Fire safety in the workplace is a serious business, particularly in a commercial kitchen where the risk of fire is that much greater, owing to the presence of open flames, combustible materials, and other potential hazards.
The ‘responsible person’
As the ‘responsible person’ (as described under UK employment law), you have a duty to both employees and clientele to ensure that your commercial kitchen adheres to the Fire Safety Regulations laid out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Much of this is administration – ensuring that you have a number of fire escape routes plotted out, that relevant members of staff have had sufficient training to combat a fire in the event of an emergency, that your fire safety equipment (fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and so on) are well-maintained and in good order.
Risk assessment
One key aspect of the fire safety regulations is performing a risk assessment. This involves identifying fire hazards and seeking ways to either minimise the risk, or to eliminate them altogether. Failure to do this properly can result in a fine or imprisonment for the responsible person.
In a commercial kitchen these risks include (but are by no means limited to) the following: gas, oil, and other combustible fuel feeds; proximity to open flames and heated elements; correct storage of cooking oils, spirits, and other flammable liquids.
Fat, grease, and oil deposits
One area that is often overlooked is the build-up of fat, grease, and oil deposits on the ventilation hoods of your cooking equipment. Deposited over time thanks to small particles released into the air during cooking, these form a thin layer of combustible material that is effectively a giant candle suspended over a heat source! In terms of risk assessment, it should go right at the top of your list.
One of the best ways to adhere to legal fire regulations in the UK is to invest in a reliable commercial kitchen deep cleaning service. Here at Kitchen & Duct Cleaning Ltd, we deliver impeccable deep cleaning solutions to commercial premises in London and across the UK. If you need assistance in adhering to government legislation regarding fire safety in the workplace, give us a call on 0208 245 8850 and see what we can do for you.
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