The basics on restaurant fire safety

A fire can devastate your business, leading to lost revenues and even permanent closure. But there are steps you can take to prevent fires and minimize the damage.

Preventative maintenance

• Install an automatic fire-suppression system in the kitchen. This is crucial because 57% of restaurant fires involve cooking equipment. These systems automatically dispense chemicals to suppress the flames and also have a manual switch. Activating the system automatically shuts down the fuel or electric supply to nearby cooking equipment. Have your fire-suppression system professionally inspected and serviced semi-annually.
• Keep portable fire extinguishers as a backup. You’ll need a Class K extinguisher for kitchen fires involving grease, fats, and oils that burn at high temperatures. Class K fire extinguishers are only intended to be used after the activation of an automatic hood suppression system. Keep Class ABC extinguishers elsewhere for all other fires (paper, electrical, etc.).
• Schedule regular maintenance on electrical equipment, and watch for hazards like frayed cords or wiring, cracked or broken switch plates and combustible items near power sources.
• Have your exhaust system inspected for grease buildup. The NFPA Fire Code calls for quarterly inspections of systems in high-volume cooking operations and semi-annual inspections in moderate-volume operations. Monthly inspections are required for exhaust systems serving solid-fuel cooking equipment, like wood or charcoal-burning ovens.

Staff training

• Locate and use a fire extinguisher appropriately - An acronym you may find helpful is PAST – pull out the pin, aim at the base, make a sweeping motion, (be) ten feet away.
• Clean up grease - Cleaning exhaust hoods is especially important, since grease buildup can restrict air flow. Be sure to also clean walls and work surfaces; ranges, fryers, broilers, grills and convection ovens; vents and filters.
• Never throw water on a grease fire - Water tossed into grease will cause grease to splatter, spread and likely erupt into a larger fire.
• Remove ashes from wood - and charcoal-burning ovens at least once a day. Store outside in metal containers at least 10 feet from any buildings or combustible materials.
• Make sure cigarettes are out - before dumping them in a trash receptacle. Never smoke in or near storage areas.
• Store flammable liquids properly - Keep them in their original containers or puncture-resistant, tightly sealed containers. Store containers in well-ventilated areas away from supplies, food, food-preparation areas or any source of flames.
• Tidy up to avoid fire hazards - Store paper products, linens, boxes and food away from heat and cooking sources. Properly dispose of soiled rags, trash, cardboard boxes and wooden pallets at least daily.
• Use chemical solutions properly. Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas, and never mix chemicals unless directions call for mixing. Immediately clean up chemical spills.

Be prepared and have an emergency plan

• Be prepared to power down - Train at least one worker per shift how to shut off gas and electrical power in case of emergency.
• Have an evacuation plan - Designate one staff member per shift to be evacuation manager. That person should be in charge of calling 911, determining when an evacuation is necessary and ensuring that everyone exits the restaurant safely. Ensure your staff know where the closest exits are, depending on their location in the restaurant. Remember that the front door is an emergency exit.
• Offer emergency training - Teach new employees about evacuation procedures and the usage of fire-safety equipment. Give veteran staff members a refresher course at least annually.

By: Mike Huss, Loss Control Consultant

Source: National Restaurant Association and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)