A commercial kitchen fire risk is an alarming concern for all restaurant owners. They can be dangerous not just for property, but for your business’s employees and customers.
But the good news is that kitchen fires are completely preventable. Here are some ways to prevent fires:
Have a Kitchen Fire Suppression System Ready
One of the systems a restaurant is legally mandated to install is a Kitchen Fire Hood Suppression System. A Kitchen fire hood suppression system activates as a fire is detected, protecting a property or business’ employees from substantial damage.
It is an essential component and should be found in every commercial kitchen, and should be regularly used and serviced.
Unclog the Kitchen and Ventilation System
Grease is found everywhere in commercial kitchens. It can act as very efficient fuel in the event of a catastrophe. To clean all the surfaces in the kitchen, so important. Scrape all the grease and clean them every day.
Kitchen grease can build up fairly quickly on surfaces and in the ventilation system. The ventilation system can be like a trap for grease. It piles up there quickly because it’s right near the stove.
And if a fire breaks out, grease build-up is like the matador who sets life-threatening kitchen fires loose. Should inspect and regularly clean the entire ventilation system including the fan, the ductwork and the hood
Train Your Employees
Kitchen staff and other employees who operate in proximity to the kitchen should participate in an intensive fire safety training program. They will learn the fundamentals of what to do during a grease fire.
It will train them where all of the fire extinguishers are, and how to use them. They must be assigned daily duties helping to reduce the fire risk. The duties involve cleaning surfaces thoroughly.
They should know how and where to safely store any flammable liquids generally used in kitchens. For reasons of safety, every employee must know where the company’s emergency fire exits are located.
They should be well versed in using them properly and have a seamless plan of action during emergencies. And conduct regular fire drills.
They say, “Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion”, and during this heat of the moment, we sometimes make bad choices that end up being really damaging. Employees should not need to be told not to pour water on a grease fire. In that situation, it is just going to make it worse to add water.”
Dress Code of the Employees
To prevent accidents, employees should also still ensure that they have the correct dress code when dressing up every morning, including putting an apron to keep them well tucking them in their body in case that they have loose clothing Hair that is longer in length on employees must always be secured back.
Maintain Cooking Equipment
The manufacturer of the Fire Suppression Systems issue guidelines that must be followed in regards to cleaning and maintaining cooking equipment. Assuming that all equipment is maintained and updated. In that case, it’s the difference between a fire that is contained and one that spreads and destroys property.
Let’s assume all the systems are in place and have been installed properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s specs. In case of a fire, they will immediately cut off all gas and electricity within the kitchen to limit the damage.
The health department provides certain guidelines in connection with the installation of the kitchen equipment that you must follow. Ovens, deep fryers, and all other such equipment must be installed in accordance with instructions and used with care.
When it comes to building up and maintaining a kitchen system it is never a good idea to take any shortcuts. Use these shortcuts and you might believe you are saving money. Still, you’re brewing far more serious trouble for you and others.
Back up Fire Extinguishers
Even if every other system is in place, position backup Class K fire extinguishers around the kitchen.
Put Class A fire extinguishers throughout the restaurant’s dining rooms. Place the right class fire extinguishers according to probable fires in the kitchen. The areas in which the restaurant presents the dining have ABC fire extinguishers. The Class K fire extinguishers should be placed inside kitchens where a greasy fire risk is at the highest.
Well Maintained Sprinkler Systems
Imagine that the automatic system recognizes a fire that’s large enough to trigger a sprinkler system. Then the system activates and begins extinguishing the fire by water. When the blaze is big, and not under control, sprinklers can act as the last line of defense.
There are many reasons why this particular type of sprinkler system is unable to work. Why it might not work: Corrosion, or recent repair or remodeling work that knocked it offline. Routine inspections and maintenance will keep the restaurant’s sprinkler system functional,
Secure the Kitchen at Night
Lock down the kitchen correctly at the end of each day. Unplug all electrical appliances. Have one employee be responsible for the double-checking and safe shutdown of all stoves. Have a closing checklist and enforce that, the list is checked off fully at closing time
Final Thoughts
Take all the recommendations above for the sake of employee safety and property security. You can use these techniques to stop fires from flaring up.