The Home Office reported that Food & Drink premises are the third most at risk of accidental fires in the UK.
This finding was reported from over 1,500 recorded incidents at Food & Drink premises attended by the Fire and Rescue Services between 2018/2019.
This is hardly surprising when you take into account that The Home Office have reported that cooking appliances have been the highest specified source of ignition for primary fires since 2010.
With a variety of fryers, griddles, ovens, and more all essential to the running of a successful kitchen, Food & Drink premises provide a catalyst for fire associated risk.
Common Causes of Kitchen Fires
Ducting
Fires can spread when flames get into the kitchen’s ductwork and exhaust system, the vents and fans behind ovens and stoves that extract flammable vapours and smoke and are typically home to grease build up.
Oven Hoods
Oven hoods also pose a substantial fire risk if not adequately cleaned and maintained. Cooks and kitchen porters are usually responsible for cleaning these nightly, but sometimes the chore gets skipped. More in-depth cleaning, which is necessary on a regular basis for proper hood operation, is something restaurant owners might be tempted to skip given the expense.
Grease Traps
Another common source of fire is grease traps. High-volume kitchens must clean them quarterly, while quieter restaurants are required to do it twice a year, and they can catch fire if not properly maintained or if not emptied regularly.
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires start when unsafe wiring, switches, sockets, or plugs project heat onto flammable or combustible materials. Outdated wiring can struggle with voltages used by modern appliances and break down, sparking and potentially leading to fires. Adding equipment to a kitchen that cannot handle the additional capacity can cause electronics to short circuit, leading to overheating, explosion, or fire.
Should the unthinkable happen and a fire break out within your kitchen, do you have the precautions in place to keep your site protected?
The application of Ansul R-102 restaurant fire suppression systems can ensure a far safer working environment for kitchen staff and can significantly reduce the insurance costs of industrial and commercial kitchens through the automatic detection and extinguishing of canopy and range fires.
Synonymous with reliability and quality, the Ansul R-102 system utilises an extremely effective liquid agent that extinguishes flames quickly and cools hot surfaces while generating a tough vapour-securing blanket that helps prevent reflash.
We design, install, commission and maintain kitchen suppression systems in a large number of commercial kitchens throughout the UK.