The Importance of Fire Protection for Commercial Kitchens
Commercial kitchens are busy places catering to the public, and numerous fire safety hazards exist within these spaces. From open flames through to electric and gas appliances, combustible oils and other materials, it is critical that you have an adequate fire protection system in place. By investing in fire safety, you can rest easy knowing that your restaurant, chefs, waiters, patrons and other building occupants are protected against the very real risk of fire. Here are some common ways kitchen fires occur and essential pieces of fire safety equipment for modern commercial kitchens.
How do Fires Start in Commercial Kitchens?
There are many different types of appliances found within a commercial kitchen, all of which have the potential to start a fire. Microwaves, electric stoves, toasters, kettles, ovens and hobs have all been linked to kitchen fires.
Some of the most common ways in which kitchen fires occur include:
- Leaving stovetops on
- Walking away and forgetting about food which is cooking
- Combustible materials stored too close to heat sources
- Poor cleaning practices which enhance the risk of grease fire
- Unattended equipment
- Overheating oil during cooking
Essential Fire Safety Equipment for Kitchens
Protect your Rangehoods
As a high activity environment, cooking spaces are in use by multiple chefs for most of the day. Heat and moisture can build up quickly, and it is important that your rangehood is able to filter the air effectively. The filters can quickly get clogged up with grease and contaminants, creating the perfect conditions for a grease fire to break out. Having a restaurant hood fire suppression system in place will enable your kitchen staff to take immediate control and extinguish the fire whilst also preventing reflash.
Fire Blankets
Fires can also occur within cooking utensils such as pots and pans, and a fire blanket is the quickest method for extinguishing these fires with minimal disruption.
Emergency Lighting/Exit Signs
In the event of a fire, kitchen staff and restaurant patrons should have a clear understanding of where to go. Emergency lighting and exit signs are very important, as they clearly highlight the nearest exit or evacuation point and remain functional even if the power has gone out.
Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are one of the most common sites around all commercial buildings, and they should be placed at key areas of your restaurant. Whilst the kitchen has the highest potential for fire, they can also occur in other areas of your property. Portable fire extinguishers are easy to use, and in the event that a fire starts to spread they will prove invaluable. They are also very useful if a grease fire happens to start within the kitchen.
The Class of Fire Extinguisher is important
Fire extinguishers operate in different ways, and can use either water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide or wet chemical. The most common type of fire extinguisher used within kitchens is a wet chemical fire extinguisher which is designed to fight fires caused by combustible materials, fats, oils and grease which have been exposed to very high temperatures. Following a site inspection, your fire safety specialist will determine the most suitable extinguishers for your kitchen to ensure optimal protection and full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Protect Your Kitchen Today – Contact Astute Fire
Contact Astute Fire today to arrange a free estimate for fire protection equipment. We also provide scheduled maintenance to keep your kitchen firefighting equipment in top working order all year round.
We’ve been providing fire safety services in NSW for more than a decade, helping countless restaurant and commercial kitchen operators protect their business, lives and property. We look forward to assisting you.