What Fire Risk Assessors Check in Kitchens – Introduction.
Ignition Sources Around Cooking Equipment
Ignition Sources Around Cooking Equipment: Most Fire Risk Assessors will report on the clearance between cooking equipment and combustible materials. Normally this would be a minimum of 150mm from any surface that could ignite using the heat from cooking.
Grease and Extract Duct Condition
Fat build-up on the filters of canopy exhaust systems and within the ductwork of kitchens can cause devastating fires. This typically is discovered when assessors check that filters for such systems are cleaned every 4 weeks to 12 weeks depending on usage. Evidence of cleaning such as a log is also checked.
Gas and Electrical Supplies
Gas supplies: check the condition of gas pipework and flexible hoses and check if they have been correctly installed and that appropriate electrical connections have been made to cooking equipment. Fire Risk Assessment Northamptonshire is covered in more detail at https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/northamptonshire.
Fire Suppression and Extinguisher Provision
A wet chemical extinguisher (F-class) is required to be stored near fat fryers. Fire risk assessors check that such extinguishers are within date and that adequate staff training has been given.
Compartmentation and Fire Doors
All doors leading out of the kitchen into other areas (such as dining, office space etc) must be fire rated. These doors must close fully in case of a fire and are checked for good seals, self-closing devices and for anything that could stop them closing properly.
Emergency Exit Accessibility
The rear door(s) out of the kitchen need to be clear of obstructions (i.e. no deliveries stacked up against them) and to be able to be opened from the inside (i.e. unlocked) during normal hours of operation. They also need to be clearly signed as the means of escape.
Whether you trade in Northampton, Corby, Wellingborough, Kettering or elsewhere in the country, the duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order apply as they do elsewhere in England.
