If a fire starts in a restaurant kitchen, all hell can break lose. People can be harmed in the blaze, even killed. On top of that, the premises and expensive cooking equipment etc. can be damaged in the event. This can leave the business or premises owner in a lot of financial trouble. However, they may also experience problems with their insurance company, especially if the insurance company finds out that the correct fire risk measurements were not taken prior to the accident.

Commercial Kitchens and the Law

Back in 2006, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into action. This new legislation meant that the responsible person of the premises would have to certain measurements to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the building. One of the main responsibilities that falls into the hands of this person, is to ensure that a sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. Failure to do so can land you in a heap of trouble if an accident were to happen as a result of your negligence.

Machinery and Staff members

Commercial kitchens contain a great deal of machinery and cooking equipment. It is important that each of member of staff who will be using this machinery, is properly trained and understands how to operate the devices as safely as possible. Small mistakes, such as leaving the hob on, can lead to the biggest disasters. Make sure that each member of staff is aware of the possible dangers in the kitchen in order to help prevent the risk of fire in the building.

Steps you can Take

According to www.eurofireprotection.com, one of the most important and most useful steps you can take to help prevent fires in your commercial kitchen, is to have a fire risk assessment carried out in your premises. This will allow you to better protect your business, since the assessment will reveal what you are doing right and what needs improvement. This also includes the inspection of fire dampers in the vents and ducts. A fire damper is used to help prevent the spread of fire. However, you will also be required to have your kitchen extraction system cleaned to get rid of any build up in grease and dirt that may have collected in the vents over time. Contact a professional kitchen cleaning company such as this Kent Duct cleaning business: http://www.enviro-group.eu/duct-cleaning-kent/. They will be able to assist you along every step of the way, ensuring that your kitchen is compliant and safe.