Commercial Kitchen Fire Prevention Brooklyn, New York
Commercial kitchens are widely considered one of the most dangerous places to work because of the environment. If you looked around the space, you’d see loads of heating elements all running at the same time, sharp objects everywhere, flammable substances, and restaurant staff weaving in and out of cooks as they pick up food before they run back out to the dining area. The craziness of the commercial kitchen doesn’t change much from restaurant to restaurant, so it’s a risky area that needs to be monitored. Consequently, we offer commercial kitchen fire prevention in Brooklyn, New York. We aim to help restaurants prevent fires by being more aware of fire prevention guidelines and by being proactive with staff protocols and training.
|
|
Why Do Kitchen Fires Occur?
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, 6,000 fires occur in commercial kitchens annually. Most of these incidents are caused by employee ignorance, from a cook leaving a heating element on when it’s not being used, to a waiter running into a cook and dumping food into a deep fryer which caused it to overflow, to not cleaning often enough.
Cooking all the time makes everything dirty; there’s not much that can be done about that. Kitchen equipment, exhaust vents, cooking surfaces, floors, and walls are hit with an endless barrage of dirt and grime. The grease accumulates on each surface, dries, and then begins causing problems. On an extractor or exhaust fan, grease build-up can throw off the spin cycle, degrading the efficiency of the system. On the ductwork, grease accumulation blocks airflow, hindering the exhaust from working correctly and increasing kitchen temperatures. And everywhere grease accumulates, the fire risk increases exponentially because of its flammability. All that’s needed to start a fire is to keep increasing the temperature of the grease. Eventually it will ignite and start an unmanageable fire.
Cooking all the time makes everything dirty; there’s not much that can be done about that. Kitchen equipment, exhaust vents, cooking surfaces, floors, and walls are hit with an endless barrage of dirt and grime. The grease accumulates on each surface, dries, and then begins causing problems. On an extractor or exhaust fan, grease build-up can throw off the spin cycle, degrading the efficiency of the system. On the ductwork, grease accumulation blocks airflow, hindering the exhaust from working correctly and increasing kitchen temperatures. And everywhere grease accumulates, the fire risk increases exponentially because of its flammability. All that’s needed to start a fire is to keep increasing the temperature of the grease. Eventually it will ignite and start an unmanageable fire.
How Do I Stop a Grease Fire?
If a grease fire occurs, follow these steps to stop it:
If these steps don’t work, leave the kitchen and call the fire department immediately.
- Cut the oxygen to the fire by covering it with a lid (if possible)
- Immediately stop the heating element
- Cover the flames in baking soda or salt (if available)
- Spray the flames directly with a dry chemical fire extinguisher
If these steps don’t work, leave the kitchen and call the fire department immediately.
Fire Safety & Prevention Tips for Commercial Kitchens & Restaurants
- Keep an eye on cooking surfaces – Make sure oils and grease don’t overflow onto cooking surfaces.
- Watch Electrical Equipment – Make sure all electrical equipment is working. If a piece of equipment doesn’t work correctly, don’t use it. Get it fixed as soon as possible.
- Check the Fire System– Verify the fire system works as intended and refill or replace empty fire extinguishers. Regular maintenance is recommended for these.
- Have the Vent Hood and Exhaust System Cleaned Often – Prevent grease build-up by cleaning the restaurant hood and exhaust system often. Preferably, hire a professional cleaner to be sure it’s always completed timely.
- Get the Right Kind of Extinguisher – Get a dry chemical fire extinguisher and make sure your employees know how to use it.
- Host Safety Training – Make sure your employees attend safety training.
- Get a Fire Inspection – Schedule a fire inspection with a local fire prevention service.
- Watch Your Staff – Unplug all equipment when not in use and make sure staff dress in clothing that fits and will not get in the way.
- Improve the Lighting – Upgrade the kitchen lighting so everything is easy to see.
When Should I Call You?
- If the exhaust fan is making weird noises or rattling
- Grease is building up on anything in the kitchen
- You can’t remember your last maintenance check-up
We offer the best commercial kitchen fire prevention service in Brooklyn. We can refill and replace fire extinguishers, and we also offer safety training for your convenience. Call us at (347) 492-1153.
