Any commercial or industrial kitchen, whether a restaurant, takeout, fast food joint, or food manufacturing company, is a possible fire trap. Equipment that isn’t working correctly or hasn’t been maintained in a long time, sloppy housekeeping or a lack of trained personnel are all possible causes.
Since a commercial kitchen is a high-risk environment for fires, you must take care to prevent fires from starting and be prepared to contain them if they do occur. For this reason, implementing fire protection is an absolute must in keeping commercial kitchens safe.
Here are five common fire hazards in commercial kitchens you should avoid:
1. Electrical Problems
Fires frequently start in commercial kitchens because of electrical faults. This can include anything from faulty wiring to overloaded circuits. It’s essential to ensure that your kitchen’s electrical system is up to date and in good condition to avoid any potential problems.
2. Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in commercial kitchens can lead to several problems, including the build-up of grease and smoke, the growth of mould and mildew, and the accumulation of cooking odours. In addition, poor ventilation can cause the temperature in the kitchen to become uncomfortably hot, doing cooking and cleaning more difficult.
Exhaust fans, open windows, and range hoods can improve kitchen ventilation. Install exhaust fans over the stove and sink to eliminate grease, smoke, and odours. When cooking, open windows for fresh air and use range hoods to reduce smoke and odours.
In addition to improving ventilation, keeping the kitchen clean and free of clutter will also help to improve the air quality. Wiping down surfaces, sweeping floors, and regularly cleaning appliances will help remove grease, dust, and other contaminants from the air.
3. Faulty Electrical Appliances
Faulty electrical appliances can be a significant fire hazard in the kitchen. An appliance can overheat and start a fire if it is not functioning properly. It is vital to check all kitchen electrical appliances regularly to ensure they are in good working order.
If an appliance isn’t working right, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Never use an appliance that has been damaged or is not working appropriately.
4. Careless or Unattended Cooking
One of the foremost causes of fires in commercial kitchens is careless or unattended cooking. It is important never to leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off all appliances and extinguish any open flames.
In addition, it is vital to be careful when cooking with oil and grease. Never leave oil or grease unattended on a stovetop or other heat source. If a fire starts, don’t try to extinguish it with water. Water will only spread the fire. Instead, try to smother the fire with a wet towel or blanket.
5. Combustible Materials and Cleaning Products
Many combustible materials and cleaning products in commercial kitchens can pose a fire hazard. Some common combustible materials in commercial kitchens include cooking oil, grease, food waste, paper towels, and cleaning products.
Cooking oil and grease are the most common combustible materials in commercial kitchens. They can easily catch fire if they are not managed. In addition, food waste can also be a fire hazard if not adequately disposed of. Paper towels and cleaning products can also be combustible if not stored properly.
To prevent fires in commercial kitchens, it is crucial to store all combustible materials properly and dispose of all food waste immediately. Also, keep paper towels and cleaning products away from heat sources.
More importantly, have a fire extinguisher readily available. Foam, water, and powder fire extinguishers must be discharge tested every five years foam, whereas CO2 fire extinguishers must be discharge tested every five years, according to UK British Standard BS5306. Hydraulic testing should also be performed on CO2 extinguishers to check whether or not an extinguisher should be refilled.
Conclusion
Awareness of the common causes of commercial kitchen fires is critical. Taking precautions and being aware of these dangers can help prevent a fire from starting in your commercial kitchen.
For your commercial kitchen needs, Alliance Online supplies the most extensive range of high-quality commercial catering equipment, cleaning supplies, and catering supplies to the hospitality industry and public sector. In addition, if you’re looking for an experienced company to design your new commercial kitchen, contact our Capital Equipment Specialists today!