Running a business, especially a food establishment, means providing a safe environment for everyone. This includes learning how to prevent and treat commercial fires. Fortunately, you can easily reduce the risk of commercial kitchen fires by providing fire protection equipment and keeping all areas clean.
1. Install A Fire Suppression System
You must look into fire suppression systems in Lehigh Valley, PA for maximum protection. A fire suppression system is designed to quickly put out fires before they can spread. There are different fire suppression systems, such as a system that releases chemicals to smother flames, so you need to find the right system for your business. You also want to ensure every room of your establishment is equipped with sprinklers and smoke detectors.
2. Keep Fire Extinguishers On Hand
You also need to ensure Class K fire extinguishers are accessible throughout the kitchen, with Class ABC extinguishers available throughout other areas of your establishment. In the event of a fire, your staff needs to be able to quickly grab the extinguishers. It also helps to have backup fire extinguishers for larger fires or if the first extinguisher does not work.
3. Clean Up Grease In Kitchens
Grease and oil are extremely flammable, and allowing them to accumulate increases the risk of a kitchen fire. To prevent buildup, it is essential to clean the grease and oil after each order and regularly inspect and clean the kitchen.
4. Properly Train Your Employees
You need to prioritize employee training, as they must know how to prevent and address a kitchen fire. For example, your employees must learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to properly put out a grease fire, and why they should never pour hot oil into the trashcan.
5. Pay Attention To Your Surroundings
The wrong environment can cause a fire when you least expect it, so paying attention and improving your surroundings as needed is important. Regularly inspect cords, wires, and outlets for overuse or damage. Remove items such as potholders and towels from the stove area to keep them from catching fire. Additionally, keep all areas of the kitchen clean and tidy.
6. Keep Cooking Equipment Clean
Your cooking equipment, from utensils to appliances, must be regularly cleaned to prevent a buildup of grease, oil, and other hazards. Furthermore, no longer working equipment must be repaired or replaced immediately. Using filthy or damaged equipment increases the risk of sparks, electrocution, and fire.
7. Map Out An Escape Route
Unfortunately, you can follow all the rules, take every precaution,, but you will still wind up with a kitchen fire. Sometimes, mistakes or mishaps happen, such as an undetected faulty outlet or appliance, which might be out of your hands. This is why planning an escape route for every area of your establishment is essential. The routes should be posted and highlighted for employees and customers to follow in an emergency.
8. Ensure Your Establishment Is Up To Code
Every establishment must follow specific codes and regulations, including fire prevention. Take the time to ensure the entire building is up to code, which you can do by working with a fire inspector. If any improvements are required, make them before re-opening your establishment to employees and customers.
Look Into Professional Fire Protection
Preventing and treating fires should never be taken lightly in any establishment. You never know when a fire may occur, so it is best to be prepared for an emergency. When you need fire protection in Philadelphia, consider Keystone Fire and Security for all your fire prevention needs. Contact us and speak to a life safety advisor today.