Fire Safety in Commercial Kitchens

Fire hazards are a risk in any environment but in commercial restaurants there a number of extra factors to consider. While there are a considerable number of challenges in the day-to-day running of a commercial kitchen and fire safety might not be your priority, for the health and safety of your staff and customers it is absolutely essential.

At SSH Fire & Security, we have years of experience in improving fire safety within commercial and domestic settings. To arrange your free survey today, give us a call now on 0808 164 0280.

How to Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment

These assessments do not need to be complicated, and should follow five basic steps:

Step 1: Identify employees at risk
Step 2: Identify potential fire hazards
Step 3: Evaluate the risk
Step 4: Note down everything you find
Step 5: Repeat this on a monthly basis

Standard risk assessments should be carried out in every commercial setting, but specific fire risk assessments are especially critical in restaurants. If you have nor arranged such a process it is essential that you do so as quickly as possible; without doing so, you will not be in line with the 2005 Fire Safety Act.

If you are the business owner, you can carry out this assessment yourself. Otherwise, appoint a trusted member of staff.

Get the Basics Right

While there are a number of potential hazards specific to commercial industry, it is important to first and foremost get the basics right.

Firstly, make sure that fire doors are never left open. No matter how stuffy it gets, or how often you pass through it, do not wedge it open. These fire doors are fantastically effective at slowing down the spread of fire, but they must remain closed.

Secondly, make sure that you have a quality fire alarm which will detect any smoke at the earliest opportunity. This is something we can help with. Our technicians will make sure that you have a reliable and effective solution, tailor-fit for your particular circumstances and budget.

Thirdly, fire escapes must be kept clear at all times. However convenient it may seem to use a back corridor as a storage area, this is a critical health and safety hazard. If a fire starts within your premises, it is essential you have a clear path for escape.

Fourthly, you need to make sure that if your premises is above or below ground that you have a designated route to make it back to the ground and ultimately outside. When this is established, make sure that the path is well signposted.

Lastly, appoint an employee you trust as a fire marshall. In the event of a fire, it is their responsibility to make sure that everyone inside makes it outside in a safe and organised manner.

Address Industry Specific Issues

Keeping kitchen equipment clean and well-maintained is fundamental for many reasons in a commercial kitchen. Over and above ensuring a hygienic working environment, faulty and dirty kitchen equipment can and will cause a fire.

For example, grease will begin to build up in the kitchen as it combines with dust and food particles. This needs to be cleaned regularly, as any spark or open flame coming into contact with it will quickly result in a fire which is incredibly difficult to put out.

Extraction fans and cooker hoods are one of the most significant potential fire hazards. Wipe them down as often as possible and make sure they are fully functional at all times. If they aren’t working correctly, then ventilation will be poor which will significantly increase the chance of fire.

Finally, make sure that all of your staff know exactly how to deal with a grease/fat/oil fire. There are particular ways to deal with this and using traditional methods can make a manageable problem quickly get out of hand.

Get in Touch

If you are serious about fire safety, as everyone in commercial settings should be, get in touch with SSH Fire & Security today. Not only will it help to secure the smooth running of your business, but in the event of a fire poor safety measures can affect any insurance claim you might make.

With a wealth of options in our arsenal, we can accommodate a variety of circumstances and budgets. Our technicians will survey your property and come up with a bespoke plan to create a safe environment for you and your staff in the most cost-effective manner.

To arrange for your free survey today, or to schedule a service, give us a call now on 0808 164 0280.

Alternatively, complete our contact form, and one of our personnel will be in touch as soon as possible.