Kitchen fires are the leading cause of workplace fires in the hospitality industry.
Think about it. High temperatures. Flammable cooking oils. Fast-paced environments… It’s no wonder the risk of kitchen fires is an ever-present threat. One single moment of distraction can lead to catastrophe.
Unless you’re prepared. And the fire blanket? That could be the difference between containing an incident (because they do happen, even in the safest of environments) and a disaster.
In this blog, we explore why this humble piece of fabric is a commercial kitchen essential.
Why Are Kitchen Fires So Dangerous?
Let’s imagine ourselves in a commercial kitchen for a moment. There are multiple fire hazards housed in this environment, such as:
- High heat sources. Hobs, ovens, grills and deep fat fryers are just some of the equipment that operate at soaring temperatures.
- Flammable materials. Cooking oils, fats and grease. These substances come with the territory, but they can cause serious problems.
- Combustible items. Things like tea towels, packaging and food waste can all act as fuel for a fire.
- Electrical equipment. Appliances and extraction systems use a lot of energy. They become a fire hazard if wiring, sockets or circuits are damaged.
- Fast-paced environment. Long hours. Busy kitchen spaces. Intense workload. This can all cause staff to rush or become distracted. And that’s when mistakes happen.
Class F Fires
Did you know that oils can reach temperatures of over 300°C? They’re highly volatile. Cooking oil and fat fires – often referred to as Class F fires – are therefore extremely dangerous.
Adding water makes oil fires even worse. This is because it causes explosive splashing, which makes the fire rage more quickly and puts people at greater risk.
Once they start, Class F fires spread quickly and intensely. They can become out of control in seconds. Kitchen and property issues aren’t even the worst of the damage… Kitchen fires can force business closures, harm both staff and customers, and even result in fatalities.
Fire prevention strategies and clear procedures for emergencies are crucial for commercial kitchens.
Common Causes of Kitchen Fires
The main culprits behind kitchen fires include:
- Unattended cooking. Fires often start when staff members’ attention is elsewhere.
- Overheated oil. Oil can reach high temperatures quickly.
- Grease build-up. A layer of grease on surfaces and equipment is highly flammable.
- Faulty equipment. Damaged electrical items and faulty wiring can spark or overheat.
- Human error. Making mistakes in the kitchen, such as forgetting to switch something off, can lead to serious incidents.
- Combustibles too close to the heat. Flammable items such as paper towels and packaging must be kept well away from heat sources.
The reality? Most kitchen fires are preventable with proper procedures, maintenance and training in place. But when prevention isn’t enough, having the right equipment and knowledge to respond is critical.
The Fire Blanket: Your First Line of Defence
A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material, typically fibreglass. It is designed to lay over and smother small fires. This works because the blanket cuts off the oxygen supply that is keeping the fire going.
Fire blankets are a simple piece of kit, and highly effective.
Why Fire Blankets Are Perfect for Kitchens
Fire blankets are specifically suited to kitchen environments for several important reasons:
- They’re safe for oil fires. Fire blankets smother the flames without causing the dangerous splashing that water or foam treatments can.
- They are quick to deploy. Fire blankets can be pulled from their container and applied to a fire in seconds. No fiddly mechanisms or complex operations.
- They are easy to use. Using a fire blanket is intuitive and simple (though proper training is still recommended).
- No mess. Unlike fire extinguishers, fire blankets leave behind no residue. That means no cleanup, enabling kitchens to get back to service quickly.
- They are versatile. Fire blankets can also be wrapped around a person whose clothing catches fire.
- They’re always ready to go. With no pressure checks required and no expiry dates, fire blankets are reliable. The British standard of fire blankets is BS EN 1869:2019
When and How to Use a Fire Blanket in the Kitchen
Fire blankets are highly effective against kitchen fires, but only when used at the right time and in the right conditions.
When to Use a Fire Blanket
You can use a fire blanket in these situations:
- Pan fires on hobs
- Small deep fat fryer fires (contained within the fryer)
- Fires smaller than the blanket
- Early-stage fires before they spread
- When you can safely approach the fire
How To Use A Fire Blanket: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Raise the alarm. Shout “Fire!” to alert others.
2. Pull the tapes. Tug firmly on the tapes to release the blanket from its container.
3. Protect your hands. Wrap the top corners of the fire blanket around your hands like shields to protect them from injury.
