A Quick Guide to Restaurant Fire Safety Precautions

 

When dining out, customers will naturally overlook the measures that need to be put in place to create a safe and healthy environment for all. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, restaurant owners and managers are working hard to ensure that the necessary fire safety precautions are in place in the unfortunate event of a fire.

If you’re new to the restaurant business, or want to review your fire safety policy, in this blog we’ll take a look at what restaurant fire safety means and what measures need to be implemented in order to protect your staff, customers and property.



Common Causes of Restaurant Fires

Restaurants are spaces full of hustle and bustle, but they are also full of potential fire hazards. It’s important to be aware of the most common causes of restaurant fires to effectively avoid them.

Equipment

Cooking equipment is unsurprisingly the main cause of fire outbreaks in restaurants. This is typically down to not maintaining the equipment properly, or poor cleaning standards.

Faulty Wiring & Electricals

Equipment wiring should be routinely checked for faults to ensure it doesn’t pose a fire risk. Untested equipment can lead to faulty plugs or inner circuitry, from which heat is likely generated and ultimately causing a fire.

Decorations and USPs

Of course, fire doesn’t always start in the kitchen; it’s also common for outbreaks to happen in the dining area due to candles or ageing lighting. This is worth bearing in mind when you’re performing your regular checks in the kitchen and bar areas.

Common Risks Areas for Restaurants

The risks we discuss below are some of the most common problem areas for a lot of restaurants, and while not all will be applicable, you can use them as foundations upon which to build as you review fire risks at your restaurant.

Maximum Occupancy

Identifying the maximum occupancy of your building is a key part of your fire risk assessment, on top of it being useful to have this information to hand in the event of a fire. Knowing the highest number of people you’ll need to evacuate will ensure that any emergency situations run smoothly.

Evacuation Procedures for Customers

While you’re legally required to train your staff in proper fire safety practices, the same doesn’t go for your customers. Ultimately, your customers will have no real idea of how to safely escape your restaurant in the event of a fire.

 

So, how do you calmly and effectively explain evacuation procedures if a fire breaks out? Designate someone (the Responsible Person or otherwise) who has the necessary fire safety knowledge to communicate with guests in an area they can be heard.

Restaurant Layout

Consider the layout of your restaurant and whether it might help (or hinder) evacuations. You should clearly define exit routes in your risk assessment and keep them clear at all times. This means keeping tables and chairs within strict seating zones; take this into account when shifting furniture around to accommodate for large parties.

Need Fire Safety Services in Essex?

If you’d like to improve the fire safety measures at your restaurant, Thameside Fire Protection can provide a comprehensive range of fire safety services, including fire risk assessments, fire alarm installations, fire sprinklers and fire safety training for staff. Get in touch for more information.