kilo-Watts for a few minutes. The Hospital pays for consumption AND maximum demand. Why is maximum demand important? Because the supply cables will have to be increased in size. A very, very expensive job.
I work in an office where you can make a drink whenever you want one..there certainly isn't a surge mid-morning. Do the nurses only drink mid-morning?
same for our rather than have structured tea breaks we just make our own tea and drink while we are working saves time and its better to have staggered than trying to ensure every one gets their entitled breaks
Posted by: Nick, Bournemouth on 8:41am Sat 19 Jul 08
I thought that all electrical items in the work place had to be checked by a qualified technician due to health and safety legislation. So there should not be any non- approved kettles there anyway. Or has that all changed again?
I thought that all electrical items in the work place had to be checked by a qualified technician due to health and safety legislation. So there should not be any non- approved kettles there anyway. Or has that all changed again?
Posted by: MIG, Poole on 8:14pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Nick[/bold] wrote:
I thought that all electrical items in the work place had to be checked by a qualified technician due to health and safety legislation. So there should not be any non- approved kettles there anyway. Or has that all changed again?[/quote] Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certification.
Most work places seem to allow employees to leave their personal kit out for the electrician to test on the due date, which is usually known. Unless the item is new and out of the box when it only need testing on the following due date.
So here is the idea: For the employer - just bar staff from getting their kit tested by the visiting technician, because it costs money.
and For the employee -
buy a new kettle every year just after the test has been done.
Nick wrote:
I thought that all electrical items in the work place had to be checked by a qualified technician due to health and safety legislation. So there should not be any non- approved kettles there anyway. Or has that all changed again?
Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certification.
Most work places seem to allow employees to leave their personal kit out for the electrician to test on the due date, which is usually known. Unless the item is new and out of the box when it only need testing on the following due date.
So here is the idea: For the employer - just bar staff from getting their kit tested by the visiting technician, because it costs money.
and For the employee -
buy a new kettle every year just after the test has been done.
Posted by: Dorsetman1986, Wimborne on 7:10pm Mon 21 Jul 08
I was working in Richmond House laast year, and a member of the Richmond Group (which occupies part of the building) left the toaster on for too long. The result? The entire building got evacuated out onto Yelverton road and waited for the all clear in the freezing cold.
Surprisingly enough, my current employers don't allow any electircal appliances not provided by the company, unless they have been tested and approved by the company itself. Then again why should anyone need a toaster, electric fan, etc, when an employer such as mine (or indeed the NHS) should be providing aircon and proper restaurant areas anyway and thus not have any need for small staff rooms and rest areas?
I was working in Richmond House laast year, and a member of the Richmond Group (which occupies part of the building) left the toaster on for too long. The result? The entire building got evacuated out onto Yelverton road and waited for the all clear in the freezing cold.
Surprisingly enough, my current employers don't allow any electircal appliances not provided by the company, unless they have been tested and approved by the company itself. Then again why should anyone need a toaster, electric fan, etc, when an employer such as mine (or indeed the NHS) should be providing aircon and proper restaurant areas anyway and thus not have any need for small staff rooms and rest areas?
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