4. Turn off the heat. If you can safely reach the controls, switch the appliance or hob off.
5. Approach carefully. Hold the blanket in front of you for protection as you slowly move towards the fire.
6. Place gently. Lay the blanket over the fire to smother it. Never throw it.
7. Leave it. Never lift a fire blanket to check the fire’s condition. Leave it to do its job for at least 15 minutes.
8. Call 999. Even if the fire seems to be extinguished, call the professionals in to confirm that the area is safe.
What Not To Do
- Never throw the blanket. Throwing can cause hot liquids to splash and fail to smother the fire effectively.
- Never lift it too soon. Revealing what’s underneath allows oxygen to enter the area. This can cause the fire to reignite.
- Never use on fires larger than the blanket. If the fire is bigger than the blanket, get everyone out of the area and call 999.
- Never attempt if you feel unsafe.
Positioning Fire Blankets in Commercial Kitchens
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the installation of appropriate firefighting equipment in kitchens. Fire blankets are considered essential for commercial catering environments.
Where your fire blanket lives is vital to ensuring it is easy to grab when it’s needed most. Your fire blanket should be…
- Near cooking areas. Keep the blanket within easy reach but not directly above heat sources.
- Between the fire risk and the exit. This prevents anyone from getting trapped in the event of a fire.
- Clearly visible. Ensure the fire blanket sits with a clear sign, under sufficient lighting.
- Accessible. Having a fire blanket in your commercial kitchen is no good if it’s not usable. Make sure it’s not blocked by equipment or storage facilities.
And remember – bigger kitchens should house several fire blankets in different locations that meet the above requirements. In larger kitchens, there are more fire risks. More fire risks mean a greater need for fire blankets.
Not Just Fire Blankets: Your Complete Kitchen Fire Safety Strategy
A fire blanket is a vital tool for commercial kitchens. But it’s only one small part of a much broader safety strategy.
Prevention First
- Regular cleaning. Ensure built-up grease is removed from surfaces, equipment, utensils and extraction systems.
- Equipment maintenance. All appliances should be serviced appropriately, and wiring checked throughout the kitchen routinely.
- Temperature monitoring. Never leave heating oil unattended and use thermostats to prevent accidental overheating.
- Clear procedures. Establish written protocols for fire prevention and emergency response so all staff know exactly what to do in an emergency.
- Good housekeeping. Be organised. Keep combustible materials, such as packaging and tea towels, away from heat sources.
Detection and Suppression
- Fire detection systems. Install effective smoke and heat detectors to give you the earliest possible warning that a fire has started.
- Automatic suppression. Use systems that activate automatically over cooking areas and smother flames in the early stages.
- Manual call points. Make sure the kitchen fire alarms are easily accessible.
Evacuation Planning
- Clear escape routes. Keep exits free of obstructions so staff can evacuate quickly and easily.
- Assembly points. Provide designated safe meeting areas and ensure all staff members are aware of them.
- Regular drills. Practice, practice, practice. Regularly running through evacuation procedures ensures staff members can respond quickly and confidently in an emergency.
The Importance of Fire Training
Fire blankets adorning your kitchen walls simply is not enough. Providing your teams with effective fire training means they will know how to respond competently in an emergency.
Your team needs to know:
- When to use a fire blanket vs when to evacuate. Staff members must be able to discern between fires that are safe to approach and those that require evacuation.
- When to use a fire blanket vs fire extinguisher. Understanding the difference is crucial. Read more about it here.
- How to deploy a fire blanket properly under pressure. Practising under realistic conditions ensures your team will be confident when faced with the real thing.
- What not to do. Mistakes such as lifting the blanket too soon or throwing it over the fire can worsen the situation.
- How to raise the alarm and call for help.
Your Recipe for Kitchen Fire Safety
Kitchen fires are a serious but preventable hazard.
Fire blankets are an incredibly simple yet essential tool for any commercial kitchen, specifically designed for the challenges of cooking fires.
But equipment alone isn’t enough. Fire blankets, prevention strategies, proper placement, and comprehensive training are all important cogs that work together to create a kitchen environment where your team can respond confidently and effectively in an emergency.
Thinking about investing in fire training for your teams? Envesca can help. Contact us today.
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