Fire is an inherent danger in any restaurant. It only takes an accumulation of grease, a cooking mishap, or an electrical fault to spark an unwanted flame in a busy kitchen, which could spell trouble for your employees, customers, and premises.
As a business owner, you have a legal and moral duty to protect every person in the workplace, which is why you must minimize risks to their health and safety. Read the following advice on how to prevent a fire in your restaurant.
Fix Electrical Issues ASAP
Electrical faults can strike in any workplace, including a restaurant. Common causes of electrical fires can include:
- Unsafe wires, plugs, and sockets
- Overheated components contacting flammable materials
- Outdated wiring unable to meet a modern appliance’s higher voltage
- Combustible materials close to outlets
- Worn cords or wiring
- Broken switch plates
Don’t wait for the worst to happen. Invest in commercial electrician services to professionally install, maintain, and repair your restaurant’s electrical system. Also, if a fault develops, you can organize an emergency electrician to arrive at your premises to resolve the problem right away.
Report a Gas Leak Immediately
Gas leaks are bound to be a concern for any employer, especially a restauranteur. As your chefs will likely use various gas-powered appliances in a kitchen, you must resolve any potential gas issues immediately. Also, educate your employees on how to detect a gas leak. For instance, a gas leak often produces a rotten egg smell, and they may spot a flickering orange or yellow flame over a steady blue flame when using a stove.
Remove Trash
The last thing you will want is for your restaurant to become a victim of arson or to experience an accidental fire. Decrease the likelihood of this happening by carefully disposing of trash in outdoor bins. Also, ensure trash bags or other items don’t obstruct emergency exits to keep your employees and customers safe.
Routinely Clean Cooking Systems
It is imperative for restaurant staff or cleaning professionals to routinely clean various cooking systems to prevent fires. Commercial ovens and stoves feature ductwork and exhaust systems that accumulate grease over time and produce flammable vapors and smoke. For this reason, you must ensure they are cleaned by a cleaning professional regularly to prevent a fire from breaking out.
Also, kitchen staff must thoroughly clean grease on:
- Oven hoods
- Exhaust hoods
- Work surfaces
- Walls
- Cooking equipment (such as vents, filters, ranges, and grills)
Prominently Display Fire Extinguishers
Every restaurant should provide its staff with quick and easy access to Class K fire extinguishers to settle flames caused by grease or substances that will burn at a high temperature. Also, each fire extinguisher should be clearly promoted with signs, and all kitchen staff must receive training on how to use it in a fire. Class ABC extinguishers should be available to tackle fires containing paper, wood, or electricity.
Most fires in commercial kitchens are avoidable. Stop the worst from happening by fixing potential faults, maintaining a clean kitchen, providing fire extinguishers, and organizing professional installations for every appliance.
