Every day, commercial kitchens are subjected to high temperatures, cooking oils, electrical equipment and gas appliances. That, of course, is why commercial kitchen fire safety must be an integral part of protecting your staff and customers, as well as the business itself. A minor issue with equipment, grease or extraction systems may quickly turn into a serious fire if not addressed properly.
Understand the Main Fire Risks
One of the first steps in kitchen fire prevention is knowing where a fire could start. Common commercial kitchen fire risks include deep fryers, grills, ovens, cooking equipment, gas systems and electrical appliances. Grease can also build up inside extraction canopies and ductwork. If this grease is exposed to enough heat or a flame, it can catch fire and allow flames to spread through the extraction system.
Kitchen utensils must be properly maintained and regularly checked. Staff should also know how to safely switch off equipment and isolate gas supply or electricity when necessary.
Keep Cooking Areas Clean
Good housekeeping is a simple but important part of restaurant fire safety. Grease, waste, packaging and other combustible materials should not be allowed to build up around cooking areas.
Extraction filters, canopies and ductwork also need suitable cleaning and maintenance. Risk Assessment LTD highlights grease accumulation in extraction systems as a key kitchen hazard. Keeping these areas clean helps reduce the amount of combustible material available to fuel a fire.
Check Fire Safety Equipment
Commercial kitchens should have suitable fire safety arrangements for the risks present. This includes checking fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and, where appropriate, fixed fire suppression systems.
Risk Assessment LTD’s commercial kitchen assessments look at cooking equipment, extraction systems, gas safety, grease accumulation, fire detection and suppression arrangements. The assessment also considers whether equipment and safety systems are suitable for the way the kitchen is actually being used.
Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is an assessment carried out to provide you with an understanding of the hazards, people at risk and actions that need to be taken for fire safety to be improved. A risk assessment assesses the risks of cooking equipment, oil fires, grease and extraction systems and other kitchen hazards. Risk Assessment Ltd also organises a fire risk assessment in London for businesses.
Make Fire Safety Part of Daily Work
Fire safety should not only be checked during an assessment. Staff should follow good fire safety housekeeping practices every day. Keeping cooking areas clean, storing materials safely, checking equipment and keeping escape routes clear can all help reduce fire risk.
Regular checks of the kitchen, ensuring a clear line of what all staff have to do and conducting a fire risk assessment for the food business will help solve problems as they arise.