Top Restaurant Fire Hazards in Atlanta

Restaurant fire hazards can endanger the health of both staff and customers. Every year, hundreds of preventable disasters occur across the country. Contractors from the top provider of Atlanta's kitchen suppression systems — Cliff’s Fire — discuss these dangers.

What Counts as a Fire Hazard?

Fire hazards are any type of material or workplace procedure that could cause accidental flames, explosions, or smoke inhalation. Some estimates suggest that kitchen fire hazards contribute to more than half of all structural fires in eating establishments across the U.S.

Common fire hazards include:

• Greasy rags placed too close to stovetops
• Cigarette butts near flammable items
• Faulty electrical equipment producing sparks
• Burnt food catching fire in the oven
• And more

Liquid Hazards

Cooking oil and grease are highly flammable and present in almost all commercial kitchens. Unfortunately, these ingredients can be difficult to extinguish when they catch fire. 

You can reduce the risk of liquid restaurant fire hazards by tightening lids on bottles and storing them away from open flames and outlets.

Train your staff in Atlanta to use these ingredients properly to avoid spills or excess grease that may fuel large fires.

Grease traps can store several ounces of combustible liquid and are extremely dangerous to line cooks when ignored. Inspect and clean them often to prevent unexpected mishaps when frying or cooking food. 

Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards include faulty appliances, overloaded circuit boards, and damaged kitchen wiring. Sometimes, it can be challenging to identify an electrical hazard until it is too late. However, you can look for key signs of danger throughout the day.

First, pay attention to any kitchen appliances — espresso machines, electric ovens, skillets, etc. — that stop working correctly. This problem may indicate issues with the power, such as disconnected or frayed cables. It could also mean something is wrong with the building’s electrical, not the appliance itself.

If you suspect an appliance creates a restaurant fire hazard for your Atlanta establishment, turn off the power and inspect your circuitry. Hire a professional fire prevention inspector to assess the building if you cannot find the source of the problem.

Storage Issues

Placing restaurant items in unsafe locations can endanger your staff. As mentioned above, grease containers can be dangerous when placed near flames. However, improper storage of materials can also block fire escapes or cause a fire to spread quickly.

Dispose of flammable materials like cardboard boxes or used linens in the appropriate receptacles. Keep all fire evacuation paths clear of debris.

Cliff’s Fire Has the Solutions

Protecting your customers and employees from fire hazards should be one of your top priorities as a business owner. At Cliff’s Fire, experienced fire prevention professionals can help you avoid unnecessary danger.

Enjoy comprehensive inspections, quality fire suppression technology installations, and more when you hire this team. 

You can learn more about the fire safety code for commercial kitchens by speaking to a representative over the phone.

Contact Cliff’s Fire in Woodstock, GA, to learn more about how to avoid restaurant fire hazards.