As a restaurant owner or owner of a building with a commercial kitchen, it’s essential to have a kitchen fire suppression system. And even once you have your kitchen fire suppression system in place, your job isn’t done yet. You have to continually ensure your suppression system is in compliance.
It’s important to note that many different factors can cause your kitchen fire suppression system to be out of compliance. Therefore, you want to make sure you keep up with this and know if your fire suppression system is as it should be.
What If Your Kitchen Fire Suppression System is Not In Compliance?
Commercial kitchen fires are a constant concern for restaurant owners. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states there are an average of 8,240 fires at restaurants in a year. 40% of those fires start in the kitchen area. With this in mind, you can see that having a proper kitchen fire suppression system in place is essential.
In addition, you must make sure your system is in compliance with current regulations and requirements and works to the best of its ability. If your system is not in compliance, injuries and damage could occur and your restaurant could be fined for not complying with local laws and regulations.
Signs Your System Is Out of Compliance Or Soon Will Be
There are signs to look for that show your kitchen fire suppression system is out of compliance or it soon will be. Here are some signs your system may not be in compliance and not up to standards:
- Under an updated 2019 code, the NFPA requires restaurant kitchen staff and employees to have training on how to use the portable fire extinguishers and manually activate the fire extinguishing system. Therefore, you have to train your employees on these aspects.
- You should have the kitchen hood fire suppression system inspected every six months.
- Your kitchen hood should be cleaned periodically and free of grease.
- The commercial cooking equipment should have exhaust fans.
- There should be grease containment measures in place.
In addition, make sure you always have a copy of your last fire safety inspection in the building. If you ensure your kitchen fire suppression system is in compliance, you will be following local regulations, protecting the people in your building as well as your property, and ensuring future professional safety inspections go smoothly.
