Tips For Avoiding Fires in Commercial Kitchens
Kitchens are the most common place for commercial fires to start. With so many risks in one place, it’s important to implement a solid fire protection system. If you work in a commercial kitchen or own a restaurant, cafe, or catering business, there are many precautions to take to mitigate the risk of fire. Here are our tips for avoiding fires in commercial kitchens.
Deep fat fryers
Most kitchens have fryers installed which are a huge hazard, not just for fires but also burns. They are involved in one in five fryers. The oil is a hot ignitable liquid that can easily start a fire and turn into a very big one.
- Deep fat fryers need at least 40 cm of clear space between the fryer and any adjacent open flame.
- Fryers should be equipped with a high-temperature limit control device designed to shut down the fryer heat source when the fat temperature reaches 246◦C at 3.5cm below the surface.
Extinguishers and fire suppression
You need to ensure you have the right fire protection system with the correct type of portable fire extinguishers installed. Fire extinguishers are the first line of defence against commercial kitchen fires. Therefore it’s important to ensure all commercial kitchens are equipped with fire extinguishers.
Commercial kitchens should be fitted with Wet Chemical fire extinguishers and fire blankets located within 9m of the cooking oil areas. Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are designed to be used on cooking oil fires.
Fire risk assessment
It is a legal requirement for businesses to complete a fire risk assessment to identify and evaluate the potential for a serious fire on their premises. The responsibility of the risk assessment lies with the occupiers and owners of business premises and should include the constriction of the premises, working practices within, fire inception hazards, likely fire spread potential and the suitability of fire protection systems such as fire alarms, fire sprinklers, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and escape signage.
Safety interlocks
Gas interlock systems need to be included in gas-fire catering ranges with mechanical extraction systems. An appropriate interlocking system will help ensure that the failure of the system causes the gas supply to be shut off.
Thameside Fire Protection is a trusted fire safety company in Essex ensuring safety in all workplaces. To work with one of the best fire protection companies in the UK, get in touch today. We can provide you with comprehensive fire safety services.
